Page 14 of Thrown Off Balance
“What can I do to make this better? Do you want me to talk to him? Do you want to tell him it’s not a good idea? I could call you later this week and say we’re sick? Just tell me how to fix it and I will.” He’s practically pleading with me.
He’s always been a softie at his core, but he likes to start drama and push peoples’ buttons.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure it out.” I wrap my arms around him one more time before taking a step away. “It was really good to see you, Jax. I’ve missed you.” I smile as I walk around his car and open the passenger’s door to Jude’s car.
“Hey, Sloan?” Jax calls.
“Yeah?”
“Please, don’t be a stranger. If you are, I’ll come looking for you.”
“I’d expect nothing else.” I chuckle as I shut the door behind me.
Jax climbs back into his car and leaves right away. I wasn’t lying, I really did miss Jax. I love the easy banter we’ve always had. He’s like the brother I never had. The one I wished I could have by my side.
I was always jealous of Cody’s siblings. Even though Charlie’s a few years older than Jax and Cody, she never hesitated to hang out with them. If they needed anything, she was the first to jump at the chance to help.
Even though Sophia’s younger than us, she’s never hesitated to stand up for her brothers. She’d jump into the middle of a fight to protect them. She’s crazy, but exactly what they needed in their life.
Sophia knew how to hype up Jax and go crazy with him, but she could be soft and sweet with Cody.
“This has been the best night of my life!” Jude is practically humming with energy as he starts the engine and takes off towards my place.
He chatters on and on about the players and how chill they all are. He’s talking so fast I can’t even process his words. My head is killing me and it’s only going to get worse. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to focus on my breathing and tune out Jude’s voice. He’s being so loud right now.
“Sloan? Are you even listening to me?”
“Not really,” I murmur, keeping my eyes shut. “My head hurts so badly… Can you lower your voice? I don’t really want to talk about Jax or Cody right now.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? We could’ve left earlier.”
“Please,” I let out a humorless chuckle, “Even if I had asked to leave, you wouldn’t have listened to me. You were too focused on the Jax Robinson.” There’s an eye roll in my voice even though my eyes are shut.
The car pulls to a stop and I peek open my eyes to find us sitting in front of my apartment. I quickly unbuckle my seatbelt and tug open the door. I don’t want to talk to Jude. I just want to lie down in a dark room and sleep until my head stops hurting.
Jude scrambles to get out of the car and around to my side. I hold up a hand to stop him before he can utter a word.
“I don’t want to talk right now. I'm in too much pain,” I whisper.
“Let me at least help you get into your apartment. Then, I’ll leave so you can sleep.” Jude lowers his voice and places his hand on my lower back.
He guides me through the apartment complex and when we get to my apartment, he takes my keys out of my hand and quickly unlocks the door.
Jude helps me into my room and takes my pajamas out of the drawer and places them on my bed.
“Get changed while I get you some medicine, sweetheart,” Jude says softly. He kisses my forehead before shutting my bedroom door.
Once I'm changed and I’ve rushed through my nighttime routine, I open the door and climb under my sheets. Jude comes in a few moments later and places a glass of water on the nightstand.
“Here’s some medicine for your head… Do you need anything else before I leave?”
“No, I’ll be alright.”
“Call me or text me if you need anything, ok? I can come back at any time.” He brushes my hair out of my face and stares down at me.
This is the problem… Even though he was awful to deal with tonight, he’s a sweet guy and he really does care about me. It’s hard to stay mad at him when he’s taking care of me right now.
Chapter 7
