"Okay, ten is fine." She agreed, before flipping her phone closed.
Jillian was glad Jesse had taken the cell phone she bought him, and even happier that he did so with a modicum of arguing. After all, she had added him to her plan for now, after finding out he could move it to his own plan once he got a job and was working. So it wasn't any financial hardship for her. And the man NEEDED a phone, especially if he was going to be available to prospective employers.
A smile replaced the grin she was wearing, thinking back to the little instruction period they had in the center of the mall, Jillian showing Jesse how to do the simple tasks, as well as a couple more involved things. It might take him a bit before he had texting down, but for now a phone call would be easy peasy.
Jillian programmed his phone with her own cell number, the main number of the Den, that Camille usually answered, and then showed him how to add those he might have need for. It all went just as smoothly as the rest of the shopping trip, and though tired, Jillian was well satisfied.
Not only did Jesse get a nice pair of slacks, a dress shirt, and sports coat, but he had three new pair of jeans, shorts, polo shirts, and a couple button shirts. Never before had Jillian paid so much attention to the clothes men wore, and because of it she learned a great deal.
Shoes, sandals, and flip flops, swim shorts, a bathrobe...he didn't want pajamas, so she didn't press that. But the robe would do for early morning balcony visits, she told him, only blushing slightly.
Since his suite was fully furnished, the two didn't spend a lot of time in the furniture stores; however, Jillian did convince Jesse that he should have a small reading lamp next to his bed, as well as a nice box for his dresser, to keep his new sports watch in, as well as anything else he might want to hang on to. Everything came to her as she pictured her parents room back in Elko, and the small things her father kept.
"Thanks Dad." She said, looking out her balcony door, into the night. Even though they were gone, both her parents were still around in her heart, and mind, ready to help out in small ways Jillian still found necessary, and appreciated.
Looking at her bed, she sighed. It had been a while since she'd had any bad nightmares, but not so long as to convince her she was rid of them. Had she not been gone all day, Jillian would have had a nap a couple hours ago, and been ready for a nice evening now. But to have a nice full day, she had to give up the other. It was only slightly annoying though. She had lived this way for so long, it was really the only thing she knew.
And up until now, she never really concerned herself about accommodating her schedule to that of someone else's.
Showering, Jillian put on her own thick, terry robe afterward, and did what she imagined Jesse doing. She stepped out onto her balcony into the evening air, with her head still wrapped in a towel. The night had taken on a slight chill, and she hugged her arms around herself, closing her eyes, and sniffing the smell of night flowers. That was something she didn't get a lot of in Elko. The nights there were full of the smell of sage, and dirt. And even though those odors held fond memories for Jillian, she much preferred the pine, and flowers of Nachton. Even more delightful was the occasional salty breeze that blew in off the ocean. Jillian loved being so close to the water, and tiny reminders like that were enjoyed a lot.
Looking toward Jesse's place, Jillian thought she saw him walk outside too, and without thinking she stepped back, into the shadows and out of his sight. She could still see him though, and didn't want to go inside.
While they had been out shopping, Jillian spent a lot of time watching the young man, especially when he had been trying on clothes. That had given her the opportunity to do so without seeming to be stalkerish. But even then she wasn't allowed to really let her gaze linger long over any one part of him. And it was this study that she still felt the need to do.
She had questions about the man, and her reactions toward him, that were driving her a little to distraction. Jillian wanted to know why she had been so drawn to him, and he to her, evidently. But short of just asking him, she knew no other way to begin to learn these answers.
So for a bit she contented herself with her peeping, until her eyes were having trouble remaining open. Only then did she drop the towel from her head, and the robe, to crawl between her sheets, curl up, and fall asleep.
No mysteries solved yet.
Delightful Exhaustion
When he heard the click of the door, and knew Jillian had gone, Jesse dropped the bags he'd been holding, and flopped backwards on his bed. Knees bent, his feet remained on the floor, but his arms were crossed over his face, blocking the receding sunlight from his view. A loud sigh 'whooshed' from his lips, but the fact that they were formed into a smile belied any serious frustration. He now knew what it was like to go shopping at the mall, and he hoped he didn't have to go through that again any time soon.
