“Don’t worry about it.”
The green light came on and he slowly moved the car into position.
They didn’t say anything, and for a few moments she was in her happy place. Then she remembered the last time they’d been in a car wash together, making out in this very same car as thick bubbly soap cascaded over the outside. Her cheeks heated. She glanced at him, wondering if he was thinking about that time. From the way he was staring straight ahead, his expression blank, she couldn’t tell.
They remained quiet through the rest of the rinse and wax cycles, and for a little while, Jade was able to set her troubles aside. But soon the dryers kicked on and she was back to reality. When the drying cycle finished and they were leaving the car wash, she said, “Sebastian, about Harrington—”
“I’ll make you a deal.”
She perked up. “Really?”
Turning onto the road, he nodded. “We’ll talk about it—”
Yes?
“On Tuesday.”
“Tuesday?” That was almost four days away. “Why not now?”
“Because that’s when I’m free.”
She sat back in her seat. What was she supposed to do for four days? Then she remembered the ledger. Hopefully she would find it right away. All right, that would take up some of the time. But the whole weekend, plus Memorial Day? “Sebastian—”
“Nope.”
“Seb—”
“Uh-uh.”
“Please—”
“Nada.”
“Oh, come one.” She grimaced. “Are you trying to get me back for—” She clenched her teeth. That had slipped out.
“For dumping me?”
She noticed the muscle in his jaw jerking. “Yes.”
“No,” he said quickly. “Obviously it was the right decision. For both of us.”
Ouch. Although his words shouldn’t have hurt. Not after ten years. Not when he was a successful newspaper owner, despite the downturn in the publication business. Dips and highs were common in all businesses. Mabel thought the world of him. Jade wouldn’t be surprised if everyone else did too.
“Right,” she said. “I’m happy in Atlanta.”
“And I’m happy right here.”
That ended the conversation until they were back atThe Timesoffice, parked in his spot. The one thing she wasn’t happy about was his insistence that he talk to her about the Harrington deal on Tuesday. Then again, at least he was willing to talk. “I guessI shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” she mumbled as he turned off his car.
“Nice cliché,” he said. “Not one of my favorites, though.”
She hadn’t meant to say that out loud, but when she saw the slight smile on his face, she couldn’t help but return it. “Thanks,” she said. “For the car wash, and for agreeing to hear me out.”
“Sure thing.” He glanced at his watch.
Time to go. She opened the door. “See you Tuesday then.”
“See ya.”
