Love Finds Itself
Chapter 4: Right or Wrong?
New chapter is here. It is a short one, I hope you enjoy and are eager to read more. Good luck.
The three of them were seated at the bar. The whole place was bustling, people were drinking and laughing, some were too drunk for their own good and some were just hanging out with their friends and having a good time. Jake was speaking non-stop, it seemed he had a lot of things to say. But Hailey's attention was focused on Jay the moment she realised something was up. As little as she knew Jay, she was sure that he was a good person and a respectable human being. As soon as their drinks were over, Jake announced he was getting another round. Hailey seized the opportunity to question Jay, "Now, tell me what's going on? Don't you like Jake?"
"Hailey, it is nothing like that," Jay answered, trying to understand why this was so important to her.
"But something is up," Hailey continued.
The question was, was it Jay's place to tell Hailey how Jake felt and what he thought about her? He didn't think it was, he had only met Hailey. But he could manoeuvre the conversation in a different direction, "How long have you known Jake?"
"Around four years," she replied, glad that the conversation was moving ahead.
"I see. So you guys must be really close," Jay stated.
"We are, but not as much as he keeps ranting on about. We are definitely close, but not to the extent in which he puts it," Hailey said honestly.
Jay nodded, understanding what she meant. He continued, "You really like him?"
Hailey looked at Jay intently, trying to understand the implications of his question. She replied, "Yes, I really like him. But what do you even mean?"
"Mine is a very general question," he admitted.
"He's a good friend of mine and…" she trailed off.
"And what?" Jay enquired.
"And maybe more, I don't know. He's so caring, respectful and fun. But I have never really thought about this," Hailey confessed.
She had spoken words she had not told anyone yet. She didn't really know anyone here yet, Jay was the only friend she had been able to make over the past few days. She wondered if she had said too much. But Jay's next question eased her a little.
He repeated himself, "Do you like him?" this time a whole new meaning to it.
"Maybe," she replied, shrugging her shoulders, herself not sure.
Jay smiled. No wonder she tolerated his extravagant behaviour. But something in him was stirred and ruffled, a part he hadn't known existed until he heard Hailey liked Jake too. He didn't want to call it jealousy but he had a fondness for this girl that didn't like it if she was interested in someone else, it seemed. Hailey asked finally, "What? You are not going to say anything?"
"Hey, I am no one so say anything," Jay declared. But he added, "But I guess it's good."
"Do you think I should talk to him?" Hailey asked, genuinely seeking his take on the matter.
Jay smiled again, he knew that Jake liked her too. He said nonchalantly, "Maybe. You should talk to him."
Hailey was nodding, considering his advice and imagining all the possible outcomes. Suddenly she heard Jay's voice, "I think I'll head back home now. It's been a long and tiring day."
Hailey wondered what had happened suddenly but she agreed that it had been a tiring day. Jay didn't wait for Jake to return, it had taken him a while as the bar was too full. He put on his coat and headed for the door, turning back one last time, smiling, and seeing Jake settled in front of Hailey. They were going to talk, but before they began he stepped out into the chilly night air and walked towards his car.
He hoped that things would work out between them, but a part of him didn't like the idea. He needed to calm down, he told himself. He had only met the two of them and both of them seemed like nice people. After all he too didn't have any great friends as of now, only Hailey and now Jake perhaps. It was a good idea to make friends, and he didn't want to ruin that by some vague feeling that stirred in his heart.
He reached home ten minutes later and took a quick shower and had dinner. When he was getting ready for bed his phone chirped and he picked it up to see a message from Hailey. It read, "Had the talk, things seem to be moving in the right direction. Thanks for your advice Jay. See you tomorrow. Good night."
He shot back an instant reply, "Glad things are moving forward. See you tomorrow. Good night."
But apparently Hailey was not done, "I hope I haven't said too much and made you uncomfortable."
Jay took a moment to reply, formulating the correct words, "No, nothing of the sort. Glad I could help."
He didn't know if he meant this or not, but it didn't matter. He didn't have to overthink and analyse everything. Jut go with the flow, he told himself.
Hailey shot back another text appreciating his help, Okay, thanks. See you."
"Bye," he typed and placed his phone on he nightstand.
Her words weren't clear but he had no intention to find out the details, not now at least. In any case, he would hear all about it tomorrow from either of them or both of them. He was happy but a part of him wondered about something he didn't have.
He lay down on his bed, attempting to analyse his thoughts leading him only to more questions. But he asked himself one important question and he had the answer to that one. He had come here to become a cop and nothing or no one was going to trump that. That firm decision and acknowledgement gave peace to his mind and his sudden vital reactions. He had a career to build and he was going to focus on that, all the other things would be secondary.
Little did he know that his heart was going to betray him.
I conclude the chapter here. It has been a short one. Review and share your thoughts. Thank you.