Though the experience hadn't been totally awful, and in fact he had experienced more good things than bad, none of that erased the fact that Jesse was more tired now than he'd been in all the time he had been living in the wilds, and staying awake more than not, as a form of self preservation. Not that his weariness was due totally to the act of shopping, because Jillian herself was enough to wear out the staunchest athlete, of this Jesse was pretty sure. But the combination of going through nearly every store in the mall, combined with trying on so many articles of clothing that Jesse had long since lost track, and keeping up with the cute chatterbox, had created a formula that now had Jesse longing for a respectable hour to go to bed.
Something told the young were that he was either going to need to find a way to get accustomed to such outings, or give up any plans of being close to the pretty Latina wolfette. And the latter wasn't anything he would even consider for more than a minute, if that long.
To say Jillian had captured Jesse's heart was like saying he needed air to breath. It still had him confused by the rapid way it had happened, and also confounded as to why, aside from the obvious reasons. She was probably the prettiest girl he'd ever laid eyes on, and that she was even a little interested in him seemed to good to be true. Plus she was smart, and funny, and had an amazing heart, from what he could see. Not to mention she was strong, both of body, and mind. All that she had done for him had shown him what her convictions meant to her.
And she really seemed to like him...beyond a friendship. At least he hoped he wasn't way off base there.
His cell phone buzzed, then started playing a song he had never heard before, and Jesse jumped about three feet off the bed. Reaching into his pants pocket he pulled out the small silver electronic device, and pressed the answer button, holding it to his ear.
"Uh, hello?"
Hearing her voice, Jesse laughed, and relaxed onto the bed again. Jillian hadn't been gone ten minutes, but just had to tell him something she'd forgotten in all the hours they'd spent together today. Mentally shaking his head, Jesse had to admit he was happy to hear from her already.
Plans made to meet up for breakfast, he was both relieved, and a little disappointed that she was retiring early as well. It hadn't taken Jesse long to figure out that Jillian needed a lot of sleep, watching as she almost physically ran down like a clock toward the end of their day together. She looked too healthy to think the reason was a medical one, so for now he would just bide his time, and not be the cause of her missing anymore sleep than she had already. Eventually he was sure he'd find out if what she was experiencing was normal, or caused recently by something unusual. Jesse didn't let things that interested him go long before trying to figure them out.
Reluctant to let her go, Jesse did only when Jillian ended the conversation. Laying on the bed, the phone still at his hear, several more minutes passed before Jesse sat up, and looked at the mountain of bags that piled at his feet. Knowing the clothes would just continue to wrinkle the longer they remained in the bags, he knew he had to hang them up, now. And even though his body was tired, his mind was still going a mile a minute. Even though he might WANT to go to bed, he was sure he wouldn't be able to sleep himself for some time.
Jillian
15 years ago
Jesse
15 years ago
After he had put away all his new clothes, Jesse showered, and grabbed a soda, taking it out onto the balcony. He'd briefly toweled off, but his hair was still wet, so with the same towel wrapped around his waist, he sought the night air to finish the job.
It didn't take long to know she was there, watching him...or at least he hoped for the last part. He could smell her scent, even slightly disguised by the faint lingering of soap, and was sure she stood not far off on her own balcony.
He began to turn toward her, but stopped himself before he'd moved more than an inch. She was tired, and needed her sleep. They would see each other again tomorrow morning. He could last that long, barely.
The idea to shift and take off was strong, but tonight Jesse fought it. He knew the whole time he was gone he would be thinking of Jillian, so what was the point really?
Her scent grew dim and Jesse knew Jillian had gone inside. Undoubtedly it was for the best, though he did miss her already. Maybe he should watch some television, and it would put him to sleep, perchance to dream... He retired then as well, hoping the night would pass quickly into morning.
It didn't take long to know she was there, watching him...or at least he hoped for the last part. He could smell her scent, even slightly disguised by the faint lingering of soap, and was sure she stood not far off on her own balcony.
He began to turn toward her, but stopped himself before he'd moved more than an inch. She was tired, and needed her sleep. They would see each other again tomorrow morning. He could last that long, barely.
The idea to shift and take off was strong, but tonight Jesse fought it. He knew the whole time he was gone he would be thinking of Jillian, so what was the point really?
Her scent grew dim and Jesse knew Jillian had gone inside. Undoubtedly it was for the best, though he did miss her already. Maybe he should watch some television, and it would put him to sleep, perchance to dream... He retired then as well, hoping the night would pass quickly into morning.
