Page 38 of When Ben Loved Jace

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I pull up to Adrien’s house a week later, eager to finally see Jace again. I’ve been stopping by every day while he’s out of town so I can take care of Samson. I’ve also straightened up the place, so everything is where it used to be before Jace drove the trailer here. I like being surrounded by his possessions while he’s gone. It makes missing him a little easier to bear. I’ve gone through the old photos he showed me and even found an album full of cookie fortunes—the collection that Greg mentioned previously. I brought the one Jace gave me when we first met and added it to the others, drawing a heart on the front, so we’ll always be able to find it again. Although I don’t expect to ever forget its wisdom.

Persistence holds the key to what you seek.

Thank goodness I didn’t give up. At times, I convinced myself that I had, but my heart never truly stopped hoping. I’m glad I didn’t ignore that need. Especially now, when I’m about to reap the rewards.

I park alongside the curb, like Adrien requested (okay, insisted) so he can still pull his fancy whatever-it-is into the garage. Jace’s car is parked ahead of mine, my pulse already picking up. It quickens further when Adrien rushes out to meet me, because judging from his drawn expression, something is very wrong.

“He’s going to kill me!” Adrien cries in despair.

“What happened?”

“That mangy cat must have snuck out when I was trying to feed him.” Adrien’s head whips left and right. “I looked everywhere!”

“Are you sure he’s not hiding in the trailer?”

“Jace already checked when he got here.”

Shit shit shit!

“When did it happen?”

“This morning.”

I had an early class and asked Adrien to fill in for me, so I could stay at my apartment overnight. Allison broke up with Ken, and I wanted to be there for her, especially since I haven’t been around much lately.

“I wrapped my head in a scarf,” Adrien is ranting, “to cover my nose and mouth because of my allergies. I couldn’t see very well. The oven mitts didn’t help either. I must not have pulled the door all the way shut behind me.”

“It’s my fault as much as yours,” I assure him. “But you’re certain it happened this morning? You saw Samson then?”

Adrien nods, his expression miserable. “I thought he would have come back by now.”

The sun has already begun its descent. This isn’t good.

“Where’s Jace?”

“Out looking for him,” Adrien says. “Listen.”

We both hold our breaths.

“Samson!”

Jace’s voice is distant, but I think I can orient on it. “I’ll do what I can,” I say before taking off.

“Good luck!” Adrien calls after me.

My heart nearly breaks when, a few blocks over, I see Jace shaking a bag of Samson’s favorite treats. He notices me, his face crumpling.

“We’ll find him,” I say while hugging his torso.

Jace nods, steeling himself. “It’s too soon for this to happen.” His voice is hoarse, no doubt from calling Samson’s name over and over. “I haven’t been able to introduce him to the area yet. People are going to start coming home soon. What if he—”

A car drives past us. I don’t need Jace to expound on his fears.

“Samson!” I shout, my voice carrying more than his. These pipes are good for more than just singing. “Here kitty-kitty!”

We walk another block, Jace shaking the bag of treats while we peer into every shadow and check between houses.