My heart races as I make it to the landing, the front door in my sights.
“Jenna?”
I startle, spinning around to see Jack standing in the hallway, his arms folded over his chest as he leans against the wall. “You’re leaving?” He pouts, his puppy dog eyes making me pause.
“I can’t stay here. You had to know that.”
He nods, then steps forward, making me take a step back. “I’m sorry I never told you about Mason. That wasn’t fair.” The sincerity of his tone has my shoulders dropping in resolve until he keeps talking, almost making me laugh. “In my defence, I didn’t know the two of you would become…ah…friends. I didn’t think he was the type of guy that would ever take notice. Most people think he’s an asshole that wouldn’t stop to give you the time of day. I guess you caught him in a good mood.”
I stare at him puzzled, trying to peer into his mind, to see how the cogs work. I don’t get it. How can he miss what’s standing in front of him?
“Do you really believe that?” I ask, my tone holding the incredulity I feel.
“Believe what?”
“That Mason doesn’t take notice? That he wouldn’t give you the time of day?”
“I said it, didn’t I? Why would I lie?”
There’s an innocence to his tone that makes my heart jolt, and for the first time, I wonder if there’s more to Jack than I know. More than Mason knows. Because he can’t be that blind. “I think the world of you, Jack. You’ve been the only constant in my life since college. And I don’t want to lose you. Which is why I have to be honest. You need to wake the fuck up when it comes to your brother. You’re wrong. He’d give you anything if you asked for it. And while I bet he’d never admit it out loud, he’s been giving you everything since your parents died.”
“Did he tell—”
“He never said a word. He didn’t have to. I saw it myself. You say he’s an asshole. But can you honestly say he’s an asshole to you?”
“Yes!” he snaps but there’s a question in his eyes.
“Okay.” I laugh under my breath. “Just think about it. Please.”
“Are you really leaving?”
“I am.”
“Can I have your number this time?”
“Nope. You can write to me. I promise I’ll respond. But maybe… keep it to yourself this time?”
Jack chuckles, but his expression tells me he’s sorry before he says the words again. “I really am sorry.”
“I know. Me too.”
Me: I’m home
My phone buzzes across the kitchen counter as the various calls and messages come through from Hayley and Blair. Each one more panicked than the last. Other than a short “I’mokay” text, I don’t respond. I can’t. I wouldn’t know what to say. I’m still trying to figure it out myself.
Not even the long flight and time to think helped make any sense of what happened.
How could I have been so fucking blind?I’m like my mom.All her boyfriends were wonderful until they weren’t. Turns out, they’d been showing their true colors the entire time, and she hadn’t fucking seen it.
The only saving grace for my sanity is that there’s a difference between my mom’s numerous men and Mason.
He cared.
He may have lied, or hidden the truth, but the devastation on his face when we locked eyes over Jack’s shoulder is etched into my mind. He cared. Probably more than I did.
But it’s too late.
I don’t let my heart get involved. Ever. And this is the reason. It never works out. Not for my mom, and not for me.
