Chapter 270 - Sarah visits JoAnna (1)

When Sarah arrived at Jeff's apartment, JoAnna was looking at the information about nearby hospitals, and what kind of residency conditions they provide. Security was alerted in advance that Sarah will be coming, and they let her inside without any problems.

"Oh, wow... two security guys at the door. Looks serious." Sarah commented as she greeted JoAnna.

"Yeah. Jeff wants to make sure I'm protected." JoAnna was not very excited about this since she thought that Jeff is overdoing it.

"I approve. Better safe than sorry." Sarah agreed that JoAnna should be safe. "If it makes you feel any better, when Aiden thought that I'm in danger, he got bodyguards to follow me as well."

"Really?", JoAnna was surprised. Seeing that Sarah nodded JoAnna smiled. "It does make me feel a bit better."

"I checked the tabloids, news and social media. Your photos didn't appear anywhere so far. Is there a chance that the man who escaped was not a photographer?", Sarah asked.

"I'm not sure." JoAnna shrugged. "Jeff is confident that he is a photographer. In any case, as long as photos are not posted, it's fine... but I'm sure that is not why you came here." JoAnna knows that Sarah is not completely accepting Jeff as her boyfriend, and right now Sarah is in his penthouse… there must be a good reason for that.

Sarah confirmed. "You are right. I do have something to talk about... but besides that topic, I also wanted to see you and check out where you are staying. How about you show me this place first? I'm curious where did my boss detain my sister?"

JoAnna cringed when she heard word 'detain'. "Uh, don't use such words. Jeff is a good person..."

Sarah must admit that she appreciates Jeff's concern about JoAnna's safety. "I can see that he is protective."

"...a bit overprotective." JoAnna corrected Sarah.

"Maybe you are not used to the concept of someone taking care of you."

"Maybe... it's an adjustment." JoAnna pressed her lips, as if she is not very happy.

"How do you feel about Jeff?" Sarah was suspicious.

JoAnna noticed that Sarah still has doubts about her and Jeff and had to ensure Sarah that Jeff is fine. "I'm over the moon. Excited, happy... he makes me feel safe."

Sarah noticed urgency in JoAnna's response. It was obvious that she is desperate to defend her relationship. It reminded Sarah of time when she started dating Aiden and her sisters had their doubts about him and about their relationship. Sarah didn't understand why her sisters are scrutinizing him at that point, why can't they just be happy for her… now she understands their point of view at that time better, because she is on the other side.

"Sorry… I don't want to meddle in your relationship. And I don't have anything against Jeff.", Sarah admitted. "I'm just concerned because you are my sister and I love you. I would ask these questions no matter who your boyfriend is. I hope you understand that."

JoAnna thought about it and gave a small nod. "Thank you."

JoAnna was touched that Sarah cares about her, and surprised that Sarah clarified her stance.

Sisters talked while JoAnna showed Sarah through the penthouse. Sarah loved the 'game room' and sisters played a game of pool while chatting.

JoAnna was telling Sarah about previous day, skipping the intimate parts.

"Seems you are enjoying your time in LA... what will you do when you go back to Seattle?" Sarah saw that JoAnna is not responding while avoiding eye contact and raised an eyebrow, "Do you even plan to go back to Seattle?"

"I'm looking at LA hospitals, to transfer here for residency." JoAnna shyly said.

"Anna! You are already at that point?!" Sarah was surprised. "How long are you two together?"

"Does it matter how long? It feels like the right thing to do. I'm not sure I can endure being apart from him." JoAnna was shy to talk about her feelings. It was her first time to feel this strong about anyone and talking about it made her uncomfortable.

"No need to explain yourself." Sarah saw that JoAnna is uncomfortable and wanted to reassure her. "I'm not judging you... or trying to persuade you into anything. I'm just surprised, that's all... I know very well how it feels not wanting to be apart from someone. Since we started dating, Aiden and I are practically inseparable."

"You went through number of things together, that brings couples together." JoAnna remembered two occasions when Sarah was in the hospital.

Sarah also thought about those two incidences. "Yeah... number of things. Somehow, he was always there for me, while I ended up in trouble. I wish that I can be there for him. But Aiden seems to always come out on top, no matter the situation. It makes me feel frustrated that I'm the one always being helped."

"I know what you mean... Jeff seems to have everything under control. When I think about that, I really feel useless." JoAnna sighed.

"I'm sure that there will be a time when he will need you.", Sarah comforted her.

JoAnna thought for some time before asking. "You will go training again soon?"

"Yeah... " Sarah observed JoAnna for some time before asking. "Why do you look like you want to join?"

"I think I should. At least some self-defense... whatever I learned earlier was useless when Greg cornered me. I felt so helpless..." JoAnna admitted while unpleasant memories caused her to shiver.

"Hmm…" Sarah analyzed JoAnna's words. "We practiced together for a long time. You should not be useless even after years of not hitting the training ground. I believe that you are lacking confidence. If you freeze in fear, no matter how much you train, it will not be of any use."

JoAnna nodded in agreement and explained: "Yes, but I believe that if I brush up on my training, my confidence will rise as well."

"Then you should join. I will let you know when we figure out the dates... Maybe Jeff wants to join?"

"I don't know..." JoAnna shook her head. " His schedule is crazy. I feel guilty that he is missing on his work because of me."

"Nonsense..." Sarah immediately refuted. "He has Steve, secretaries, directors... they all take care of work. It's all about balancing responsibilities, give him some time, and he will adjust his schedule. I'm sure of it."