Jane's POV
I gaped at Jax and Elisse, standing in front of her apartment. I couldn't believe my eyes! She was wearing nothing but an overly-sized shirt and it was very short that her panties are peeking. I don't know what to think as this is the first time I have ever seen her with a man, dressed as if they just had a wonderful night together. This not just any man, though it is Jax, the civil engineer who works for my dad's company!
They both smiled at me like two teenagers caught kissing in the hallways. I guessed the conservative part of me is not so used to seeing two lovebirds in moments of passion, in broad daylight. I am probably exaggerating, but I am just impressed with how these two handle this kind of situation. I would never be able to do what Elisse does.
"Hi, Jane. What are you doing here?" Jax asked calmly as his hand never left Elisse's waist.
There is a part of me that envies her. How did she ever get any man to desire her so much? She is like a man-magnet. She walks into a room and all these men just want to be with her. I wish I can be the same and yet, I am not sure if Tristan likes me.
"Well, Jax, I wouldn't be asking the same thing as I probably knew what really happened with you two by the way you look right now," I replied as they both chuckled.
"C'mon, Jane. Let's go inside. I need to change anyway," Elisse said and she stuck her key in the door. She placed her hand on the knob just as Jax did, too. Their eyes locked as their hands did. I cleared my throat and they both looked away as they opened the door. Clearly, they were into each other.
Elisse was giggling as we all go inside. What is it with her today? There was something about her today that was different and her cheeks were all flushed. I have never seen her blushed like that before. In college, she would talk to some guys on campus, but it was like a casual conversation. even if they were probably flirting with each other. Seeing her now made me wonder if she likes Jax. She has never been so shy with guys before and perhaps, Jax made her feel that way. I'm starting to think that they have a relationship.
I need to find out. Not that I am interfering or anything as I would love for her to finally find a man she would love. That finally she would forget her boundaries... I wish I could say the same for myself. I am still a scaredy-cat to try new things. I always think of the risks.. the what-ifs. I can never be as confident as Elisse. So brave to try something new...
She went inside her bedroom to change and Jax and I were left in the living room. Jax would make any woman swoon and I have heard his reputation with women, too, through my dad's secretary, Mabel, the certified office gossiper. But he was never my type. Although we were both Asians, as many would probably think we could be together, I am not attracted to him at all.
He is half-Korean, half-American. His father is a stockholder in my dad's company. I have met him a lot of times as he would sometimes come to the office at dinner parties. My dad would keep on introducing us, probably thinking it would be best for me to find an Asian guy even if he is not Chinese to keep it within the circle. He has always been very kind to me and I have grown to like him as a friend. He is not a player though, but women definitely follow him wherever he goes which I cannot blame them. He is quite a catch.
"So, are you and Elisse dating?" I asked him.
Jax laughed. "Am I in trouble?"
"Not really. I just want to know the truth. She's my friend, Jax."
Jax smiled. "She's lucky to have a friend like you, you know. But you can relax. We're just getting to know each other."
"Hmmm..."
"You sounded like you're not convinced."
I narrowed my eyes at him. He laughed.
"Oh, Jane! I'm not a player, okay. I think by now, you know that. You got to trust me."
I sighed. "I just hope everything goes well with you. Good luck."
I am actually not worried about Jax since I have heard he had three serious relationships. He probably slept around, too, but I knew he would take care of Elisse. I am just hoping that Elisse would give him a chance though. She never liked getting too involved and that worries me. I don't want him to pass up on Jax as I find him the best guy for her. But what do I really know? I have never been truly in love.
Elisse came out of her bedroom, all freshened up. She was wearing a yellow summer dress and her wet ginger hair flung on her shoulders. She gave us a wonderful smile as always and Jax gazed at her, smiling. They would definitely be a perfect couple as I could see how Jax was totally into her even if they just met, as what they claimed to be.
"Do you guys want some coffee?" Elisse said as she coolly went to the kitchen. She took her jar of coffee from the counter and scooped from it, then put it in the coffeemaker. She pressed the button and went back to us. She sat beside Jax who never left his eyes on her.
I just smiled as I looked at both of them.
"So, how did you two know each other?" Elisse asked.
"He works at Dad's company and his dad is also a stockholder there," I supplied.
"Oh!" Elisse's face suddenly changed and I couldn't make it out.
"How 'bout you two? How long have you been friends?" Jax asked me.
