Page 78 of (Sur)real
“We need to work on your memories,” Jim said, sounding different from how he had a moment ago.
I studied the shadows around him. They seemed the same, not giving me any clue as to the cause for Jim’s sudden change.
“What do you mean?”
“Your happy ones. You need more of them. Let’s do something fun today.”
Fun? We didn’t have time for fun.
“We need to—”
“Have fun,” he said. “Isabelle is going to try to help Bethi figure out what she’s missing in her dreams. We can’t do anything about the Judgement without that, right? And everyone else is doing their own thing while we wait. Emmitt and Michelle will be busy with Christmas shopping. Clay needs rest and Gabby.”
“We’re going to go see a movie,” Charlene said from across the room.
“We are?” Henry asked, sounding confused.
I smiled slightly as I understood what Jim and his family were doing. Giving me a chance to do something more than worry about what the next few days would bring. Would it be so terrible for me to take some time for myself? To experience a fun moment that I could hold onto during what would come next? I couldn’t recall a single fun moment in my life. Not one. And, I wanted one.
My heart gave an excited beat at the idea.
“What did you have in mind?” I asked Jim.
“Everything you’re doing is to save the world. Do you know what you’re saving?”
“No. I don’t. I didn’t leave Blake’s property until I came to find the other Judgements.”
“Would you like to see more? Let’s go downtown. It will be safe with all of the people around us. You can walk on crowded streets, shop, and eat dinner with me. What do you say?”
“Yes.”
Jim’s hand closed over mine, and he lifted it to his mouth. The brush of his lips against my fingers set my heart racing. I struggled to suppress what I felt and waited for Blake’s irritation. None came. I relaxed and let myself enjoy the moment.
“Finish eating, and I’ll walk you back to the room so you can change.”
He released my hand and set my fingers on my fork. My heart warmed at his consideration. While he finished what was left on Michelle’s plate, I finished my breakfast. It had to be the first meal I’d ever consumed to the last crumb.
He took our plates, threw them away, then came back to walk with me. As soon as we reached the hall, his fingers laced through mine. My pulse jumped again.
“Jim, you really shouldn’t do that.”
“I don’t mind sticky fingers,” he said. He surprised me by lifting my hand again. This time his lips didn’t brush my knuckles. His tongue swiped across the pads of my fingers. I shivered at the sensation.
“Please,” I said. “I’m having a hard time holding my reactions back. Blake will notice.”
“Good.” He kissed my fingers then started walking again, still holding my hand.
“Not good. If he grows suspicious, he’ll come here.”
“Let him.”
I let my anger free and tugged my hand from his grip. Jim stopped and inhaled deeply.
“Mmm, our first fight,” he said, stepping closer. “You smell delicious even when you’re angry. Let’s hurry through this part so we can get to the making up part.”
My mouth dropped open, and thoughts of lecturing about what would happen if Blake chose to come too soon evaporated.
“Why are you acting like this?” I said finally. “This isn’t you.”
