She hated the feeling of anticipation that stirred in her stomach as she waited for his response. Hated that he had so much power over her, and at one time she thought that they were on equal ground, that she too had the power to drive him crazy. Now she wasn’t so sure. The chirp of her phone drew her attention back.
Dec: Just want confirmation.
Jen growled. Way to make me feel like a piece of luggage that you are making sure made it to your next connection B, she thought to herself.
“What does the text say?” Sally asked.
Jen looked up and found herself staring at eight sets of eyes. Her attention had been so focused on her phone that she had forgotten there were other people in the room.
“You made it,” Jen said dryly.
“Is he asking or telling?” Crina asked.
“Exactly what I said.”
“So what did you tell him?”
“I told him if he was referring to the poopy I did on the plane, then yes, I indeed made it.” Jen couldn’t hold back the grin as she watched her friends choke on their pizza and drinks because of her outlandish statement. It was a much needed comic relief. But it didn’t take away the hurt of having her own mate text her when they had a bond that gave him direct access to her mind. Her phone chirped again as the laughter began to subside.
Dec: U r there
Jen realized that she had never responded to his earlier text and as she read his latest text she let out a cackle of laughter worthy of a witch.
“Shut the front door!” Jen guffawed.
“What?” Jacque’s smile dropped as she watched her friend. The others gathered closer around her.
“This text says you are there. Where else would I be? I mean can he be any more Tarzan-like with the monosyllabic words?” Jen grumbled as she replied.
Jen: I don’t know y u insist on telling me things I already know.
Dec: I just wanted 2 know u arrived safely.
Jen: U didn’t have 2 text me 2 find that out.
Dec: I love u baby.
Jen’s breath caught at his latest text message, and she had to bite her lip to hold back her tears. She didn’t doubt his love. She knew to the very core of her being that Decebel loved her completely. What she did doubt was his truthfulness with her. Since the day she had met Decebel, he had always been very up front about his feelings. He was painfully honest and hilariously blunt and those were things she adored about him. Now he was nearly the complete opposite and she was at a loss as to how to get him to open up to her, to trust her, and it was killing her.
Jen: Good 2 know. Any other headlines u want to share?
Dec: About 2 go n meeting with Vasile, Cypher and the other males. So I will b out of touch 4 a little while.
Jen: Whatev
As soon as the message was sent Jen hit the power button on her phone and watched with sick satisfaction as the screen went black. She tossed it onto the coffee table and let out a deep breath.
“I don’t know about y’all, but I need a drink.” Jen started to stand but Sally pulled her back down to the couch.
“Jen, you don’t drink, and you’re pregnant,” Jacque reminded her.
“Well, my sweet wolf-princess, in the words of the profound band Little Texas, there’s a first time for everything.”
“How about instead of drowning our problems, we talk about them?” Cynthia piped.
“Bloody hell, you aren’t trying an intervention are you?” Jen’s eyes narrowed.
“Jen, I think she’s just trying to help take some of the pressure off. You haven’t exactly been discreet about things between you and Decebel. We love you and hate to see you hurting, either of you.”