Page 63 of Jacob

I point to the door, urging him to leave before me.

He winks knowingly and slips out.

Waiting a few minutes, I head back into the coffee shop to find Jules sitting, waiting patiently for me.

I plonk myself down on the chair and try to avoid staring at Jacob anymore. “Sorry, I bumped into my boss. He wanted to talk about a project.”

“No worries. You haven’t eaten your bun.” He points to it.

“How could I forget about that?” I dig into it, finishing every crumb, while Jules continues to distract me with his endless chitchat.

I lick my fingertips. “That was yummy. Just what I needed.”

“Finish the last of your coffee and I’ll walk you to your car,” Jules suggests as he finishes his cup of tea.

Jules and I finish up and make our way to the exit.

I glance to my left and Jacob gives me a quick wink.

My watch vibrates again.

Jacob

Text me when you get home, please. xoxo

I reply with a thumbs up emoji.

As soon as the cold air hits me, I suddenly feel a little woozy.

“Woah.” I sway on my feet.

“Are you okay?” Jules looks at me, his sweaty forehead wrinkled with concern.

“Yeah.” I rub my temples. “Must be going from hot then into the cold.”

“Let’s find your car. The sooner you’re home, the better.”

“It must have been the bun. I feel sick.” I stagger, almost tripping. “Oh God, I don’t feel so good.” My voice sounds strange as if I’m listening to it from outside of my body.

“Here, pass me your backpack.” Jules holds his hand out to take it from me.

Walking another thirty steps or so, my stomach lurches.

I’ve never taken drugs, but I’m sure this must be what it feels like. My body feels like it’s made out of rubber.

“You can’t drive like that, Skye. C’mon, I’ll take you home.”

“I feel so silly. You don’t have to do that. My boss is back there.” Stumbling, I try turning around, but Jules ushers me up the unlit alleyway past the coffee shop.

“I’ll take you home,” he says more firmly.

“I can’t see straight,” I cry in horror as the edges of my vision blur.

A hand lands on my arm to help steady me. From my side, I hear Jules’ distorted voice. “I’ve got you. My car is just here.”

Jules loops his arms around me to keep me upright because I can barely put one foot in front of the other.

“Here we are.”

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