Camaraderie
Jayden stepped out of the house with an ease that didn't quite match the flutter in her stomach. She slid into the driver's seat and, out of habit more than vanity, reapplied a touch of lipstick.
Her mother's words replayed in her mind strangely calm, almost too calm. She couldn't decide if that ease was a blessing or a warning.
With a soft exhale, she picked up her phone and called the one person who would always make sense of her chaos—Ann.
It rang once.
"Finally," Ann's voice came through, light and teasing. "I was about to assume you were kidnapped. Or worse… emotionally ambushed by your father."
Jayden huffed a laugh. "Very funny."
"Am I wrong though?" Ann replied. "So? What's the latest tragedy in the Cole household?"
Jayden rolled her eyes, starting the engine. "My father is on my neck again. According to him, twenty-eight is practically retirement age for women. Even my mother my neutral, no-nonsense mother sided with him."
Ann groaned. "Of course she did."
"I'm not ready, Ann," Jayden admitted, her voice dropping slightly. "I don't want an arranged marriage. I don't want something lifeless or forced."
There was a brief pause on the line.
Then Ann's tone softened.
"Jay… you can't keep carrying it like this. Your parents love you. They might not show it the way you want, but they do. They just want you settled."
Jayden said nothing.
Ann continued gently, "You're twenty-eight. You've rejected every suitor that's come your way. Don't tell me this is still about that old wound you refuse to talk about?"
That question lingered a second too long.
Jayden's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly.
"I know they care," she said finally. "But care doesn't mean control. I'll keep an open mind, but I'm not surrendering myself. If he doesn't meet my standards, I'll walk away."
A small laugh came through the phone.
"That's my girl," Ann said. "Strong, stubborn, emotionally unavailable when stressed."
"Excuse you."
"Don't act surprised," Ann teased. "Under all that attitude, you're still someone who wants love. You just act like you don't."
Jayden didn't respond.
Ann's voice softened again. "Take today for yourself. Clear your head. We'll deal with your father's grand plans tomorrow."
Jayden let out a slow breath. "Thanks, Ann. Seriously… what would I do without you?"
"Probably make very questionable life decisions," Ann replied immediately. "Now go. Rest. And call me if anything explodes."
Jayden laughed under her breath. "Bye."
"Bye."
The line went dead.
For a moment, Jayden just sat there.
Then she exhaled slowly, resting her forehead lightly against the steering wheel.
One step at a time.
But deep down
She couldn't shake the feeling that this "arrangement" was already stepping closer than she wanted.