Half to Death by Robin Alexander

Author:Robin Alexander [Alexander, Robin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction, General
ISBN: 9781935216315
Google: 7SFyXwAACAAJ
Amazon: 1935216317
Publisher: Intaglio Publications
Published: 2011-08-01T22:46:25+00:00

Chapter 13

Miranda and I skipped going to the health club the following night. She and Marty needed some time together. The night after that, Miranda was at work, so we didn’t go then, either. I wanted to see Jade, but I knew better than to go there by myself. Unattended, I was nothing but trouble, so I waited on my keeper.

I wasn’t sure how to play it with Jade when we walked into the health club, so I caught her eye and did that nod thing we do. The gym wasn’t very crowded because of the thunderstorm that moved in right at rush hour. As a result, I could hear Jade’s voice more than usual. I listened to her count and encourage. I liked the sound of it and hoped I’d hear it again in conversation with me.

Miranda was unusually quiet, and I asked her if things were okay at home.

“We’ve done a lot of talking and soul-searching since your visit,” she said. “That’s not a bad thing, so don’t think you’ve wrecked my marriage. If anything, it did us a lot of good. We talked like we used to in our first year together. I guess I didn’t realize how much we’ve drifted because of the mundane things.” She grinned, showing me all her teeth. “And the sex has been fantastic. I’m exhausted.”

“I’m happy for you.” I truly was, but a tiny sprig of jealousy sprung up somewhere deep within. I guess envy would’ve been a better description. I looked over at Jade and was surprised to find myself wondering if we’d ever have talks like that.

Miranda and I got separated while we went through our circuit of machines. I took the time to hydrate myself and stood off in the corner. Jade made a move toward me, and I felt encouraged.

“How’re you feeling?” She walked up and folded her arms.

“Better. Thank you for your help the other night.”

She shrugged it off. “It’s part of my job.”

“You touched me,” I said, lowering my voice, “knowing the consequences. I’d say that’s above and beyond your job. I didn’t see anything. I was hurting too bad,” I said because I knew she wanted to ask.

“I can’t tell you how exposed…naked I feel around you,” she said without looking at me.

“Would it make you feel better if I stripped off my clothes?”

“No.” She didn’t laugh or even smile at my attempt at levity.

“Sorry, Jade, I can only imagine how uncomfortable you must feel around me. I regret not being upfront.”

“I know you weren’t withholding for nosy reasons. I’ve tried to put myself in your shoes, and I think I might’ve been the same way.” She sighed. “Still it doesn’t make it any easier.”

It bothered me that she wouldn’t look at me when we talked. “I have an idea. Why don’t we talk on the phone? If you want to, of course. I’ll answer anything you want to ask.”

She thought about it for a minute or two as she watched her next client come through the door.

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