Before leaving the office, to meet Max, who was patiently waiting in the lobby for her, Jayde decided she should make a call to see how Jake was doing. She pulled her phone from her purse and dialed his number.
"Jayde, my beautiful wife," Jake's voice said cheerfully before the first ring had completed. Jayde pulled her phone from her ear and glared at the screen. Who the hell?! Jake didn't sound sick to her at all.
His voice was as strong and vibrant as it had always been. He didn't sound weak to her in the least bit. Jayde placed the phone back to her ear. "Jake. How are you doing? Your dad came to see and and told me you're sick?" She waited as he remained silent for a while.
Jake cleared his throat, building up anticipation. "I... Uh, yeah... He wasn't supposed to tell you that. I hope you know I promised myself I'd never contact you again no matter what. I never wanted to hurt you again. Yet, here you are, calling me."
Jayde sat down and tried wrapping her head around the nonsense he'd just spewed. "Jakob, I was your friend long before I was your wife. Yes, you hurt me. But I'm over that. All that matters is you getting better." She leaned forward, burying her head in her free hand and trying to control the emotions she was reliving.
"I don't want you feeling obligated to contact me. I don't know how much time will be left and I wanted to make amends," Jake's voice wavered on the other end of the phone. The pain and regret in his voice made her heart ache.
Jayde chuckled coldly. "Who are you kidding? You're not leaving. You're your fathers son. You're both pig headed and stubborn as all hell," she felt a tear slip down her cheek and quickly caught it with the back of her hand.
Jake's laughter rang through the phone. "True. But, Jayde... I wanted you to know that it's okay to open up and let others in. I know I messed up, but that doesn't mean others will do the same." Jayde's heart skipped a beat as she thought about the wonderful that was waiting downstairs for her.
She smiled softly, "What on earth do you mean? I let people in. I just work so much, it's hard to find time to date." Jayde didn't believe that in the slightest as she said it. She knew the truth was, she buried herself in her career so that she wouldn't have to date. She shook her head and started thinking about Max again.
"Actually... I have a date tonight. He's downstairs waiting for me. Could I call you back later?"
Jake's laughter rang in her ear. "I'm so proud of you! I really am! But, Jayde, don't hold my mistakes against him. If he makes you happy, live in the moment. Never regret a second with him, Okay?" Jayde remained silent as her heart began beating louder in her chest.
She hurriedly said, "Okay. I really need to go now," she hung up, giggling as she walked to the elevator. Jayde's heart skipped a beat as the elevator dinged, signaling that she'd reached the lobby. As the doors slowly slid open, she saw Max standing there with a huge smile plastered to his face. He was holding a bouquet of dogwood flowers, which stood out beautifully against the turquoise dress shirt and black slacks he'd been wearing.
Jayde rushed out of the elevator, jumping into his arms and hugging him tightly. Max was confused at first. Wasn't she just being rude to him earlier today? He searched her eyes, trying to figure out what the change was. "Jayde, are you okay?"
She smiled heartily at him, blushing as she looked down. "Yes, I'm great. But... I missed you," her voice trailed off at the end, but Max had heard what she said nonetheless.
Max lifted her chin so he could see her face. "I missed you too, My little dove." Max leaned closer, placing a soft kiss to her forehead. Jayde's heart felt as if it was about to explode. They stood there for a few minutes, hugging each other, as if they hadn't seen each other in forever. Max finally broke the hug and asked, "Is my little dove ready to go?"
Jayde looked up at him and nodded, afraid that if she'd tried to speak, her voice would betray her, revealing all the emotions she was currently battling to hide.
Max looped her arm through his and lead them outside. As soon as the cool breeze hit her face, exhaustion washed over Jayde. A yawn slipped out and she rested her head against his shoulder. "Actually... Max, could we stay in tonight? I'm so tired and just want cuddles." She peeked up at him.
His heart melted at this sight. Her sweet, innocent demeanor made his want to conquer the world for her. Lifting his arm, Max draped it over her shoulders, tucking her into his chest and agreed. She did look pretty tired, but secretly, Max didn't care what they did. As long as he could be with her, he was happy.
They headed back to Jayde's place and he watched as she struggled to unlock her door. Unable to watch the torture anymore, Max took the keys and did it for her. "Inside you go, Dove."
Jayde was leaning against the side of the door, her eyes barely able to stay open and she was swaying. Max swooped her up and carried her inside. He wanted more than anything to take care of her while she was in this state.
As he shut and locked the door behind them, Jayde snuggled into his chest, inhaling the deep musk of his cologne. She smiled and whispered, "I missed you so much."
Max looked down at her as he placed her in her bed. He tucked her in and walked to the kitchen to make her some food. He found a box of fettuccine noodles and some alfredo sauce in the cupboard. In the fridge was a chicken breast that needed to be cooked before it goes bad.
He smiled and called his mom. She answered shortly after. "Maxi! How's Atlanta?" They talked for a while, catching up and sharing what new things he'd experienced in the big city.
Max's mom felt something was off. "Max, what's wrong," the worry in her voice was palpable. It tugged at Max's heart.
"Actually, mom, I had a question. I want to make dinner for someone special... She had a long day at work and is currently sleeping. She has everything here for that parmesan chicken and alfredo that you make. But I don't have the recipe. Could you help me?"
His mom remained silent for a few seconds. "Max, you've never cooked before... Is this girl someone you dote over?" Max laughed slightly but answered honestly.
"Mom, I think... love her. I just want to take care of her. I told you about her a while back. Jayde, the assistant to my bands manager? She's a wonderful woman and I haven't been able to get her out of my head. Please, help me make her happy," he felt his heart warm as he admitted his feelings out loud.
His mom's smile was heard in her voice as she said, "Okay, Maxi. Get a paper and pen. It's a little bit of work, but it doesn't take too long to make."