She nodded. “I used to be angry about that. Now I’m just sad.”
“Me too. But we’ve got Bill. He’s been a great stepdad.” Seb paused. “You’ve been talking to Mom recently, haven’t you?”
“This morning. She said to tell you hi and remind you that you still had a mother.”
That was a bit of a gut punch. “I’ll call her today. I’m guessing she’s been inquiring about your dating life?”
“Always. I’m sure she’ll do the same to you.”
Seb chuckled. “She wants us to be happy.”
“And that’s one of the many reasons why I love her.” Evelyn brightened and stood again. “Thanks, bro.”
“For what?”
“The talk. You don’t cotton much to discussing personal stuff.” She grinned. “I think I’ll call Haskell. See if he’s free for lunch.”
Seb smiled. “You should do that.”
“Oh, and about Ms. Smith—”
He raised his hand. “Off-limit topic. Get to work.”
“Yes, sir.” She saluted him and left, only to stick her head back inside his office and say, “I’m sorry I said your picker’s broken.” She popped back out again.
He sat back in his chair. Sorry or not, Evelyn had been right. He was 0 for 2.
Seb looked at the landline phone on his desk. He picked up the receiver. Bracing himself for another conversation about his social life—or lack thereof—he punched in his mother’s number. “Hey, Mom,” he said when she answered. “Yeah... I’ve missed you too.”
* * *
Jade sat on an overstuffed recliner across from Logan in Sebastian’s cabin, cradling a mug of coffee in her hand. They were in the spacious living room of the lovely home, and she felt a little stab of envy that he had such a nice retreat.The Clementine Timesmight be struggling, but Sebastian didn’t seem to be, not when he owned two homes, and she was living in an apartment because she was still paying off debt.
Whose fault is that?
She looked at Logan, who was perched on an equally comfy-looking couch. Once again she noticed how fit and healthy he looked. Although she was confused and skeptical, she was glad to see him this way.
“Thanks for coming,” he said, looking her directly in the eye. “I wasn’t sure you would talk to me.”
“I’m not sure I should,” she murmured. Then a little louder, “I can’t trust you.”
“I know.” He ran his hand through his short black curls. “I wouldn’t trust me if I were you.”
She stilled at his unexpected admission. In the past when she said that to him, he always responded by blaming someone else, giving excuses, or saying she was being unfair. It was good to hear some acknowledgment of her feelings, but she still kept up her guard. “Why did you have to leave town? Is it about money again? Because I can’t—”
“I don’t need money. I’ve had a job for nine months now.”
Her brows lifted. He’d never held one for that long before. “Where?”
“Walmart.” He rubbed one palm over his jeans. “I started as a stock boy, then moved to cashier, and now I’m working in the sporting goods department.”
“Do they require drug tests?”
“Yes, since I’m still living in a halfway house. I’m fine taking them.” He set his untouched coffee on a small wooden table next to the couch and faced her. “I’m doing good, Jade. Real good.”
“Then why were you in such a hurry to see me? I thought you were in trouble.”
“I figured you would.”
