Page 56 of Jase

“It’s not what I want you to tell her, it’s what I don’t want you to. My name doesn’t come out yet. I know she’s your friend, but even the smallest slip could be disastrous. Just let her know you’re safe.”

“Alright.”

He let go, and I glanced back as I dialed and headed towards the panties and bras. I barely paid attention to what I was grabbing as her phone repeatedly rang. Just as I expected voicemail to kick on, she came through.

“There you are. I was worried when you didn’t answer. How are you? Talk to me.”

“I’m fine. Where are you? How are things?”

“It’s all good. I got off work a little early. Ray and I are catching an early dinner, and then heading back to his house. Have you heard anything? Any idea when I can go home? I wouldn’t say their place is the cleanest. You know how I am, girl. I like my own space too.”

“I know.” I turned, looking over my shoulder. “Maybe give it another day or two to be safe. I’ll let you know if I hear anything. I’m a little busy right now, but I’ll call you back later.”

“Wait.”Tiffany’s voice lowered. “Are you sure you’re okay? Can you tell me anything about where you are or who you’re with? I need something, Kody. I need to know you’re safe. I need to see that you’re okay. Can you send me a picture? Anything?”

My head lowered through the worry in her tone.

“I’m sorry. I’m not sure I can do that yet. These people…they’re scary. I’ll send you something soon. Let me check with my friend.”

“I need something by tonight. Anything to prove you’re okay.”

“Give me a little time, Tiff. I promise, I’m in the best hands. I’ll call back soon. I love you.”

I hung up, hating the fear I’d heard in her voice. Before I ended up going against my better judgement, I headed to Jase.

“I have to send a picture when we get back. Tiff is worried. She wants proof I’m okay. She deserves that. This is scaring the crap out of her, and I don’t blame her. Look at me. This entire situation is horseshit. I can’t stand it.”

“Are you done shopping?”

“Yes.”

Jase grabbed the wadded panties from my fist, lifting a pair of mesh thongs. My lips parted in surprise, taking in the similar styles I’d grabbed during the conversation.

“Cute. Not what I would have expected, but I think I like them.”

That heat. It was back, burning my face. “They’ll do for now. Can we just go?”

“Hold on.” Jase grabbed my phone and walked over, placing the clothes on the counter. When he turned, he snapped a pic, catching me by surprise. The smile that appeared as he stared down at the phone had me walking forward. The emotion and softness behind it was…real. “There. Sent.” He handed me over the cell, pulling out his wallet to pay. The woman in the photo had me looking down in an odd sense of disbelief. It was me, but I almost didn’t recognize myself. The bruises didn’t really show, and yet when I looked at myself in person, the marks were all I saw. Were they really leaving me for good? I knew at some point they’d disappear, but somehow over the weeks, they’d become a part of who I was. I’d let them define me. Override my own recognition of myself. I barely remembered what I looked like without them.

Tears clouded my vision as I reached into my purse for my sunglasses. When Jase’s voice called out to me, I didn’t dare look up from the text. I followed him out of the store, keeping my stare focused on the phone as much as I could.

Tiff: Look at you! Okay, I feel better now. You’re shopping!

Me: I can’t go back to my apartment yet. It’s only a few things.

Tiff: I’m borrowing that dress when this is over with. Where’d you get it?

I paused.

Me: I’m not sure. I didn’t buy it. It was a gift.

Tiff: Who in the world is this “friend”? Have I met him?

Me: No. I met him recently.

I glanced up in time to see Jase open the passenger side door to his car. He quickly stepped in my path.

“You’re upset.”