Jillian
15 years ago
It was becoming less rare these days, when Jillian would sleep through the night uninterrupted, but she was still not taking it for granted. Any morning she woke up feeling rested, and with a smile on her face was the beginnings of a wonderful day as far as she was concerned. It would take a lot to ruin it for her, and this was a situation she hoped would just continue on and on.
Still laying on her back, the young woman stretched languidly, yawned, and opened her eyes. She wondered what time it was, but didn't move to see her clock. There was enough sunlight filtering through her blinds to let her know it had to be past six, and maybe even seven. There were a few hours before she was to meet Jesse, so no rushing needed. Just the way she liked waking up.
As she reclined on the bed Jillian began to let outside noises in. Birds chirping in the trees outside, muffled rumblings within the Den, the occasional flutter of the blinds being stirred up by the breeze...all things to add to her feeling of well being. Life was good.
Sometime later, after a bit of musing about her new pack mate, as well as a few other things, including the concerns Xeph had about problems around pack grounds, Jillian decided it was time to get out of bed. Hearing her stomach growl, Jillian wished now she had made her breakfast date with Jesse a bit earlier. She'd be able to make it to ten without much trouble, but it would have been nicer to know food was coming earlier.
Flipping on the television as she walked past it to her closet, Jillian listened for news of the recent murders. Much to her annoyance nothing was said, and she wondered if that was because details were being kept quiet by Xeph, or that those in power didn't consider the death of two locals to be news worthy. Thinking of the murders was the first time Jillian had felt the least bit unsafe since she had come to Nachton. She didn't like the feeling at all.
She also didn't like the fact that she couldn't go out running alone anymore, and knowing her feelings of claustrophobia were imaginary didn't help eliminate them. Jillian had rarely had any such restrictions imposed on her freedom, and to have such now wasn't easy to adjust to.
Fortunately Jesse was around now, and her seeing to his aclimation into the pack had given her ample distraction. That wouldn't last forever though, and she could only hope in the mean time the killer or killers were caught, and life could return to normal.
Cup of coffee in hand, Jillian sat fully dressed on the balcony, the sounds of the television still audible from inside. With the time being what it was, she guessed Jesse had to be up and nearly ready to meet her. Her stomach growled again.
Still laying on her back, the young woman stretched languidly, yawned, and opened her eyes. She wondered what time it was, but didn't move to see her clock. There was enough sunlight filtering through her blinds to let her know it had to be past six, and maybe even seven. There were a few hours before she was to meet Jesse, so no rushing needed. Just the way she liked waking up.
As she reclined on the bed Jillian began to let outside noises in. Birds chirping in the trees outside, muffled rumblings within the Den, the occasional flutter of the blinds being stirred up by the breeze...all things to add to her feeling of well being. Life was good.
Sometime later, after a bit of musing about her new pack mate, as well as a few other things, including the concerns Xeph had about problems around pack grounds, Jillian decided it was time to get out of bed. Hearing her stomach growl, Jillian wished now she had made her breakfast date with Jesse a bit earlier. She'd be able to make it to ten without much trouble, but it would have been nicer to know food was coming earlier.
Flipping on the television as she walked past it to her closet, Jillian listened for news of the recent murders. Much to her annoyance nothing was said, and she wondered if that was because details were being kept quiet by Xeph, or that those in power didn't consider the death of two locals to be news worthy. Thinking of the murders was the first time Jillian had felt the least bit unsafe since she had come to Nachton. She didn't like the feeling at all.
She also didn't like the fact that she couldn't go out running alone anymore, and knowing her feelings of claustrophobia were imaginary didn't help eliminate them. Jillian had rarely had any such restrictions imposed on her freedom, and to have such now wasn't easy to adjust to.
Fortunately Jesse was around now, and her seeing to his aclimation into the pack had given her ample distraction. That wouldn't last forever though, and she could only hope in the mean time the killer or killers were caught, and life could return to normal.
Cup of coffee in hand, Jillian sat fully dressed on the balcony, the sounds of the television still audible from inside. With the time being what it was, she guessed Jesse had to be up and nearly ready to meet her. Her stomach growled again.
