Inside Out (13 page)

“I need you for everything” He finally spoke up. “I love you even though you’re treating me like shit, Samantha.” His words hit my heart like a ton of bricks. I hated that I was making him feel this way. This wasn’t like me to take frustrations out on the man who saved my life. But, in all reality this was partly his fault.

“I’m sorry. Long day at work, and now… this” I muttered the last words and nodded my head towards the kitchen where Kara was washing the dishes.

“Temporary.” He mouthed and pressed his mouth to my hand. “Come on, let’s go grab her bags and get to bed. I’ve missed you.” He winked. I sighed and practically forced my body from the couch. I didn’t have to like her; I just needed to pretend to for Jude’s sake. I would do that for him, or at least I’d try.

Kara and I stood to the side, waiting until Jude had removed the heaviest bags from the trunk of her car before we moseyed behind him to grab the smaller ones. “Do you love him?” Kara asked.

“Do I love Jude? Of course I love him.” I grabbed a small brown bag and kept strolling back towards the house. ‘
Do I love him?’
I raised my eyebrows and talked to myself as I walked back into the house. Of course I did. Why did she ask and what business of hers was it?

“Just wondering. He’s an amazing man.” She had caught up to me, carrying on with her chatter.

“Uh, yes, I know. He’s been here for me when no one else was. We share something special.” I smiled and batted my eyes at her.

“I bet. He and I have always had a special connection.” Her words cut through me like a knife.

“Yes, he uh, he told me you were like a sister to him.” I stumbled over words trying to fish out the meaning of her statement.

“Is that what he calls it?” She grinned and jogged ahead of me, running into the house behind Jude before I had a chance to make it to the porch. That bitch was trying her best to get underneath my skin and she was doing a damn good job.

“Here.” I tossed the small bag on the bed. I shot Jude the dirtiest look and stomped back out of the bedroom. I could help but repeat her words as I walked back towards the living room. ‘
We share a special connection’
I felt light headed and sick.

“Sam” Jude interrupted my thoughts. “I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but, it’s got to stop.” He rounded the corner of the couch, propping his head on mine.

“She said that you two shared a special connection.” I searched his face for an answer. “She certainly didn’t make it seem like it was a brother and sister bond. I don’t know if I can handle this. She’s been here no time and already I hate her.” I admitted.

“I swear to you, I feel nothing for her. It’s you I want. Don’t let this ruin what we have. You’re changing and I don’t like it. This is a temporary situation, I’ve told you this. If I wanted her, I wouldn’t have you here. Please, trust me unless I give you a reason not to.” He squeezed me so tight I felt like my insides would break.

“When does she start work?” I had to know she wouldn’t be here alone with him. It wasn’t Jude I didn’t trust, it was that she-devil I had no faith in.

“She starts tomorrow at noon.” He breathed deep and shook his head. “As soon as she’s saved up enough cash, I’ll get her an apartment.”

“You’re the man with the money, why can’t you just get her a place now?”

“Samantha, I’m not just going to give her a free ride. She needs to work for it.” He ran his hands through his hair and tapped his foot on the carpet.

“Oh, so, what you’re doing now isn’t considered a free ride?” I blurted out in frustration.

“Dammit Samantha, you’re being a pain in the ass. Stop acting like such a child and go to bed. Sleep off this attitude and we’ll talk tomorrow.” He stood from the couch and stomped towards the bathroom. I sat alone on the couch with my mouth hanging open. I hadn’t heard that tone in his voice since the drunken incident at the bar the first night we became reacquainted.

“We should talk, Sam.” I heard Kara call from behind me. I thought she had been in her room; apparently she’d been eavesdropping the whole time.

“If you say so.” She sat down beside me, scooting close to the edge and turning her body towards me. “Jude and I have been friends for quite some time. I’m not sure how long you’ve been dating him, but, I assure you our friendship has many years on this newfound love.” She giggled when she finished her sentence. “Anyways, I just want to say, learn to like me, honey, because I’m not going anywhere.” She patted my knee and waved as she walked back to her room. My throat was so dry I couldn’t form a single word. I could feel tears sting my eyes and anger boiling inside me, a rage so strong I wasn’t sure what I was capable of.

“Fuck you both!” When my voice finally came to me I screamed so loud I thought I’d shatter windows. “I’m leaving and you can have this dirty stupid whore!” I slammed my hand against the wall and barged into Jude’s room. The house was silent except for the banging around I was doing while collecting my belongings.

