Chapter 10 - Morning conversations

Ten am Saturday morning and Julia was still asleep. Jack checked his guest's pulse and breathing for the thousandth time. He'd been doing it the whole night.

At first he'd lay down on the couch in the guest room and would stand up and walk over to Julia every hour. Then he ended up sleeping next to her.

When he'd woken up at eight, Jack couldn't help but think how their roles had reversed. Weeks earlier it was Julia who'd fallen asleep on his bed when he'd been sick in Chicago. Now it'd been Jack tending to her.

He had called Jess, but she had told him to let Julia sleep. So now he was sitting on the couch in the guest room with the laptop in his lap, catching up on his emails; his Saturday morning habit.

His fingers froze above the keyboard when he noticed Julia stirr on the bed. She groaned quietly.

Jack sat motionless, observing her. She slowly sat up.

"Oh god..." Julia whispered, cradling her head with both hands.

"Jess said you might have a huge headache," Jack spoke, just to say something.

Julia turned her head in his direction. Seeing how a grimace of pain contorted her face, Jack thought quick head movements might not have been the best of ideas.

Julia watched him with a blunt expression. She blinked a couple of times, as if not believing what she was seeing. She must have realized however that this was not a dream. She started looking around, but froze when her eyes took in the bed. She looked down at the t-shirt she was wearing.

"No..." Panic clearly audible in her voice.

"Julia," Jack spoke in a calm tone. "Calm down. Nothing happened."

"Where am I?" her voice was hoarse and trembled slightly.

"You are in my apartment. Do you remember anything from last night?"

"I... Yes, I was... talking to someone... and then I was in an elevator. Why would I be in an elevator...?

"You were drugged last night, Julia."

She looked up at him, shocked. She did not utter a word, so Jack continued.

"The person you were talking to was William Daniels. I believe he slipped something in your champagne. When you two left the room, I followed you and found you in an elevator with him. I think he was taking you to a hotel room to..."

Julia wrapped her arms around herself and shook her head.

Jack remained seated on the couch. He thought it better to keep the distance, not to upset Julia even more.

"Nothing happened, Julia," Jack tried easing her nerves at least a bit. "I brought you here and Jess examined you. She confirmed that you were under the influence of some kind of drug."

"You were there..." Julia whispered, clearly reliving some of the events of the night before. "The elevator door opened, and you were there..."

"Yes."

"His arm was wrapped around me..." she continued disgusted. "I didn't like it, but did not have the strength to push him away... His arm was around me..." She winced.

"You are safe now, Julia," he said firmly, seeing that she was giving in to panic.

Julia watched Jack for a moment and then nodded.

Something was again changing between them. He couldn't feel that negative tension anymore, it gave way to some kind of understanding.

"How do you feel?" He decided to change the subject. "I mean, besides the headache?"

"I'm OK I think... slightly dizzy maybe."

"Alright, let me make us coffee and call Jess to come check up on you one more time." Jack stood up and moved to the door. "There are clean towels in the bathroom." He added, assuming she would want to wash off the memory of last night. "Your clothes are on the chair next to the bed." He turned to leave, but her shaky voice stopped him.

"I will not wear them. They must smell of him..."

Jack turned to look at a bundle laying on a chair near the bed.

"Right... Let me ask Jess to bring something of Zoey's."

The look Julia gave him hearing his word's took Jack's breath away. He saw surprise, gratitude and vulnerability in her eyes. That vulnerability most of all made him leave the room without uttering another word.

***

Hot water was running down her back. Julia had been standing under the shower for the last fifteen minutes trying to gather her thoughts. There were so many of them currently pressing against her skull.

For starters the fact that she was naked in Jack's apartment was enough reason to get upset. That thought however was nothing compared to the realization of what might have happened last night if Jack hadn't intervened. And she hadn't even thanked him!

Pushing away the memories of William Daniels, she focused on the current circumstances; on Jack to be more precise. It seemed he was no longer the bad guy in the story... But who was he then? She still didn't feel like she could trust him, and she was sure that he didn't trust her either.

Something had changed this morning though. Julia felt that Jack did not treat her as the enemy anymore. They were no longer two opponents fighting in a boxing ring, or at least it seemed they were taking a break from the fight. Julia realized she was relieved at the thought. She could now see that the constant tension between them, the never ending pushing and pulling, had stressed her out a lot.

Maybe we could simply tolerate each other... she wondered while getting out of the shower.