Jesse
15 years ago
Stumbling back inside, Jesse was breathing heavily when he shifted after his run through the trees. He'd awoken earlier, before the sun crested in the east, and couldn't resist the yearning to just take off, even for a short while.
He had been cautioned by the pack's alpha, along with Jillian, not to travel solo, but for someone who was only recently brought into pack living he knew it was going to be somewhat of a transition, and nothing he'd take to immediately. But he wasn't stupid, and did take precautions he wouldn't have normally thought of, or considered necessary.
Mainly, Jesse didn't leave the Den grounds, and even though he went far enough out to lose site of the buildings, he knew from the scented markings that he was still within the boundaries of the grounds.
And how good he felt now! The short escape had done wonders for his psyche.
Not that Jesse woke up in ill humor this morning. On the contrary, he probably had the best nights sleep he'd had in years. And yet he was a little hesitant to admit that to anyone, including Jillian. There was probably some pride mixed up in his feelings, but for now it just seemed like in order to admit to that was admitting to a whole plethora of other things that he chose not to right now.
He was also the tiniest bit irritated that during his run he hadn't seen or heard anything out of the ordinary. He would quickly admit to himself that finding a clue to whoever had killed the two Kadzait would have done a lot for his self confidence, and one of the reasons he had gone on his trek. Not that he felt any pressure from his new alpha to perform. If anything Xeph had been extremely understanding and willing to work with Jesse in getting him settled, and into some suitable position. But there was enough of the alpha trait in the younger were to make him push himself to stand out, if the opportunity arose. And what a coup it would be if he could provide some...any insight into the recent murders.
But that was not to be today.
Another shower down, (he really was enjoying having that option so readily available to him again), Jesse pulled on his new jeans, and shirt, and thought about how to kill time until Jillian would be ready for breakfast. The local television news served part of that purpose, and looking through want ads in the paper he'd brought back from his run, served the remaining.
But unable to remain still long, Jesse periodically got up and paced, walking from his living room onto the balcony, then back again. How anyone could remain cooped up inside all the time was unconcionable.
Jesse hoped he never had to find out just how bad it could be.
He had been cautioned by the pack's alpha, along with Jillian, not to travel solo, but for someone who was only recently brought into pack living he knew it was going to be somewhat of a transition, and nothing he'd take to immediately. But he wasn't stupid, and did take precautions he wouldn't have normally thought of, or considered necessary.
Mainly, Jesse didn't leave the Den grounds, and even though he went far enough out to lose site of the buildings, he knew from the scented markings that he was still within the boundaries of the grounds.
And how good he felt now! The short escape had done wonders for his psyche.
Not that Jesse woke up in ill humor this morning. On the contrary, he probably had the best nights sleep he'd had in years. And yet he was a little hesitant to admit that to anyone, including Jillian. There was probably some pride mixed up in his feelings, but for now it just seemed like in order to admit to that was admitting to a whole plethora of other things that he chose not to right now.
He was also the tiniest bit irritated that during his run he hadn't seen or heard anything out of the ordinary. He would quickly admit to himself that finding a clue to whoever had killed the two Kadzait would have done a lot for his self confidence, and one of the reasons he had gone on his trek. Not that he felt any pressure from his new alpha to perform. If anything Xeph had been extremely understanding and willing to work with Jesse in getting him settled, and into some suitable position. But there was enough of the alpha trait in the younger were to make him push himself to stand out, if the opportunity arose. And what a coup it would be if he could provide some...any insight into the recent murders.
But that was not to be today.
Another shower down, (he really was enjoying having that option so readily available to him again), Jesse pulled on his new jeans, and shirt, and thought about how to kill time until Jillian would be ready for breakfast. The local television news served part of that purpose, and looking through want ads in the paper he'd brought back from his run, served the remaining.
But unable to remain still long, Jesse periodically got up and paced, walking from his living room onto the balcony, then back again. How anyone could remain cooped up inside all the time was unconcionable.
Jesse hoped he never had to find out just how bad it could be.
Jillian
15 years ago
Finally! Jillian didn't think her heart was ever going to stop racing this morning, and was almost ready to tell Jesse she couldn't spend the day with him. But as unpleasant as that option was, she had procrastinated through breakfast, and was now feeling much better.
