Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. I have a little bit of writer's block. This chapter is going to be a bit light, I hope that is okay. It will take place now in New York. Enjoy!
We checked into the first decent hotel we came across when we boarded off the plane. It was the Marriott.
Jax had Gracie in his arms while I had Abel. Shayna stared at her surroundings in amazement.
"Okay, I can get used to living in New York. If the hotels look like this, I can't imagine what New York City is like."
The woman at the counter smiled at Jax and did a double take when she looked at me.
"Julia."
"Oh my god, Andrea. You work here?"
"Yeah. I lost my job shortly after you left. I started using, and the firm fired me."
"Why?"
"My kid's father left after my miscarriage. He believed it was my fault."
"Andrea..."
"Don't feel sorry for me. Please. I should've seen it coming."
She looked at Jax and my children.
"Seems like you're doing well for yourself. What happened?", she asked studying my face.
"Car accident. "
What? It seemed worse than a damn car accident. She wanted to know more. Keep pressing her for information. But, maybe when she wasn't around her husband.
We stared at each other for a minute, taking in how much our lives has changed since we last saw each other.
"I'll set you up in the family suite. "
"Thank you."
I opened my new purse to take out the money Jax gave me.
"No, it's on the house."
"It's not necessary. I don't want you to get in trouble."
"It's fine. My dad is the manager here. "
"Thank you," Jax said, taking the keys from her.
Jax and Shayna were by the elevator.
"Babe, you coming?"
"I'll meet you up there."
He nodded and pressed the button on the wall.
"Andrea, I'm back for good. I'm staying here till I can find a new place."
"You haven't found a place yet?"
"No. We just.. needed a change in scenery as soon as possible."
"I'm glad you're back. I also see why you stayed in Charming. He's hot. I taught you good."
"You mean well."
"Good, well. What is the difference, " she asked playfully.
"I won't get into that, but like I said I'm back for good. If you need anything, or just want to hang out , call me on my new cell."
She took out a pen and paper and I jotted down the number.
"Okay. I'll definitely call you."
She walked around the counter and hugged me. I hissed silently due to my burns.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm fine. It was good seeing you again, Andrea."
"You too."
I made it up to our room shortly after that. I opened the door, and saw Shayna sleeping in the spare room and Jax rocking Gracie to sleep. God, I melt when he bonds with our kids. It makes my heart burst with overwhelming happiness.
"How did you know her?"
"We worked at the same law firm for five years. "
"She seems like she's had it rough."
"Yeah. we all have."
Gemma walked into the clubhouse, interrupting Clay's conversation with Tig and Bobby.
"Have you seen Jax and Julia? They aren't picking up their phones. I'm worried."
"I'm sure they're fine, Gem."
"What if someone has my son and his wife? You're wasting time. Help me find them, Clay. That isn't just a request."
"Gemma, Jax can take care of himself and his because he is not answering the phone, doesn't mean something is wrong. But, if it makes you feel better, me and the guys will look for him."
Everyone in the room was sound asleep. Abel and Gracie were sleeping in between the both of us.
I didn't want to wake them by moving the bed to help me get comfortable. I just got up as softly as possible and went into the bathroom, switching on the bright light.
I probably couldn't sleep because my mind won't shut up.
About how afraid I am that Jax will be unhappy with his new lifestyle one day and hate me. About how my looks will forever be changed. What if I'm not attractive to him anymore and he starts cheating? The thought made a lump form in my throat.
"Hey, beautiful, what are you doing awake?", Jax asked leaning on the doorframe.
"I'm just thinking."
He stood up straight and walked behind me. When he was close enough, he wrapped his strong arms around my waist and kissed the back of my head.
"You wanna talk about it?"
"I do, actually. It will be the only way I will feel better."
I turned around and faced him.
"Jax, I know this is a huge change for you. I just want to make sure your're happy."
"I am happy."
"Really?"
"Yeah, of course I am. Yeah, I'm going to miss the club. But, I would rather lose the club than you. I have a feeling something else is on your mind."
"My burns. The doctors say the cuts on my face will heal fine, but I'll always have them. There are great comsetic surgeons in the city. But, I would rather spend that kind of money on the kids than on myself. I'll understand if you're not attracted to me anymore. But, I need you to tell me now cuz I don't tolerate infedelity and..."
He shhed me and took my face in both of his hands.
"Look at me, Jules."
I looked up from the floor and into his eyes.
"You are perfect to me. No burns or cuts are going to change the way I feel about you. If I felt that way, I would've never asked you to marry me. You hear me? You need to stop thinking you aren't good enough. What do I have to do to make you believe I would never cheat on you?"
"I think you just did it."
"You overthink way too much. Come on. Let's go back to bed."