Know when to question and to fight for the truth

Brandon nodded along a solemn look on his face. He’d forgotten for a second that they had had friends in common, especially the two mentioned. “That’s good. I’m sure those kids need it right now.” He knew things were hard over there and it made him feel better to know that Jade was there for them. He tried to be himself whenever he and Derek hung out. Laughing Brandon nodded his head. “It could be worse, I could be on my way to court, then that would be bad. The judge might have a warrant out for me.” He kept his eyes trained on her hoping for her answer to be one in his favor. His smile lit up from ear to ear as he looked at her and nodded. “Great.” He took out his phone, scrolling through to find her contact, and pulling it up, showing her his screen. “Is this still you?” He cocked an eyebrow, waiting to hear from her and smiling. “We could maybe grab dinner or something?” He hoped his tone wasn’t too hopeful, but seeing her again, he wanted to see her later, he wanted her to say yes. He was wondering why he hadn’t talked to her again after that first date. Wondering how it hadn’t gotten further, but glad to run into her now. “I’m hoping for a yes here.” He spoke, turning on the charm.

“I guess I shouldn’t worry, you would have been the one that looked crazy.” He joked with a little wiggle of his eyebrow and a smirk on his lips. His smirk only grew further too as she smiled, forgetting just how pretty she looked, and wondering how he had ever forgotten something like that. Forgetting that he had somewhere to be, he just wanted to know more about her and what she was up to now. “That’s great, and how are the kids doing at their dancing and art and what not? Running the center yet?” He had always admired her desire to give back, to good with her work. It was something the both of them could agree on. He wanted to help people too. He was going to protect the innocent, do the right thing with his law degree. Her asking him, and him remembering he was really ready to kick himself. Looking at his cell phone in his hand, the time just seemed to keep ticking away. “Yep, big time lawyer, defending the world one person at a time. Except when said lawyer is already a half hour late to the office.” He let out a small chuckle, and looked as the line started to get longer. He wanted so badly to know more about her, to see her longer. “Which, what are you up to later? Did you want to get together and catch up maybe? I could probably spare about five more minutes with you now, and that’s just not enough time for me.” He smirked at her, hoping to get some time with her.

Feeling a little guilty as he saw the girl jump, Brandon stepped back a little bit, giving the girl time to adjust and to place him. He felt a smile tug at his lips as it seemed she recognized him pretty quickly. He stepped into her hug as she threw her arms around him. He embraced her, his own arms circling around her, careful not to linger too long as he stepped back nodding his head. “Yeah, it’s been quite a bit. I’m good, real good. Especially since you recognized me and refrained from the yelling.” He laughed briefly, looking over her features now that he was up close. Taking in the sight of her limber body, and sucking in a deep breath. “But how are you? You look great.” He complimented. He rested his hand on the chair at her table, forgetting in this moment just how late he was, and wanting to stop and talk with Jade, catch up, know everything. He just felt the need to have her near him, not entirely sure what his sudden draw to her was. Not that the draw hadn’t been there before, but he was caught wondering just why things had ended when they did. 

There’s been one guy that she thought could have been the one. Jade had really liked him, they got along well and had been on a couple of dates, but they both got busy and lost contact. Now, she felt like she was doomed to find shitty guys that either weren’t ready for what she was, or didn’t have the decency to show up for coffee, or even let her know they couldn’t or wouldn’t be there. But instead of leaving, Jade stayed and ordered another latte as she perused Pinterest for ideas for art projects for the kids Spring break art classes that would be held in just a month and a half, not even paying attention to the other patrons at the cafe.

They had gone on a few dates back when, but it had been a couple years now at least. The two had hit it off, but then things seemed to fizzle out. No hard feelings or ill intent, just two people losing contact over time. To him though, she had matured some, and even back when he had found her beautiful, there was something now that drew him even further to her. Not wanting to be even later, but not being able to just walk away, he cautiously approached the table, seeing the girl looking down on her phone, he didn’t want to startle her any, and announced himself before stepping any closer. “Jade?” He questioned, hoping he had gotten her name right. Though he was fairly confident, it would be just his luck to have gotten it wrong in this moment. A goofy grin plastered on his face for her to look up and see when she did.