Breakfast had been splendid. They had worked together in the kitchen making eggs, and hash browns, each one completing a duty that complimented the other, and in a manner that seemed to be choreographed ahead of time. Everything was finished at the same time, which meant they were able to enjoy a piping hot meal that was both delicious, and satisfying. It was almost eerie how well they worked together, and Jillian mused over the matter more than once while she sat opposite the young man in the dining room.
"This might sound crazy, but I do recognize that, so don't think I'm completely daft." She giggled as she prefaced her comment while they walked around the grounds, just enjoying the early morning freshness of the nature that surrounded them.
"But...well...there seems to be something between us, that I've never felt with anyone else...you know? I mean...its kind of hard to explain...but I feel like even though I don't really know you at all, I do. Does that make sense? No, of course it doesn't...at least not when I say it out loud."
Jillian kept glancing at Jesse when she spoke, but never stopped strolling along side him. And now that she had voiced her thoughts, she felt even crazier. But before he could respond, she continued.
"It's like this morning...in the kitchen...I mean, my mom and I used to cook at home, and we cooked well together, both keeping to our spaces in the kitchen, doing our own specific duties... But with you and I, its even different from that..."
Again Jillian paused, looking to Jesse expectantly, and hoping he wouldn't be laughing at her. So far, so good.
"I sort of felt like somehow we both knew exactly what the other was doing, and going to do, and were able to synchronize our movements to accommodate each other without trying..."
So now there was some kind of supernatural connection between them?? Surely Jesse was going to run for the hills now, hearing just how demented Jillian was with such thoughts.
Her eyes focused straight ahead, off in the distance, her breath temporarily caught in her chest, waiting to be expelled.
Breakfast had been splendid. They had worked together in the kitchen making eggs, and hash browns, each one completing a duty that complimented the other, and in a manner that seemed to be choreographed ahead of time. Everything was finished at the same time, which meant they were able to enjoy a piping hot meal that was both delicious, and satisfying. It was almost eerie how well they worked together, and Jillian mused over the matter more than once while she sat opposite the young man in the dining room.
"This might sound crazy, but I do recognize that, so don't think I'm completely daft." She giggled as she prefaced her comment while they walked around the grounds, just enjoying the early morning freshness of the nature that surrounded them.
"But...well...there seems to be something between us, that I've never felt with anyone else...you know? I mean...its kind of hard to explain...but I feel like even though I don't really know you at all, I do. Does that make sense? No, of course it doesn't...at least not when I say it out loud."
Jillian kept glancing at Jesse when she spoke, but never stopped strolling along side him. And now that she had voiced her thoughts, she felt even crazier. But before he could respond, she continued.
"It's like this morning...in the kitchen...I mean, my mom and I used to cook at home, and we cooked well together, both keeping to our spaces in the kitchen, doing our own specific duties... But with you and I, its even different from that..."
Again Jillian paused, looking to Jesse expectantly, and hoping he wouldn't be laughing at her. So far, so good.
"I sort of felt like somehow we both knew exactly what the other was doing, and going to do, and were able to synchronize our movements to accommodate each other without trying..."
So now there was some kind of supernatural connection between them?? Surely Jesse was going to run for the hills now, hearing just how demented Jillian was with such thoughts.
Her eyes focused straight ahead, off in the distance, her breath temporarily caught in her chest, waiting to be expelled.
Jesse
15 years ago
Breakfast went well, and for once Jesse really enjoyed being in a kitchen, and cooking.
While he had cooked for himself many times on the streets, and in the wilds, it was often easier to eat his pray raw. He liked raw meat about as much as cooked meat, so it wasn't a hardship for him either way. What was usually the deciding factor was the ability to create fire, and how simple, or dangerous it would be for him at that particular time.
Being in the kitchen at the Den was an experience unique to Jesse, and not even remotely like it had been the few times he'd horned into his grandmother's kitchen, so many years ago now. Then he would usually start to prepare something...scrambled eggs, grilled cheese...whatever, but before he got far, his grandmother would come in and take over. Jesse readily gave up trying to convince her he could do fine himself, preferring her end results over his anyday.
But with Jillian this morning, the venture went so smoothly, with the added joy of her company, and his success in performing whatever duties she assigned to him, that Jesse hoped to share more meal preparations with her in the future.