Back in the guest bedroom Julia noticed a set of clothes lying on the bed. After putting them on she realized they couldn't have been Zoey's. Her friend was shorter than Julia, while those clothes, especially the jeans, fit her perfectly.

"Hey, how come you look better in my clothes than I do!?" Julia jumped on hearing Jess' voice. "Sorry, darling, did not mean to startle you."

"Hi Jess. That's OK. I guess I'm a bit jumpy this morning." Julia brushed her fingers through her wet hair, a bit embarrassed. "Thank you for the clothes by the way."

"You're welcome, Julia. Now, I wanted to examine you, if that's alright with you?"

Julia just shrugged in response, so Jess led her to the bed. She shone a bright light in Julia's eyes, checked her pulse and listened to her breathing.

"Jack told me you have a headache?"

Julia nodded.

"Do you also feel dizzy or nauseous maybe?"

"I was a bit dizzy when I woke up, but not anymore." Julia touched Jess' arm. "I'm fine, Jess, really. Thank you for taking such good care of me."

"Yeah, you do seem fine... physically," Jess concluded, but sent Julia a questioning look. "How are you mentally, Julia?"

"I'll be fine. After all, nothing happened..." Jula wasn't sure if she was trying to convince Jess or herself. Judging by the look on Jess' face the convincing did not work. "Look, it's not that this is the first time I'm experiencing something..."

"Traumatic?"

"I meant to say unpleasant, but whatever. Anyway, Jess, this is just one more thing to have nightmares about. I'll be fine, really." As a proof that she really meant what she said, Julia sent Jess a warm smile.

"If you say so," the other woman just answered. "OK, I need to go to the lab."

"Thanks again."

"Anytime, darling." Jess turned to leave, but stopped remembering something. "You need to eat something, Julia."

"Yes, doctor." Julia grinned.

"No, I mean it, before you take any painkillers, make sure to grab a bite. I'll tell Jack to make you a sandwich." And she was gone before Julia could stop her.

Just great...

Julia hesitantly followed a long corridor. She heard a voice somewhere in the distance, presumably Jack's, so she let it lead her to wherever he was.

The corridor walls were decorated with numerous paintings and Julia quickly recognized the art of Jack's and Zoey's mom; delicate landscapes full of light and color.

The corridor led her to a staircase that opened to a huge living room that seemed to be occupying the lower floor.

Jack was on the phone when she entered the room. Julia could see him busy in the adjoining kitchen, probably preparing her sandwich, at the same time holding the phone between his chick and shoulder.

The apartment was very specious, with light grey walls, dark grey furniture and a sofa. It seemed kind of neutral, not really homey. Clearly Jack did not have time, or wouldn't bother to unpack his stuff, as Julia noticed a couple of boxes still laying around.

The only thing that made this condo seem a bit like home was an old armchair standing by the window. Julia remembered that armchair from Jack's and Zoey's parents' house; back in the day she'd often seen Jack in it, every time she visited the place with Zoey and he'd happened to be around.

She walked over to the huge window; the beautiful view of Manhattan seemed oddly familiar.

"Mom, she's fine, please..." She could hear impatience in Jack's voice. A moment later he must have noticed Julia in the room. "I gotta go, mom. Yes, I'll tell her. Bye!" He put the phone aside with a sigh and a moment later she heard his footsteps approaching.

"My mom is very worried about you..." He stopped next to her.

"Why would she be worried?"

"Apparently Zoey blurted out what happened last night..."

Julia just nodded. As long as her mother was unaware of the events she did not care whether the Deschanel's knew.

"Anyway, my mom sends all her love and all that nonsense."

Julia smiled warmly at the words. Mrs. Deschanel had always treated her like her second daughter. No wonder she was upset about what had happened.

"The view from Zoey's window is very similar," Julia added, changing the subject.

"That's because her apartment is below mine," Jack explained with a smirk.

"If Zoey lives in the same building, then why did I end up..." She trailed off realizing that her words sounded ungrateful.

"Why did you end up sleeping here?" Jack asked with a smile.

"I'm sorry, Jack. I didn't want to sound..."

"That's OK. I figured you would ask that, once you realized that we live in the same building. I brought you here first. Zoey and Jess arrived ten minutes later. We decided not to move you after Jess had examined you and you'd seemed comfortable."

Julia felt her face turning red. Feeling comfortable in Jack's Deschanel guest bedroom. Just great...

