Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,33

made. I’m laying here half-naked, and he decides to bring up my mother? I feel sick to my stomach. They never what? Do I really want to be hearing this?

Fantastic timing, Jake. Well done!

“I’m sorry. I need to leave. I can’t do this. It’s wrong.”

Oh, God, I think I’m going to die. Why does he keep doing this to me?

“Get out, please.” I can’t help the tears that sting my eyes. He gets up and quickly fastens his trousers. I have never felt so used in all my life. He glances down to me and winces when he sees my ripped dress.

“I never meant for this to happen. I’m so sorry. I just can’t do this.”

The anger inside me just keeps building. “I said get out. Just get out!”

He timidly shuts the door as he leaves, and I throw the back of my head against the pillow straight after. Right now, I feel more ashamed than I have ever felt. I feel like the world around me is ending, and I just want to get away. I have had enough of feeling for this man. I can’t believe he mentioned my mother after what we just did. Oh, God, is this sick? Am I sick? What did he mean? They never … they never what? I can’t get my head around what he was trying to say, and I don’t think I really want to. That’s a topic I need to get out of my head and fast!

I lie there for a while, and then I have a sudden urge for a shower. I run into my bathroom and take off my ripped dress to get a wash. I can still smell him everywhere, and I don’t want to wash that off, but at the same time, I feel dirty after what he’s done to me. I can’t help what I feel for this man. It has grown and grown, but now that this has happened, I’m not too sure what I’m going to do next.

After the shower, I feel defeated. I wish I could talk to someone about this, but I can’t say anything. I think about giving Jessie a call. She would know what to do. I just can’t tell her who it’s all about.

With a heavy sigh, I pick up the phone and dial her number anyway. I think about hanging up after two rings, but she answers before I can react.

“Ana, is that you?”

A sudden sob escapes me, making me feel even more useless. I have been trying to keep it together, but just hearing her concern causes the floodgates to open.

“Ana, what’s wrong? Do you want me to come over? Are you hurt? Talk to me?”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. “Sorry to trouble you. I didn’t know what else to do.”

Jessie sighs. “You’re my best friend. If something is bothering you, I want to be the one you come to for help. I know I can be a bit of a handful with my joking around and shit, but if you need me, I’m here. That’s what friends are for, right?”

I let out another sob as her words settle in. “Thanks, Jessie.”

She takes a deep breath. “Now tell me. How can Auntie Jessie help you today?”

I laugh, already feeling a little better. “I’m in love.” The sudden words that fly out my mouth are a huge weight off my shoulders.

“So what has this asshole done? He’s obviously done something to you. You wouldn’t be calling me in tears otherwise. Give me his address, and I’ll go rip his throat out. Do I know him? Who is he, and why have you not told me about him before?”

Oh, no. I should have known. Of course she was going to ask me that!

“It’s complicated. I can’t say.”

She sighs again. “He’s married, isn’t he? Ana, don’t get mixed up with married men. You’ll only get heartache at the end of it, and there are so many single men out there you can pick—”

“Jessie, it’s okay,” I reply, interrupting her. “He’s not married. It’s just complicated. Please trust me enough to understand. I just can’t tell you who it is yet, but I still really do need your help. Please.”

I hear her clear her throat. “Okay. I don’t like it, but I won’t push you. Can I ask what happened, at least?”

My head spins. Where exactly should I start? “I have liked this person for a while, and I have just recently found out he