Concealed Hearts (Hometown Jasper #4) - Nicky James Page 0,99

him. He’s our physical education teacher who did a minor in mathematics in college. He regrets it now.” She smiled. “I can probably work you into a full-time position for the second term. I think we could benefit from your skills and education but also your life experience. Come back and see me tomorrow, and we’ll go over a few things. I think you’ll be a good fit here, Dr. Lee.”

“Thank you. This means a lot to me.”

We shook again, and I couldn’t contain my smile. For the first time in my life, I’d stopped running and was ready to plant my feet on the ground and take control of my life and who I was.

I left the school feeling lighter. After sending Windsor a quick update, sharing my exciting news, I got in my car and refocused my energy on my second task.

This one was long overdue. Although Shay had been bugging me for a while, telling me to apologize to Josiah, finding the courage and frame of mind to go through with it was a whole different story. Besides, an apology wasn’t something that should be forced. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be authentic.

I drove to Jasper Times and parked across the road. For a long time, I sat in my vehicle, staring through the front window and wondering how I was going to put this to words. Nothing seemed adequate.

I was stalling.

I got out and headed inside. The small lobby was vacant, but chimes over the door announced my arrival. I stood at the counter for a few minutes, wondering if anyone was going to come up front when a man appeared from the back room. He had long dreadlocks, a disheveled beard, and wore a colorful hoodie. His eyes were a bit glassy, and he smelled of hemp and a hint of weed.

“Hey, man. Wassup? You’re the chum chum’s bro, am I right?”

“I’m sorry?”

“You know, the chum chum of the bossman.”

I frowned.

The man squinted and blinked many times before clapping his hands together. “Oh yeah. I remember now. You’re the one who’s having butt sex with the chief. Dude. Right on.” He offered his fist to bump. I didn’t move, unsure of what was happening.

The guy thumbed over his shoulder. “Man, let me tell you, these guys have been all over that news since it broke. Did you know he was gay? The chief?”

“Um… yes?”

“I mean before you were having butt sex with him. Did you know?”

“I’m confused.”

The man shook his head. “They were saying his closet was super deep, man. Like colossetal.” The man snorted. “I made that up. It’s like a colossal closet. Get it?”

I felt like I’d walked into the twilight zone, and I wasn’t sure what was happening. “Is Josiah around?”

“Bossman? He is.” Then he stood there, grinning at me and not responding.

“Um… Can I see him?”

“Oh! Yes! You should have said so. This way.”

I followed the man into the back area of Jasper Times and toward a closed door.

The man rapped once and called out. “Hey, bossman. You have a visitor. It’s the chum chum’s bro bro. You know, the one who’s having butt sex with the sexy chief.”

The door swung open, and Josiah peered at the man with a horrified look on his face. “Jordie, you can’t…” He waved a hand at me. “It’s not professional.”

“What part?”

“The … you know.”

The man, Jordie, just blinked in confusion.

“The butt sex part,” I supplied.

“Oh, right. It just fascinates me. Did you know the bossman used to want to have butt sex with me?”

I gaped as Josiah dragged Jordie away. “I didn’t. It was you who… You know what, never mind. Go do … you know. In there.”

Once Jordie was gone, Josiah turned to me, his composure ruffled, but his glare cautious. “Sorry about…” He waved a hand at the door where Jordie had disappeared. “He’s a little…”

“Abrupt?”

“Stoned.”

I couldn’t fight the smile. “Employee?”

“Yes. Believe me, he’s worth it. He just shouldn’t…” Josiah shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Shouldn’t talk to people sometimes.”

“And he’s a journalist?”

“It’s complicated.” Josiah dropped his hand, and we stood awkwardly in the small hallway. “What’s up? Why are you…” His words drifted away. It was a part of Josiah I’d long forgotten. He’d always been a confusing man to talk to. Frustrating at times. When we’d been together, it was second nature. Did Shay speak his language now?

“I was wondering if you had a minute to talk.”

For as outgoing as Josiah was, he was slowly shutting down.