Page 122 of Caged

When I saw Jay in the parking lot, my heart sped up. My mind raced with all the things I’d been forced to wait three days to tell him, to ask him.

More than anything, I wanted him to hold me and tell me he was okay. That I was okay. That we’d be okay.

But no. He had to be an ass and piss me off. I threw my bag on the table.

I expected my father to follow me inside, but he was still outside talking to Jaden.

What the hell are they talking about?Was Jaden arguing with my dad? I almost laughed at that—no one argued with my father.

I didn’t love the idea of him fighting my battles, but I half hoped he was. Jaden deserved to be dressed down in a way only a starred general could.

I imagined Jaden standing at attention while my father delivered a tongue lashing to end all tongue lashings.

Maybe he’s telling Jaden to take a long walk off a short pier.

It was harsh, but I was so pissed steam was probably pouring out of my ears.

I grabbed my pain pills off the counter, swore when I dropped the bottle on the floor, and cried out in pain and frustration when I squatted to pick it up.

By the time I opened the bottle and poured myself a glass of water, I was red faced, panting, and even more angry.

Not wanting to feel loopy, I only took one. I could take the second after talking to my father and setting up my phone.

How long does it take to tell someone to fuck off?

I sat at the table and killed time by opening my phone. Which took longer than usual because my right arm was in a sling. Downloading the data from the cloud would take thirty minutes or so.

What is hell is taking him so long?I drummed my fingers on the table.

When I heard the door close, I stood and asked, “What did you say to him?”

“I told him he needed to calm down.”

“Is that all? Because you were out there an awfully long time.”

“Did you take your pain pills?” He changed the subject.

“I did. Don’t avoid the question.”

His eyebrows lifted at my raised voice.

“Sorry. He pissed me off.”

“I can see that. Which part pissed you off the most?” he asked as he sat across the table.

Good question. Was it that he didn’t care enough to ask how I was doing? Was it because he didn’t trust me and accused me of leaving without saying goodbye? Was it because he didn’t meet my expectations?

Or is it because it’s obvious he doesn’t feel the same way about me as I feel for him?

Jaden’s attitude today reminded me of all the reasons I shouldn’t get involved with a colleague. What we shared in the cage was probably nothing more than bonding during a shared traumatic incident. It wasn’t real.

Thank God I didn’t have a chance to spill my guts and make a fool of myself.I had hoped we could work together better, now that we’d gotten to know each other, but after his performance in the parking lot, that hope was fading.

I looked at my dad who waited for my answer with the patience of a saint.

“After everything that happened, I’d hoped we could at least be friends.” Facing the truth hurt more than my cracked ribs. “Obviously I was wrong.”

It was probably for the best. Before Jaden became my office mate, I’d been the consummate professional; working hard and never letting my emotions get the better of me.

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