Free Jaden (St. Sebastians Quartet #1) by Heather Elizabeth King

having nightmares all your life and came across two people having the same nightmares, you wouldn't want to find out more."
    "They're filling her head with nonsense. She can't afford that right now."
    "I get that you're afraid for Bria," Tyler said, "but give her a break."
    Bria nodded vigorously. "This is the first time in," she looked up at the ceiling, "my entire life that I haven't felt like a freak."
    "You're not a freak," Sydney said. "And you make the best white chocolate mochas I've ever had."
    For the first time that night, Bria smiled. "It's Edna's recipe. She uses real white chocolate that she makes herself." Bria looked at Jaden. "Your aunt is as close to an angel as anyone I've ever met. She gave me a job when no one else would. And she's taught me so much."
    "Aunt Edna is pretty fabulous. She's giving me a chance at a fresh start, too." Jaden shrugged, not really sure why she was about to tell a room full of strangers something so private, but she felt Bria needed to hear it. "I left my job of seven years. Now I'm not sure what to do with myself. Only thing I know is that I'd like to write an amazing book. Several amazing books. Aunt Edna is letting me camp out at her house while I figure out my next step."
    "I love the view from her back deck."
    Everyone looked at Sydney.
    "What?"
    "Edna really does know everyone," Kenda said.
    "I helped her with the legal end of things when she decided she wanted to open a bakery."
    "You're that Sydney," Jaden said. "Okay. I know who you are."
    "And I know who you are. Your aunt thinks the world of you."
    There was a small clearing of the throat that got everyone's attention.
    Bria was sitting on the sofa again, her eyes red, but the tears were gone. "I've thought a lot about this over the years," she said, in her quiet voice. "I think it has something to do with those people in the Red World and the White World. I think..." she looked at Nico and frowned, before continuing. "...I think we're supposed to help them."
    "Help them how?" Hayley asked. "We don't even know who they are?"
    Bria shrugged. "I think we're supposed to find out."
    "How do we do that?" Jaden asked. "I wouldn't know where to start."
    "At the library," Sydney said. "All we have now is a Red World and a White World, it's not much, but it's a place to start. I don't mind helping. I'm an ace at research."
    "I'm at the gallery till three tomorrow, but I'll come to the library after that. What about you guys?"
    "I want to help," Bria said. "I'm free after three, too."
    "Jaden?" Hayley asked.
    "At this point, it can't hurt. I'm in."
    "Does three work for you, Sydney?" Hayley asked.
    "My last appointment is at three-fifteen. Once I'm done with that, I'll meet everyone at the library."
    They talked a bit more, but Jaden didn't think anyone had come up with an idea better than Bria's. It wasn't necessarily right, but it was a place to start.
     

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Kenda had no idea what he'd gotten himself into. Or why, even? Things had spiraled out of control before he realized what was happening. Now, when he had a clearer picture of things, he still found himself walking Jaden home. Not because the streets of St. Sebastians were dangerous, or even because he was worried she'd lose her way. It was impossible to get lost in St. Sebastians. He simply wasn't ready to say goodnight. Not yet.
    When he'd seen Jaden for the first time he'd had to do a double take. At first, he was certain his eyes were playing tricks on him. He'd never seen a woman like her. Her brown skin was smooth, she looked ageless. She was dressed simply, and the simple clothes seemed to accentuate her beauty. She had the kind of full lips he thought he could spend an entire night kissing, and a laugh that was infectious. Though, he hadn't heard much of it tonight.
    He hadn't thought a woman like Jaden existed in real life.
    She didn't have much to say on the walk home, but he didn't mind. Just being with her was enough.
    What was going on with him?