Learning to Heal Read Online Free PDF Page B

with Jazz. She’s still not happy with my decision, but she finally stopped asking me to change my mind. To show her how helpful I can be, I bring her breakfast every morning and call later in the day to see if she needs anything. I don’t hang out with her all day, though. I don’t need her to feel smothered and start trying to convince me to change my decision.
    It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving and time to confront Jax. I know he just returned to Mobile yesterday and is moving Trudy into his new apartment, but this has to be done. He’ll probably hit me again, but Jazz is worth it, even though it hurt like a motherfucker.
    I drive around looking for his Jeep because he never told me which building he was moving in to, only the apartment complex. After another minute I spot it. Then I see David run down the steps and grab a box out of the back.
    He stops mid stride when he spots my old Ford Ranger pulling in. His face forms that stupid grin that he thinks makes every girl “cream her panties” as he walks over to the window. I get out of the truck because my window doesn’t roll down. Plus I have a feeling I’ll need to go to Jax instead of the other way around.
    “’Bout damn time.” He slaps me on the shoulder, laughing like this is the funniest thing ever. “I wasn’t sure you were going to show.”
    “Of course I showed up,” I say in annoyance and look past him toward the stairs. I look back at David and wish he could be serious one fucking time. “Is he here?”
    “Hell yes! He’s been waiting on you to finally show your face. Now grab a damn box, fucker.”
    Finding that hard to believe, I just shrug like it’s no big deal. I really don’t want to fight again with Jax, and I won’t throw a punch if he swings again. I would do the same if I were in his shoes. He’s been a great friend since the day I met him and he’s had to rescue my ass more than once. I might not be as tall or as built like David or Jax, but I can usually hold my own, unless it’s two against one. When I first joined the frat I was targeted by a few of the other brothers. Maybe it’s because I’m quiet and keep to myself. I don’t really know, but in the beginning I was seriously thinking of quitting and moving into a dorm, but Mom wanted me to stay. Supposedly it looks good on future job applications. David and Jax had my back when one of the brothers decided to bring a girl to my room for a private party. He wouldn’t take the hint, and he and his buddies acted like they made the rules and if they wanted to sleep with a girl in my bed they could. After a few sucker punches to the gut, they were thrown off me and Jax helped me off the floor. Needless to say I wasn’t picked on after that and my bed was off limits to any more private parties.
    Grabbing a box, I follow David up the stairs as he rambles on about some redhead he hooked up with over the weekend. Even though I couldn’t care less, I nod my head while trying to analyze all of this visit’s possible outcomes. Picturing Jazz in my mind eases my nerves some and makes this easier. I know she told me to confess to everyone the truth, and as tempting as that might be, I refuse to do it. My anger starts to escalate, and I feel my blood start rushing in my brain whenever I think of some piece of shit touching her then leaving her on her own.
    “Calm the fuck down, dude. Don’t go in there looking for trouble.”
     
    David’s right. Even though my anger isn’t directed toward Jax I can’t say differently without giving away the truth. “Yeah, sorry.”
    We reach the door and David knocks loudly. I hear a movement on the other side before Tru opens up with a smile. It falls however when she sees me standing there and I feel like shit.
    “Mason.” Her voice is strained as she looks around awkwardly. “Come in.” She turns to David and gives him an evil look, most likely because I’ve showed up unannounced.
    David pushes his way in with the box he came