Their ability to talk, a little or a lot, and not feel the least bit uncomfortable with either, was the second realization Jesse had today. Sharing the food over the dining room table, the young were found himself trying not to stare at his lovely companion, as she spoke more of her history in Nevada. When she herself came to speak of this ease in communication they shared, now, while on their walk, Jesse could only nod animatedly in agreement.
"I'm glad you said something first, because I felt pretty much like you did...if I ever said anything, surely you'd run for the hills realizing you had met up with a total loon."
He also continued walking, only briefly pausing now and then to emphasise a point.
"So you can rest easy. I don't think you're nuts...I feel the same way."
It was difficult not to run on and on, confirming this bond over and over again, especially when Jillian herself was given to being talkative. But Jesse managed. That he was able to talk so freely to Jillian was astounding to him. To open himself up even more would have been earth shattering. At the rate they were progressing, he didn't doubt the time would come, but it was something he still needed to get used to himself. And there was still the niggling feeling that he could scare her off yet.
However, if Jesse had known his words were mirrored in Jillian's thoughts, he might have kept the conversation going. For now though he drew quiet, and contemplated these things a bit more.
Walking through the woods, though both remained pensive, and thoughts of each other continually ran through their minds, both weres made a point of staying aware of their surroundings, and eyes out for anything unusual. The threat of meeting up with the people who murdered their brethren was ever present. Unconsciously at some point Jesse took Jillian's hand, and held it. She was strong, and could fend for herself to a certain degree, but he knew his presence only added to their force. He also knew neither one of them were impervious to weapons, or large groups of people. While stronger than the normal woman, or man, they were not industructible by a long shot. So being aware, and careful, was their top priority now.
"Well I'm game to trying that cooking thing again, to test your theory, if you want."
The smile she gave him in response nearly made him catch his breath.
While he had cooked for himself many times on the streets, and in the wilds, it was often easier to eat his pray raw. He liked raw meat about as much as cooked meat, so it wasn't a hardship for him either way. What was usually the deciding factor was the ability to create fire, and how simple, or dangerous it would be for him at that particular time.
Being in the kitchen at the Den was an experience unique to Jesse, and not even remotely like it had been the few times he'd horned into his grandmother's kitchen, so many years ago now. Then he would usually start to prepare something...scrambled eggs, grilled cheese...whatever, but before he got far, his grandmother would come in and take over. Jesse readily gave up trying to convince her he could do fine himself, preferring her end results over his anyday.
But with Jillian this morning, the venture went so smoothly, with the added joy of her company, and his success in performing whatever duties she assigned to him, that Jesse hoped to share more meal preparations with her in the future.
Their ability to talk, a little or a lot, and not feel the least bit uncomfortable with either, was the second realization Jesse had today. Sharing the food over the dining room table, the young were found himself trying not to stare at his lovely companion, as she spoke more of her history in Nevada. When she herself came to speak of this ease in communication they shared, now, while on their walk, Jesse could only nod animatedly in agreement.
"I'm glad you said something first, because I felt pretty much like you did...if I ever said anything, surely you'd run for the hills realizing you had met up with a total loon."
He also continued walking, only briefly pausing now and then to emphasise a point.
"So you can rest easy. I don't think you're nuts...I feel the same way."
It was difficult not to run on and on, confirming this bond over and over again, especially when Jillian herself was given to being talkative. But Jesse managed. That he was able to talk so freely to Jillian was astounding to him. To open himself up even more would have been earth shattering. At the rate they were progressing, he didn't doubt the time would come, but it was something he still needed to get used to himself. And there was still the niggling feeling that he could scare her off yet.
However, if Jesse had known his words were mirrored in Jillian's thoughts, he might have kept the conversation going. For now though he drew quiet, and contemplated these things a bit more.
Walking through the woods, though both remained pensive, and thoughts of each other continually ran through their minds, both weres made a point of staying aware of their surroundings, and eyes out for anything unusual. The threat of meeting up with the people who murdered their brethren was ever present. Unconsciously at some point Jesse took Jillian's hand, and held it. She was strong, and could fend for herself to a certain degree, but he knew his presence only added to their force. He also knew neither one of them were impervious to weapons, or large groups of people. While stronger than the normal woman, or man, they were not industructible by a long shot. So being aware, and careful, was their top priority now.
"Well I'm game to trying that cooking thing again, to test your theory, if you want."
The smile she gave him in response nearly made him catch his breath.
