Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 71246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71246 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 356(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 237(@300wpm)
“It’s strange, but today, I felt like we were something other than what we are,” Jude says shyly. She is very self-conscious in public when it comes to letting me express my feelings for her or concerns. She doesn’t want to have to rely on me, and she doesn’t, but she should be able to lean on me when she needs to.
“We haven’t really put a label on what we are yet, and that’s okay, we’ve got time,” I reassure as we walk back toward the shelter.
“Thank you, Lex. For today, for being there even when it seems like I don’t want you there. You’re a good man.” Her words make my heart clench in my chest, and out the corner of my eye, I see a white SUV pass us; its passing ruins the moment completely.
Though the day has been good, there is a shadow lingering. I cannot shake the feeling of something ominous, but, other than Jude’s parents, can’t fathom a reason we might be under watch. I could swear I’ve seen that same white SUV several times today. I think I’m going crazy, but what if I’m right. Is Jude safe? What if I was not with her? Are they following me, or her? Or am I just imagining the whole thing? It has to be nerves or just a need to protect her, that’s what this is. I shake the feeling away for now, and we continue our walk back to the shelter. When we arrive, I can see how sad Jude looks, and I know I have to ask, because if I don’t, I may regret it.
“Do you want to keep the dog? She can stay at my place.”
Jude nibbles on her bottom lip, and I can see that she wants to say yes but shakes her head no instead. I’m a little stunned if she wants the dog, then we can get the dog. I already told her I would give her the world.
“I need to be able to care for myself before I can take care of another, even something as small as a dog.”
It makes sense, so I don’t push. She needs to be comfortable caring for herself, and I understand that.
Surrendering the dog back to the shelter, we say our goodbyes and promise to visit again.
On the drive home, I see the white SUV in the rearview yet again. This time, I need to test the theory of being followed. I change lanes quickly and hit the gas a little to ensure I make the light before it turns red. The white SUV makes all the same moves and makes the light as well, which triggers all my internal alarms. But then, just when I am certain that I’m right, it turns into a parking garage and is gone.
Coincidence? I don’t know. The Marine in me says no, but I don’t want to spook Jude.
Pulling Jude’s hand up to my mouth, I kiss the back of it as I shoo away darker thoughts.
When we get to the house, I make up an excuse and head to the back porch to make a call. The grey kitty is out there, fatter and more affectionate now that Jude has made her feel safer, but still, as of yet, unnamed.
I dial Roman’s number. The moment I push the green button, my heart sinks in my stomach, the bad feeling in my gut, growing like a cancer.
“Hey,” he answers after a few rings.
“Hey.”
I wonder again if I’m making the right choice but come to the same conclusion. There is no one else to ask or go to.
“Roman, I think someone is following me. Or Jude. Not sure which, or if it is both.”
“So, are you asking me for help or just calling to let me know in case you disappear?”
Smartass. “Something like that,” I sigh, “look, I don’t know who else to call. I guess I could call the police, but what are they gonna do? All I have is a feeling that someone is following us. It might be nothing, but if it’s not nothing, and I didn’t do anything, I’ll never forgive myself. If something happens to Jude...”
My mind flashes back to Damon Rossi, and how we left things.
If you ever need anything, let me know.
“You know I got your back. That’s what friends are for. Let me look into it okay?”
“It may be her parents. They run a religious cult and are trying to get her back. But it may be someone else, too. I just do not know.”
“I got this, Lex. Don’t you worry your pretty little head.”
“Did you just call me pretty?” I scoff.
“The prettiest, well, apart from me. Now, don’t make this gay, man. I’ll call you when I find something.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
We hang up without further words, and I look down to see the baby kitty climbing up my pant leg. She meows loudly, and I pick her up and decide for the first time, it is okay if she comes inside. If we can’t have a dog yet, at least we can have a kitten that’s technically adopted us.