"I got orders from the good doctor to feed you." Jack changed the subject, for which Julia was grateful. Although the thought of him serving her food did not sit well with her either. Seeing that she remained by the window clearly hesitating, he added, "Come on, Julia, it's just a sandwich. You made me tea once, so allow me to make you a sandwich in return. That's the least I can do."

You already saved me from being raped, she thought, but just nodded and walked over to the kitchen counter.

"Coffee?" Jack asked, turning to the coffee machine.

"Yes, please. Black no sugar."

Jack sent Julia an amused look, but did not say anything. She did not understand what it was about, until she noticed him pouring himself coffee too; black no sugar.

He placed the steaming mug in front of her and a plate with a sandwich next to it. He then sat down opposite Julia with an identical plate.

Just peachy, Julia thought, panicked. We are going to eat breakfast together like a freaking happy couple.

Trying to find anything to say just to fill the awkward silence, Julia decided now was the right time to thank Jack for the last twelve hours.

"Jack, I wanted to..." She did not get the chance to finish her sentence as Zoey stepped into the room.

"I see you are finally up, sleepy head!"

Julia turned to her friend; on one side she was annoyed that her apology was interrupted, but on the other happy that she would not be forced to eat breakfast alone with Jack.

"You talk too much, lady!" Julia pointed a finger at the new arrival hinting at whatever Zoey told her mom about last night.

"What on earth do you mean?!" Smiling an innocent smile she walked over to her brother and snatched the sandwich from his plate.

"Hey!" Jack protested, but Julia could see he was trying to hide a smirk.

"I love your turkey sandwiches, Jack." Zoey grinned and turned to Julia, watching her closely.

Jack's phone rang, so he excused himself.

"I'm fine, Zoey," Julia said, anticipating her friend's question. Zoey sat down on a chair next to her, worry clear on her face.

Luckily her friend did not say anything else, just squeezed Julia's hand.

"I want to see it on my desk Monday morning," Jack moved back closer to them. He seemed satisfied. "Thanks, Tom."

Zoey raised her brow intrigued by her brother's expression.

"Tom managed to secure the footage from the hotel. It clearly shows that Daniels drugged you and was trying to take you away from everyone," he explained, turning to Julia.

Hearing that she almost choked on her coffee.

"I think we can all guess what Daniels intended," she said wearily. "No need to watch a camera footage to confirm that." She could see Jack and Zoey exchange looks.

Jack kept quiet, probably waiting for Zoey to speak up.

"Jules," Zoey grabbed her friend's hand. "We think you should report it..."

"No," Julia answered without hesitation in what she thought was a calm voice. But it was clear she was angry when her coffee mug hit the counter, after she'd put it back too harshly.

Jack's mouth was now a thin line; he was clearly trying to hide his annoyance.

"Jules, come on, the guy is a creep. He needs to be held accountable for his actions."

"I will not be talking to the police..." Julia hoped they couldn't hear her voice tremble. "Zoey, you of all people should know..." She trailed off, realizing that Jack was listening to the conversation.

Zoey sighed, but Julia could see her friend would not push her anymore.

"Thank you," she added, relieved. "I just want this to stay between the three of us and Jess."

"And Tom," Zoey added.

"And the CEO of Brady Corp.," Jack finally spoke.

"What!?".

"Eat your sandwich, Julia," Jack answered with an unreadable expression on his face.

Julia ignored his remark.

"Why would you tell Jason Novak about what happened?" she asked, feeling so exposed.

"You might not want to involve the police in all that, Julia," Jack answered matter of factly. "I guess you have your reasons. Reasons which are so clear to my sister, but unfortunately not to me." Julie thought she saw worry flash in his eyes, but Jack put back on a mask of indifference so quickly that she assumed she must have imagined it. He continued in his superior tone. "I told Novak he had to fire the bastard. I will not allow Brand Today to be connected with a weasel like Daniels. If you don't want to use that footage, Julia, suit yourself, but I will make sure to use it to be certain that Daniels' career at Brady Corp. is over!"

Julia could only nod. She was quite taken aback by his outburst. However she could not deny that somewhere deep inside she felt tiny bit grateful for him going to all that trouble.

He's thinking of his company, not you, Julia! she reminded herself.

Everything she'd learnt in the hours since she'd woken up was a bit too overwhelming. Julia felt the headache getting stronger. She shot a glance at the plastic bottle standing at the other end of the counter; painkillers that Jess left for her. They were promising to ease that pain.

Jack must have understood Julia's intentions as he snatched the bottle and hid it in one of the kitchen cabinets.

