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Chapter 24, Part 4
Back to: Chapter 24, Part 3 Next: Chapter 24, Part 5

“Probationary period?” Ophelia asked.

“Yeah. I think it’ll give us enough time to figure out if Angela is sincere or not,” Emily responded.

Ophelia sighed and idly stroked her cat’s head. The cat yawned, stretched, and then strolled away. “It’s a good idea, hypothetically,” Ophelia admitted, “but if she does actually mess up, it might be a bit too late for actually doing anything about it.”

“We can kick her out,” Louie spoke up.

“After the damage has been done,” Ophelia replied. She closed her eyes, mulling it over, and finally said, “I’ll talk it over with Tiffani. You two can work on AJ.”

Emily smiled and said, “I knew you’d come around.”

___________________________________


“I think there’s something you feel guilty about, something you did that you shouldn’t have,” Valo said, setting the tea cup aside.

“I think you’re projecting,” Jade muttered.

“Say that a little louder, why don’t you? I’m sitting right next to you, you know. I heard what you said. And I’m not projecting,” Valo responded. She smirked a little and said, “Perhaps this has something to do with your friend.”

“Which friend?”

“Mark.”

“Why would it involve him?”

“Why not?”

“Valo, I swear, you like to see all kinds of crazy stuff in life.”

“I only see what’s there,” Valo said calmly.

Jade stared silently at her. After several seconds, she rose and announced, “I’m going to the bathroom.”


Valo smirked a little, watching her friend rush over to the bathroom. Bet I hit the nail on the head, she thought. Just then, Tacita flopped into the seat nearest her.

“Hey, we were just talking about you,” Valo greeted her.

“'We’?” Tacita asked.

“Jade and me. Jade’s indisposed at the moment.”

“Funny, we were talking about you, too,” Tacita replied. She beckoned an attractive young man over. “Valo, I want you to meet my music teacher.”

“Hi,” Valo greeted the guy.

“So, you’re Valo,” the guy said, shaking her hand. “Tacita told me about you.”

“Oh, that accent!” Valo exclaimed. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

______________________________________


“Get it together, get it together,” Jade muttered, splashing water onto her wrists. “She doesn’t know anything. And even if she does, why does it matter? It doesn’t.” She stared at her reflection, her breathing slowing gradually. “Chill.” Finally calmed, at least temporarily, she whispered, “Okay, let’s try again.” She smoothed her hair down and left the bathroom.


Her eyes scanned the room, seeking Valo. She spotted the long-haired woman chatting animatedly with Tacita and a man. As Jade approached, she realized who the man was. Feigning nonchalance, she called out, “Hey, Tacita!”

Tacita looked over at her, rose, and ran over to hug Jade. “Jade!” she squealed, squeezing the woman.

“Jade?” the man repeated, mid-conversation with Valo. He looked over at her.

Jade blushed a little and muttered, “Hey, Graham.”

“So, this is the guy you were telling me about?” Valo called out. “Jade, you’re a freaking idiot.”

“Valo, I swear, if you don’t shut up, I’m going to kill you and hide your body so well, you’ll be like the next Jimmy Hoffa,” Jade muttered to herself.

“I heard that,” Tacita said, poking her.

“So?” Jade shot back. “What do you want, a hearing things award?”

“Not really. To be honest, it doesn’t sound like that great of an award,” Tacita joked. She poked at Jade’s arm. “So, this is Graham, who you apparently already know.”

“They went on a date together,” Valo called out. Jade glared at her, embarrassed.

“Ophelia suggested that I go to Graham for help with my music, since he taught her,” Tacita explained. Then, leaning in close, she whispered into Jade’s ear, “And it seems that Valo approves of the guy.”

“It’s just because he has an accent and is a musician and the way he dresses and--” Jade whispered back.

“--And I think you’re jealous,” Tacita replied, in equally quiet tones.

“Why are you guys whispering? It better not be about me,” Valo spoke up.

“Now, why would they do something like that?” Graham asked, patting her shoulder. “I’m thirsty. What would you suggest?”

“Well, there’s a lot of really good teas here, if that’s your thing,” Valo said, quickly cheering up. “I also hear the coffee is good, although I’m not much of a coffee person. They also have those Italian sodas and there’s also root beer in glass bottles, kind of old school-like, and…”

“I’ve never heard her talk this much before,” Tacita muttered to Jade.

“I have,” Jade replied, “but not like this. Usually, it’s a rant about some injustice.”

“All I have to say, honey, is snatch him up fast.”

“Why should I worry?” Jade asked. “Valo’s got a boyfriend.”

“You never know. She might be like you,” Tacita teased.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jade cried out.

Tacita peeked over Jade’s shoulder, and her eyes widened slightly. “Speaking of which,” Tacita muttered, “your friend’s coming over.”

“Which one?”

“Which one usually hangs out here at Z’s?”

“Damn. What is it with the guys in my life showing up here today?” Jade mumbled.

“Well, to be honest, you did know Mark was a regular here.”

“Shut up with your logic.”


“Hello, ladies,” Mark said, greeting Tacita and Jade. “Rather animated friend you have there,” he added, indicating Valo.

“Hi,” Jade muttered, turning away.

“Now, is that any way to treat a close, intimate friend?” Mark asked, putting an arm around her shoulders.

“I’m leaving you two alone. I’m going to save Graham from Valo before she talks his ears off,” Tacita announced.

“'Graham’?” Mark repeated. “Oh, the guy you were on that date with the other day.”

“Yeah, that one,” Jade said, trying to remain calm. “What about him?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all. Just thought I’d be nice and talk to him. Maybe let him know what happens if he hurts you.”

“He won’t,” Jade said firmly. “Leave him alone.”


Mark shrugged and sat beside Graham. “So, hey, dude,” he said, greeting Graham.

“Hi. Hey, didn’t I run into you at the bowling alley the other day?” Graham asked.

“Yeah. I’m one of Jade’s closest friends. So, I understand you two have been dating.”

“Well, we were just on that one date.”

“Knowing how charming Jade is, I’m sure there’ll be plenty more.”

“Hopefully.”

Mark grinned at Graham, then looked over at Jade. Jade was chatting with Tacita and Valo.

Mark grinned at Graham and said, feigning friendliness, “You know, Jade and I tell each other everything.”

"Everything?” Graham echoed.

“Yeah. We’re practically best friends.”

“Does she talk to you about her other guy friends?”

“Does she talk to you about her other guy friends?” Mark responded.

Graham thought for a few minutes, and then said, “Well, there was this jerk she told me about, and this other guy she mentioned.”

“Did she tell you about him?”

“No, what was he like?”

“Who?” Mark asked, smiling innocently.

“The guy.”

“Really good-looking, talented, intelligent, charming.”

Graham sighed and replied, “I thought so.”

“Is he still here, in Oakdale?”

“Very much so,” Mark replied. “I wonder…”

“What?”

“No, it’s none of my business,” Mark said, starting to rise from his seat.

“What?”

“Well, if she plans to get together with him anytime soon.”

Graham stared at Mark, and then pulled him back down onto the sofa. Looking over at Jade, he asked, “So, why isn’t he with her now?”

“It’s complicated.”

“She never told me.”

“Women and their secrets,” Mark sighed.

“Not all women have secrets.”

“We all have our secrets.”

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