Page 20 of An Eye For Illusion

Chapter 8

Jade

I stand and push my chair back. I lift my clutch from the table before making my way to the front of the restaurant. I glance around as I walk, taking in all the happy couples enjoying their meals together. I wonder if any of them are faking smiles and happiness the way I do when I’m with Elliott.

“Goodnight, Ms. Foster,” the hostess says politely as I pass her post.

I offer a nod and a warm smile. Elliott and I frequented this restaurant when we first started dating. I used to think it was a favorite of his, but since that night, I wonder if there’s more to this being his go-to spot.

Nothing ever seems off with the service or those around us, but he always seems to find a reason to excuse himself from the table for extended periods. I used to get annoyed as hell, but now I see it as a relief.

It’s a short reprieve where I don’t have to fake a smile or pretend that he said something funny when he’s about as funny as a doorknob. I blow out a frustrated breath as I make my way out of the restaurant. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, or maybe I’m just desperately searching for my escape from the mess I’ve made for myself.

My driver is waiting out front at the curb. He opens my door and offers his hand to help me in the back seat of the large SUV.

“Thank you, Thomas.”

He nods. “My pleasure, ma’am.”

When the car door closes, the silence becomes deafening. I find myself drowning in my own thoughts lately. What if Colin doesn’t find anything on Elliott? What if Dad is upset with me for breaking it off, even if there is a big revelation about Elliott? What if Colin uncovers something far worse than I ever could have imagined?

The what ifs are the worst part of all of this.

I’m not used to having this type of doubt in my life. From the time I was a little girl, I knew I would be a strong, powerful woman. My dad always made sure I knew I was capable of doing anything I desired.

Instead of dreaming about my wedding day, I dreamed of the beautiful corner office I have now overlooking the city. I dreamed of the luxurious penthouse I’d own and all the beautiful things inside it.

More than all of that, I dreamed of the people I would be able to help. The little girls growing up without mommies like I did. The single dads like mine who struggle to raise children when they were left with no choice.

The only time I truly feel peace anymore is when I help those in need. I donate my time without telling them who I really am. I donate money anonymously. If anyone knew how big my heart really is, they’d never take me seriously. Besides, this way, it’s about those getting the help. It isn’t about me getting recognition.

Thomas climbs inside and looks at me in the mirror. “Where to, Ms. Foster?”

He’s been my driver since I was a child and has always called me Ms. Foster, even though I’ve insisted he call me Jade. Thomas is one of the few people that truly knows my heart. Thomas, Bridgette, and Dad. Who else can I trust?

No one.

“Home to change, Thomas. Then I’d like to go to the shelter on the other side of town, if you’re up for it.”

He gives me a smile in the mirror. “Always, ma’am. Always.”

He shifts the SUV to drive, and we pull away from the curb. The shelter we’ll visit tonight is one we go to often. What we do depends on the time of day or night we arrive. Sometimes we help serve meals or help clean up after meals. Other times, we offer conversation and company to the people there.

It’s amazing what a smile and taking the time to sit and talk to a complete stranger will do for them… and you.

“We weren’t expecting you tonight, Jade,” Carol says as she greets me at the door.

Carol has gray hair, round cheeks, and one of the warmest smiles I’ve ever encountered. She’s been running this shelter for the last twenty years and has become a staple figure in my life.

“It was a last-minute decision,” I respond.

Carol takes me in. Threading her arm through mine. “You’re always welcome, Jade. Expected or unexpected.”

My mind spiraled in the car, and my first thought was to come here. I always do that when I feel lost. Something about this place helps ground me. It brings me perspective and a sense of gratitude. This place is my haven, like it is for so many other women.

“You’re just in time,” Carol says as she releases my arm and claps her hands together. She turns to walk down the long hallway.

Thomas and I follow. I’m curious to see what’s on the agenda for tonight. Carol rounds a corner into the big open space the center uses for gatherings. When we clear the threshold, I immediately see a dozen or so women sitting in the chairs and sofas that dot the open space.

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