“Samantha?” Jude called to me in panic. He ran into the room wearing nothing but a towel. “What on earth?” He studied the bag I had placed on the bed. “You’re… you’re leaving?” He was frantic, his eyes wide with fear.

“She’s nothing but a bitch and I won’t tolerate it. I won’t” I seethed.

“No. No. No. No.” He ran over pulling clothes from my hands. You can’t leave. Please don’t leave.” He gripped my hands and let the towel fall to the ground. “What’s going on?”

“She’s a sarcastic, conniving bitch! That’s what. She told me I’d better get used to her. Well, fuck you Kara! I won’t get used to shit!” I yelled so loud Jude shivered.

“Kara.” Jude called to her in calm but threatening voice. Jude grabbed shorts from the drawer and pulled them up before she rounded the corner to the room. “What the hell is your problem, Kara?”

“What, Jude? I’ve heard her throwing a fit with you since I walked through that door. I just told her our friendship was set in stone and that she needed to get used to it.” She spoke confidently and narrowed her eyes at me.

“You don’t say a word to her, you understand? I suggest you keep your ass on that side of the house until you find yourself a place. The only thing set in stone around here is Sam. I will throw you on your ass if you approach her again with another sarcastic comment. Got it?” He barked and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

“If that’s the way you want it to be, fine. I don’t give a shit. I’ll be out as soon as I have enough cash.” She stormed away and cussed under her breath. I heard the bedroom door slam hard enough to break it off the hinges.

“I’m sorry.” I whispered. I didn’t fight tears this time. I relaxed in his arms and cried until my eyes were sore.

“Let’s go to bed.” Jude kissed my forehead and pulled me from his arms. I wrapped my own arms around my body for comfort while I watched him shove my clothes back into the drawers of the dresser. I slid beneath the coolness of the sheets. I snuggled my face into Jude’s chest and gave into my exhaustion.

“Samantha, it’s time to wake up.” Jude nudged my arm and placed tender kisses on my cheek. I blinked my eyes a few times before his face came into focus.

“Shit. Did I oversleep?”

“No. The alarm clock went off about two minutes ago. You slept right through it.”

I pushed his arm off of my waist and dragged the covers from my body. My head was throbbing and my eyes were still sore from crying. “I’m going to take a shower and get ready for work.”

“Do you need me to come with you?” He asked sleepily.

“No, no one to fear in this house but that bitch down the hall” I mumbled and walked out of the door. The water beat against my aching muscles, relaxing me for a moment. I was ready to get this day over with, I needed to spend time with Jude and make things right again. I wondered how thick the tension would be in the house since the argument between us all. I hoped she’d be so uncomfortable she’d feel there was no other choice but to leave. I shut the water off when I heard a light tap at the door. “Jude?”

“No, it’s me.” Kara spoke in aggravation.

“Well, I’m in here. I’ll be out in a minute.” I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around myself.

“Well, I need to use the bathroom.”

“Yeah, well, wait a damn minute.” I called back to her. The knob twisted and the door flung open. Kara stood in the doorway sporting a wild eyed expression. Her silk red nightgown bared more skin than I cared to see and her smile was almost taunting.

“Didn’t I say to wait a minute?”

“I don’t like to wait. Only one person in this world I’ve ever been patient enough to wait for.” She propped her arm on the edge of the door, making it impossible to squeeze by her. “You left something in my room. A watch I believe. It’s pretty beat up… looks like it had a bad day.” She shrugged her shoulders and dropped her arms. I just knew she was responsible for the damage to Adam’s watch. I inched my face so close to hers I could feel the tip of her nose touch mine.

“If you ever get in my way bitch, it won’t be a pretty sight. Jude’s mine. As for the watch, I’ll go and get that right now.” I shoved her shoulder with the palm of my hand and scurried out of the bathroom. I was sure she had been the one to break Adam’s watch. She was twisted; I could see it in her eyes. Her feelings for Jude ran deeper than he knew and she had every intention on revealing those feelings to him. I flipped the lights on in the bedroom. Jude rose up from the bed rubbing his eyes.

“What are you doing, Samantha?”

“Oh, nothing, getting ready. I had another pleasant chat with your friend.”

“You two work it out?” He sounded exasperated.