"Jess clearly said that you need to eat first, Julia."

"Aren't we a diligent type..." Zoey laughed at her brother.

Julia did not say anything else and focused on downing the sandwich. It was indeed very good.

As soon as Jack handed her the bottle, she took two pills.

"If you don't mind, I will get going." She stood up, trying to remember if she'd seen her purse somewhere around.

"I'll take you home," Jack said.

"Thank you, Jack, but you've done enough." She was beginning to get tired of all that attention. Last time a man was paying her a lot of attention ended badly... "I will call a cab. I just need to find my purse."

"Nonsense. You are clearly not feeling well yet. I'm driving you home," Jack concluded in his CEO tone. This only annoyed Julia.

"I will not be taking orders from..." she was ready to put up a fight, but Zoey stopped her.

"Jules, for heaven's sake, just let him take you home."

Julia rolled her eyes as Jack led her to a dark blue Audi R8 that was parked in the underground parking lot.

"So obvious..." she whispered, but Jack must have heard her as he chuckled.

"What can I say," he said, opening the door of the sports car for her. "Boys just love their toys..." He sent her a cheeky smile that made Julia see the boyish and carefree side of him. He looked really sexy while doing that, so, afraid that she might turn crimson, Julia quickly got into the car.

"I can see that," she whispered as he closed the door for her.

When Jack started the engine and they were on the move, Julia couldn't help but ask.

"Only one fancy car?"

"I hate to disappoint you... I do have a few more. They are being transported from LA to New York right now." When he saw Julia shaking her head in disbelief, he added amusedly, "You know, we play with cars as little boys, so when we grow up and have the means, we need to buy the big versions of the childhood toys."

"Is that your theory on why rich men spend loads of money on cars they do not need?"

Julia didn't want to fight with him, but couldn't stop that question slipping off her lips. To her surprise Jack laughed heartily.

"I guess it is my theory, yes."

As they were leaving Manhattan Julia realized that she now had the whole weekend ahead of her, two days of being alone in her apartment with the memories of last night. Last night however had also brought back the memories of another night in Seattle. She shivered at the thought involuntarily. This did not go unnoticed by Jack; she could see he shot her a glance. Luckily he didn't ask any questions.

"Jack, I still haven't thanked you for what you did last night," Julia decided to break the silence. "I really appreciate it. Thank you."

"I'm just happy I was in the right place at the right time," Jack answered, not taking his eyes off the road. "And I, on the other hand, haven't had the chance to tell you what a great party it was yesterday. You did a great job, Julia, really."

Julia slowly turned her head from the window to Jack. She watched him for a moment in shock, wondering whether whatever he'd just said was a joke.

He turned to her for a second and seeing the look on her face, he added:

"I mean it, Julia."

"Thank you, Jack," she just said, still recovering from the initial shock his words caused.

"In fact..."

Oh, oh...

"Seeing the interest of companies in the event services, I'm thinking of creating a dedicated department in Brand Today that would organize company parties, conferences, team meetings."

Julia tightened her lips into a thin line while Jack continued his enthusiastic banter. Finally she'd had it.

"I see you managed to find a way to get rid of me, then."

They stopped at a red light, so Jack turned to her.

"No, Stiles, I'm not trying to get rid of you. Not any more, at least," he added with that charming smirk of his. "I was actually thinking you could head that department..."

It rarely happened that Julia Stiles was lost for words. That was one of such rare occasions. She sat there, staring at Jack, and all she could do was blink.

"The light has turned to green. You gotta go." Was the only thing she managed to say.

Julia turned to the side window, deep in thought.

Was he seriously considering her for that position? She wanted to ask him what had changed, what had changed between them that he stopped hating her, but she did not feel up to such a conversation.

Julia knew however she could never accept that offer. Becoming Brand Today's employee would not only squash her independence as a freelance event manager, it would also inevitably link her name to Brand Today. She did not want to risk the company's good name, nor the safety of Zoey or anyone else working there. And once Nicholas or any of his men would connect the dots, she was sure everyone connected to her would be in danger.

Jack stopped the car in front of Julia's building. The silence in the car had now become awkward.

"Does Zoey know about your idea?"

"No, not yet." Jack answered, trying to read her expression. "I'll talk to her about it on Monday."

Julia simply nodded, not sure how else she could react to his proposal and the whole idea.

"Thank you for the ride, Jack," she said, not looking at him, and got out of the car.

"Anytime."