Jillian
15 years ago
Even though she somewhat expected Jesse to say he noticed the connection, Jillian was a little surprised to hear him volunteer the information so readily. While not at all that worldly wise, the few boys she had known in the past tended to keep their feelings about emotions, and such inside. Very few would admit to liking a girl, unless they wanted to get her into bed, or were so over the top infatuated that the news would have been difficult to withhold.
Then too, Jesse wasn't like the other guys she'd met or known. Still, she repeatedly cautioned herself to avoid becoming too enamored of the young man. Connection or not, she barely knew him. And if there was one thing she often thought about when considering any member of the opposite sex for more than a casual acquaintance, it was her parents words of warning. Slow and steady was the best and safest course to follow, no matter how hard her strings were being pulled toward him.
The best part about the way she felt now was that it was all her, and Jesse wasn't applying any kind of pressure at all. That factor might become a concern later, but now it was something that let Jillian relax, and continue to get to spend time with him, and enjoy it.
Once they'd made the rounds of the outlying area, not finding anything they could remotely tie to the murders, Jesse bid her goodbye. He had an appointment to meet with Camille, and wanted to see if he could get his employment situation straightened out quickly. Jillian understood, and let him go once they had agreed to meet later in the evening for dinner. She figured she should be able to find SOMETHING to do between now and then. Or she hoped so anyway.
Then too, Jesse wasn't like the other guys she'd met or known. Still, she repeatedly cautioned herself to avoid becoming too enamored of the young man. Connection or not, she barely knew him. And if there was one thing she often thought about when considering any member of the opposite sex for more than a casual acquaintance, it was her parents words of warning. Slow and steady was the best and safest course to follow, no matter how hard her strings were being pulled toward him.
The best part about the way she felt now was that it was all her, and Jesse wasn't applying any kind of pressure at all. That factor might become a concern later, but now it was something that let Jillian relax, and continue to get to spend time with him, and enjoy it.
Once they'd made the rounds of the outlying area, not finding anything they could remotely tie to the murders, Jesse bid her goodbye. He had an appointment to meet with Camille, and wanted to see if he could get his employment situation straightened out quickly. Jillian understood, and let him go once they had agreed to meet later in the evening for dinner. She figured she should be able to find SOMETHING to do between now and then. Or she hoped so anyway.
Jesse
15 years ago
"Well thanks for the company. I'm disappointed we didn't unearth any news for Xeph, not to mention it would be nice to get this whole thing resolved so we didn't have to live under such strong restrictions. But I'm glad the morning wasn't a total wash. I really enjoyed our walk."
And that was the truth, though his emphasis on their time together was really more important now. Sure it would be awesome to be the one to solve the murders, but he wasn't blind to his abilities. He was sure people with a lot more on the ball were on top of the case, and surely to be the ones to find out who the killer, or killers were. Anything he might find out would be purely luck. Nice, but luck.
So to have Jillian to talk to while he got better acquainted with the land was a boon. He hoped she didn't get tired of seeing his ugly mug.
When they'd walked pretty much as far as they could, it was time to go see Camille about a job, and Jesse told Jillian. Smiling once she suggested a dinner date later, he followed her back inside the Den, and to her suite. A quick stop by his own place and he was ready to meet the woman who might turn out to be the most important one in his life, Jillian excluded.
Filled with hope, and confidence, Jesse followed Camille's directions to her office, and set about putting the next phase of his life into further order.
(Jesse and Jillian out)
And that was the truth, though his emphasis on their time together was really more important now. Sure it would be awesome to be the one to solve the murders, but he wasn't blind to his abilities. He was sure people with a lot more on the ball were on top of the case, and surely to be the ones to find out who the killer, or killers were. Anything he might find out would be purely luck. Nice, but luck.
So to have Jillian to talk to while he got better acquainted with the land was a boon. He hoped she didn't get tired of seeing his ugly mug.
When they'd walked pretty much as far as they could, it was time to go see Camille about a job, and Jesse told Jillian. Smiling once she suggested a dinner date later, he followed her back inside the Den, and to her suite. A quick stop by his own place and he was ready to meet the woman who might turn out to be the most important one in his life, Jillian excluded.
Filled with hope, and confidence, Jesse followed Camille's directions to her office, and set about putting the next phase of his life into further order.
(Jesse and Jillian out)