Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(20)

During lunch, Jade recaps our previous days’ adventures to Jared and Pop-Pop. I wince when she mentions that Joe joined us for the movie in the park. There’s a look in Jared’s eye that I catch, but he’s quick to try to hide it. Despite Jade accurately recounting what happened, I know that Jared still speculates something.

Monday morning, Jade and I hang out down by the pool of my apartment complex. After lunch, we print photos from the past couple of days and add them to Jade’s photo book that she keeps. This is her second one that is almost filled from all of our adventures and the ones she has with the rest of her family.

When we start to cook dinner, Jade asks to use my phone. I don’t think anything of it because when she’s asked to use it in the past, she calls Kim or Peter.

“Hi, Joe.”

My eyes dart to her in a panic.

“Want to come over for dinner? Emma and I are cooking,” she informs him.

They exchange a few comments back and forth.

My brain argues with itself on whether or not I want him to join us.

“Hold on, she’s right here.” Jade hands me the phone.

“Hello,” I greet.

“Hey, beautiful,” Joe responds. “I just wanted to make sure it’s okay if I come over before answering Jade.”

“Yeah,” my voice tentatively verifies. “It’s okay. We’ve got plenty of food.”

“You sure?”

“Yes,” I repeat more confidently.

“When should I come over?”

“You can head over now,” I suggest. “If you’re free.”

“Great. I’m on my way.”

“Okay. I think Jade wants to talk to you.” I hand her the phone before I hear Joe’s response.

They exchange a few comments and I don’t really notice what they’re saying since I’m mentally checking my appearance. For some reason, I don’t mind that he’s coming over. My body tingles.

“See you soon,” Jade discloses. She hangs up the phone and hands it back to me.

Full of excitement, Jade quickly grabs the stool and gets out another plate for Joe and adds it to the place setting she started for the two of us on the coffee table. Then she grabs a napkin and utensils and places them on top of the plate like the rest. Temporarily too elated to help me with the food, Jade stands by the door waiting for Joe to arrive. She waits patiently for about five minutes before sitting down on the floor with Sadie keeping her company.

“You know sitting there waiting won’t make him get here any sooner, right?” I say, laughing.

“Yeah,” Jade replies. “But, I don’t want to miss it when he knocks.”

“Sadie will let you know,” I mention.

“What do you mean?” Jade inquires.


“Dogs have a sense, an ability aside from really good hearing,” I share.

“So, she knows that he’s coming already,” Jade states, trying to understand.

“Kind of,” I chuckle. “When he gets closer, she’ll hear him coming down the hall before you do.”

“Cool,” Jade expresses. She stays seated and watches Sadie intently.

Sadie lays with her, coaxing Jade to play, but when Jade doesn’t, Sadie walks away to get a toy. Jade gets bored of sitting by the door alone, so she joins Sadie in the living room.

About ten minutes later, Sadie rushes to the door. Jade is quick behind her and opens it before Joe gets the chance to knock.

“Were you waiting there the whole time?” Joe teases.

“No,” Jade giggles, jumping into his arms. “Sadie told me you were here.”

“Wow, really?” Joe plays along. “How did she do that?”

“Yeah,” Jade confirms. “Sadie has super sonic hearing.”

“Awesome,” Joe replies excitedly.

I give myself a quick once over just to make sure I’m not completely out of place. Coming into the kitchen area, Joe and I greet each other easily. Joe offers a hug and a peck on the cheek. He assists with the final preparations, mostly taking the plates over to the coffee table per Jade’s instruction while he holds her.

Jade’s not a picky eater, so when we sit down to play some board games, we eat homemade, organic mini pizza with egg, cheese, bacon, onion, avocado and peppers on it, a bowl of fresh fruit, homemade queso dip, spinach and artichoke dip, chips and homemade, gooey, chocolate chip cookies with a tall glass of almond milk. The entire meal was selected by Jade, of course, with only a few suggestions from me.

Jade recounts all of the things we did the past couple of days to Joe who is eagerly and attentively listening and encouraging her to keep talking.

“We forgot to go to the bookstore, Emma,” Jade reminds, taking a large bite of cookie in her mouth.

“That’s right,” I say. “Do you want to go once we’re done eating?”

“Yes,” she affirms.

“They’re open until ten,” I mention, laughing as she stuffs her face more. “There’s no need to rush, sweetie.”

“Okay,” Jade answers with a mouth full.

As soon as she’s done with her cookie, Jade gulps down her glass of milk and hurries to put all the dirty dishes on the kitchen counter. Joe and I follow suit, realizing that she’s eager to get going.