"Since college," I answered. "So, tell me, how did you two meet?"
Jax laughed. "Do you want to ask us too how we end up in Elisse's apartment the way we did? You're sounding more like a police officer now."
"Well, why don't you tell me? As Ms. Robinson here has not texted me since last night."
Elisse laughed. "Okay, okay. Sorry, Jane. I didn't mean to do that. I got robbed, okay?"
"What?!" I started to panic. "Ohmigod! Have you been hurt? What have they taken from you?"
"It's okay, Jane. They took my purse, but don't worry, I can fix it."
"Why didn't you call me? Or tell the police about it? Did they find the guy?"
"Not yet. But they will soon," Jax replied and Elisse looked at him. "I reported it to the police this morning and they wanted us to come in to make a statement. For now, try to call the banks and cancel all your credit cards. With the phone, I'm sure we can track it somehow."
Elisse nodded. I was relieved that somehow Jax was there to help her out.
"As for her.. hmm... dress. She had a panic attack and threw up all over her dress. So I have to change her."
"You changed her?!" Okay, so I am overreacting but that part was a bit too much for me.
Jax laughed like it was the most ridiculous thing I have ever said.
"It's not funny," I said and Elisse just smiled. I know Jax might be a gentleman, but then I couldn't help but think of what could have transpired after.
"You know what. I will leave you both as I need to get myself ready, too. Is it okay if I bring you to the station later, Elisse?"
"Sure, Jax. That would be great. Thank you again. Oh, and please just give me back the dress. I'll wash it myself."
"No need to. I already put it in the wash. I'll bring it back to you when it is finished. Also, I'll bring your heels."
"Okay. Thanks again."
"No worries. I'll be back," and he went to the front door then he was gone.
"Okay, Elisse. Now is the time to talk. Are you two dating?"
Elisse laughed. "No. We just met last night. Olive invited him at the bar."
"Okay. But do you like him?"
Elisse thought for a moment, then stood up.
"You might want to have coffee first," she said and walked towards the kitchen.
"Elisse..."
"Why don't we talk about you instead?"
I sighed. When it comes to emotions, Elisse is playing it safe as usual. She was so good at trying to understand other people, and yet she probably is clueless about herself. Even in college, she always tries to hide her emotions, masking them with confidence and laughter. She never talks about her past to us and I often wonder what it is. But I respect her privacy and I knew she will tell us when she is ready.
She made a cup of coffee for me, placed it on a coaster on top of the wooden table made for four. I sat in one of the chairs as she took her seat in front of me.
"So, what happened between you and Tristan after we talked?"
"Well," I sighed. "Sadly, nothing more. He went home last night. I don't even know if he will call me today or even ask me out again."
"I'm sure he will. Just wait for it."
Suddenly, my phone beeped and I took it out of my purse. My eyes grew wide as I saw who just sent me a message. It was Tristan!
I looked at Elisse and she smiled at me.
"I told you."
"Do you know any black magic?"
She laughed. "No. But I knew men and I know Tristan will not wait for another day not to see you."
She was probably right. I read the text message again.
Tristan: Hi. We're r u? Missed u here... C u later. The date's still on.
"So? What did he say?"
"He still wants a date."
"Told ya. So, go get your man, Jane. I loved to hang with you but I know you would rather see him now."
"Am I too... obvious? I mean..." I am doubting myself. What if he thinks I liked him so much and he is just taking advantage of it? I don't want to hope so much.
Elisse held my hand. "Look, he likes you. You're an amazing person, Jane. Don't ever doubt yourself."
"Thank you. You know, I'd probably have you as my psychologist. You always make people feel better about themselves."
She smiled and we sipped our coffee. After a while, I said goodbye to her as I needed to go back to the office. I hugged her as we stood by the door.
"You take care, okay," I told her.
"Yes, I will," and she let me go as Jax came walking towards us.
"Don't tell anyone you saw me today, Jane," Jax said. "I called out to help Elisse."
"You know I won't and please, text or call me what happened, okay? I don't want to worry about her. I will try to go to Trudy's place today if plans change."
"You got plans today, aside from work? That's new," Jax implied.
"She has a date with Tristan," Elisse said.
"Tristan? As in Tristan Hughes, the architect?"
"Yes."
"Go for it, Jane. He's a good guy."
"How did you know?"
"I just know. Besides, you deserve to be happy, too."
I really hope so.