Pieces of Me by Pua Ramona (small books to read txt) 📕

is standing outside of Pixie’s watching us drive away. I feel dirty and sick to my stomach. I left that piece of my dirty past locked away because I was embarrassed and I didn’t want anyone to judge me for something that wasn’t my fault. I was more worried that no one would believe me so I kept that part of my life to myself. It was my secret to keep. We drive away from Pixie’s and I can feel in my bones that my past is catching up to me, and I’m afraid that if or when Eli ever finds out I’m going to lose him.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Jackson

It’s been six years since I moved to California and eight whole years since I’ve seen her. The last time I was home was for Mama’s sixtieth birthday last year. I was supposed to come home a few months back, but I couldn’t get time off from work. But I heard that she finally came back home after leaving Washington eight years ago. I also knew that she’s been living in New York. What can I say? I’ve been keeping tabs on her since the last time I saw her. I was planning on coming back home for the holidays, but then Mama called me and said I needed to come home because there was a family emergency. I didn’t ask any questions but I decided to make this trip because I was told that she was back for her brother’s funeral. I had to come back because I needed to fucking see her. It’s been eight years since I’ve seen her beautiful face, and I’ve missed her like something fucking crazy.

I decided to make a stop here at Pixie’s before I got too busy today, plus Mama woke me up early for a prayer meeting. I didn’t expect to see her here, but I’m glad I did. At least I knew what she looked like now. She was beautiful when we were younger, but my God these eight years have been fucking good to her. She still looked the same, but she had more curves now and was sexy as fuck. I had to adjust my dick a few times. I was in my rental car when they pulled in their parking spot. I had to do a double take when she got out of the truck. I didn’t know she was seeing that motherfucker Hunter. And it pissed me off that they actually looked like they were fucking in love. But that’s not going to stop me from talking to her. She was mine before Hunter had her, she’s always been mine. Even when she was dating that asshole Michael Moore she was mine, she just didn’t know it yet.

I fucking hated her family. I hated what they stood for. They’re the definition of a good Samoan family who cared about others. But it didn’t stop the way I felt for her. I didn’t want to scare her so I hid in the car, it wasn’t the right time for our reunion. Plus she was with that motherfucker. I’ve never liked that guy, even when we were growing up I hated his ass. Just seeing him with her made my blood boil, I wanted to break his face for touching her. But I had to keep my shit together. I stood there and watched them drive away from Pixie’s and I wanted her to know that I was watching her. I walked inside Pixie’s and didn’t expect it to be crowded already, but then again everyone did need their coffee.

“Welcome to Pixie’s what can I get for you?” Leila Stevens. Well, isn’t she a cute little thing.

“Hey little Leila.” I wasn’t close with her but we shared mutual friends. So we were always civil with each other.

She gives me a second look and says, “Jax is that you?”

I chuckle and say “The one and only.”

She smiles, “Welcome back. How long are you here for?” she asks.

“For a couple of weeks.” I say nonchalantly.

“Are you staying at home?” She says as she scans the line behind me.

“Yeah. Mama wouldn’t want it any other way, you know how it is.” I give her my order and move over to the empty stool so I can sit down. “Was that Sina and Hunter that just left?” I ask, trying to sound casual.

“Yup. Eli wanted to make sure she got her cupcake fix before they got busy with the funeral” she says with a sad smile on her face.

I nod and say, “I thought it was them. How long have they been together?” I ask.

“They aren’t, but they are?” she says. It’s more like a question so that probably means they aren’t quite as together as they looked.

“How long is she here for?” I say trying to sound like I’m making small talk and nothing else.

Leila looks at me and says, “I’m not sure, but if things go well I think Eli’s going to ask her to stay.”

Fuck him. I don’t want Leila to know that I’m getting angry so I don’t say anything. She hands me my coffee and a small bag with my pastry in it and says “It’s good to see you again Jax, maybe we can all get together at The Hut and a few drinks before you fly back to California.”

I give her my best smile and say “Sounds good to me Leila.”

I start to walk out the door but Leila stops me. “Hey, can you ask your brother to give me a call please?”

I want to tell her no, but I have to keep my cool. “I can do that,” I say and I walk out of Pixie’s and get in the car. I reach for my phone because it’s vibrating again and I see a text message from my twin brother.

Bro: Hey, everyone’s at the house so just come here when you’re done with whatever bullshit you’re doing.

Me: Whatever.

Bro: Fuck