“We’re just peachy.” I slipped on my work attire and soared through the task of getting ready like a woman on a mission. Once I was ready I dropped to my knees beside the bed, positioning myself between his legs. “I love you. Everything will be okay. I do understand you want to help her. She’s your friend. I will try my absolute best to deal with her; I just can’t make any promises. She’s sneaky Jude. There’s something not right about her. She says things to me that imply her feelings for you aren’t what they seem. Just be careful.”

“Oh Sam, you’re so paranoid.” He patted the top of my head and grinned.

“I’m leaving for work. I’m running a little late this morning.” I jumped up from the floor and grabbed my purse. I made it to the door when Jude grabbed me by my waist.

“You’re leaving without a kiss?” He pressed me against the wall running his hands up my hips all the way to my face. “Have a good day.” He nibbled my lips with his teeth. I drank in the moment and touched his face, gazing into his eyes. I was so in love with this man. I wrapped my arms around him, squeezing him as tight as my strength would allow.

“Damn, you must really love me.” He chuckled and fought for air. “I love you too, now, take your pretty ass to work and get back here to me as soon as you can.” I raced off to work with thoughts of Kara and Jude racing through my mind.

“Someone doesn’t look happy to be here.” Randi bent down beside my desk and started at me with her usual cheerful smile.

“That friend of Jude’s is a damn nightmare.” I whined and rested my head in my hands.

“It’s slow today. Dr. Sonny has only had about two patients. Why don’t you take off at lunch and go sort this mess out” Randi insisted.

“Really?” I perked up almost immediately.

“Yes. Go home, have sex and kick some ass.” She strutted back to her desk. I assumed her love life was going well. Ricky seemed perfect for her. I was almost envious of her life for a moment. She had it all. She was brilliant, gorgeous, in love and content with her life. I on the other hand, was in love, but, with a man who obviously had a habit of trying to rescue every woman with a poor pitiful me sob story.

“Samantha, take your ass home before I change my mind.” Randi threw a wadded up piece of paper at my head. I’d been staring at the same file on my desk for no telling how long. I glanced at the clock, it read 11:58.

“What are you going to tell Dr. Sonny?” I asked while I gathered my things.

“Sam, you’ve been through a lot. I seriously doubt he’ll question anything. If he does, I got you covered.” She waved and used her hand to shoo me away.

“Bye.” I mouthed, “and thank you.” I rushed away feeling more anxious to see Jude’s face than ever before.

The trek home felt longer than it normally did. I sped along the highway, racing back to Jude as fast as I could. My heart nearly fell out of my chest and onto the floor board when I saw an extra vehicle parked in the driveway. It was the black Altima that had occupied the space in front of the mailbox before. “Dammit” I cursed aloud. Kara’s car was still parked in the same place as this morning. Apparently she didn’t start the work day at Jude’s restaurant as planned. Not only was she here with Jude, now that wretched woman Allison was with him too. How much worse could his situation with women get? I eased the car up beside the mailbox and decided to discreetly sneak up beside the window for a quick listen. A familiar husky voice pierced my ears first. My heart sank even lower than before, when I realized that voice belonged to Mitch.

“I’ve heard all about you, Jude.” Mitch mumbled, his body pressed against the window I was eavesdropping at. “Kara told Allison all about it.” I was beyond bewildered. Allison and Mitch apparently knew one another, but, how? I shook away the thoughts and strained my ears to catch every sound that came from the house.

“What in the hell is this about, Kara?” Jude barked.

“Allison, why would you do this? I trusted you.” I could hear Kara pleading with Allison through tears.

“My brother trusted you too, whore.” Allison retaliated. “You were screwing another man, my man, while you were with my brother. You’re the scum of the earth.” Moisture pooled up in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks. I was right about the relationship between the two. Jude had been closer with her than he let on. Mitch’s breathy laughter made me nauseous. He was enjoying this little charade.

“It wasn’t like that. I love, Jude. And, Jude loves me.” Kara cried out with a hint of rage in her tone.

“What in the fuck, Kara? You’re in love with me? You… you’re telling people we slept together? Have you lost your fucking mind? I’ve never touched you. If Samantha hears you making such disgusting accusations she’ll leave me in a heartbeat. You better get your facts straight, right this damn instant.” Jude’s voice was calm, eerie and almost threatening.