Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,12

he doesn’t even want me near him.

“I’m really sorry I did that last night. Thanks for cleaning it up for me.”

His shoulders sag a little as he lets out a deep breath. “I tried calling her last night, but judging by the automated message, I think it’s safe to say she has disconnected her phone. At the time, I just thought it was a glitch with her cell service. I can’t believe she didn’t even bother to leave a note. Do you have any idea where she may have gone?”

I have no clue what to say. Do I tell him the truth, or would that hurt him too much?

“I have no idea. I’m really sorry.”

He looks disgruntled. “I’m sure we’ll figure something out. Do you want to take the day off? I’ll understand if you don’t want to come in today.”

I can’t understand why he is being so nice to me. I thought he would be busy throwing me out by now. “No, I’m fine really, but thank you anyway. I’ll go get my car keys and get going. Is Matthew up yet?”

He looks at me and frowns. “I just got Matthew up a few minutes ago. He’s getting ready for school. You’re welcome to ride in with me again if you want. I should be finished about the same time as you today.”

I look up into those mesmerizing eyes and smile. “Okay. That would be nice, thank you.”

I walk towards him, and as I do, I quickly notice where his eyes fall. They widen slightly, and for the first time, I think I see a hint of something. I’m not quite sure if my mind is playing tricks on me or not, but I definitely think I saw something.

I quickly look away, since I don’t want him to see me staring, but when I move to pass him, Jake suddenly grabs my arm, his eyes downcast like he can’t seem to look at me. “You missed a button.” He briefly points to my shirt and then grunts as he walks away.

Why does he seem pissed at me all of a sudden? And I have an even more puzzling question. Why does the fact that he’s pissed seem to piss him off even more? I can never read him properly, but then again, who could?

Trying not to dwell on it too much, I say goodbye to Matthew as Jake and I leave to make our journey towards work. The sun is shining, and I can’t help but notice that it really is a beautiful day today. Despite everything that has taken place in the last eight hours or so, that makes me smile.

I really love the start of summer; it’s definitely my favorite time of year. The winters here are way too cold. Half the time, I just want to curl up in bed for three months and hibernate. During times like those, I always wish I was a bear. On the other hand, weather like we are having now makes me feel like I don’t have a care in the world. I’m desperately trying to ignore that voice in my head which insists on reminding me how far from the truth that really is right now.

“Have you eaten this morning?” Jake asks, snapping me out of my reverie.

I turn my head to face him and catch him looking at my chest again. I also notice that his hands are gripping the steering wheel more tightly than usual as he drives.

Not wanting to incur his wrath, I quickly do up the button. Then, thinking about his question, I realize I haven’t eaten since lunchtime yesterday. No wonder I have a banging headache this morning. So much has been going on that I’ve actually forgotten to eat.

When I shake my head, Jake sighs. “You have to eat. It’s important. You didn’t have anything last night either, did you? You have to take better care of yourself than this.”

I have no time to answer him as Jake suddenly turns into a McDonald’s about ten minutes away from work. “What are you doing? We’re going to be late.”

With another heavy sigh, Jake turns the ignition off and looks at me. “I’m getting you something to eat. What do you want?”

I frown at him and fold my arms. It’s a childish response, but I won’t have him telling me what to do. “I’m not hungry,” I say in protest.

He grunts but gets out of the car anyway. A few minutes later, he’s back with