“I’m joking,” she says. “It’s two harmless notes. Think harder. Maybe you already know who’s doing this.”
“Kevin was on the dating app. He sent me a message and told me I looked beautiful in my photo.”
“You do, which is why I used it, but even the message feels out of character for someone so inattentive.”
“Yes, but sometimes we value what we’ve lost more than what we already possess.”
“There is truth to that. Maybe. I wouldn’t call this his redemption, though. People are who they are. You’ve already seen his true colors.” She tilts her head and studies me. “Do you really think it’s him? Because I’m not reading that in you right now.”
“Not really. This feels weird, Jess.”
“Maybe you have a secret admirer who frequents the same places you frequent.”
“Isn’t that kind of creepy, too?”
“Maybe. Be careful, but don’t go expecting the worst. Maybe it’s something magical happening. Try to be neutral.” She glances at herwatch. “Unfortunately, I have to go soon. Are you okay with me calling your father on my way to the office?”
“Yes, of course. Thanks for doing this.”
She waves the appreciation off. “I love your dad. You know I do. He’s the reason I know all dads aren’t creeps. Oh, and before I forget, there’s a huge party for the magazine two weeks from now,” she says. “I want you to come.”
Which is a problem, considering the wedding Jack asked me to attend the exact same weekend. “You always want me to come and I don’t.”
“Yes, well, this is a big night for me. I’m getting an award. You’re my only family, so you have to come.”
Curiosity piqued, I lean in closer. “An award?”
“Yes.” She waves this off as well. “Something about the most-read column.”
I imitate her, waving off her success. “Oh, justthat? No big deal.” I scowl at her. “I hate when you downplay your wins with me. I’m not competing with you or jealous. I’m thrilled for you.”
“I know that, my little chickadee. You’re my ride or die. I also know my father was an arrogant jerk, and I try to remain humble and appreciative of what comes my way. You’ll come?”
I don’t even hesitate. Jack will understand. “Yes. I’ll come.”
“Excellent. Now I must run. I wish I had more time. I want to know more about your mom and dad. But we’re still on for pasta and wine, right?”
“We are.”
“And Jack is coming?”
“I haven’t invited him yet, but I’d like to.”
“I’d say no, but I can tell you need me to say yes. So invite him. I’ll see you at your place at seven?”
“That works,” I say and stand to hug her.
She rushes away, leaving the air dotted with the scent of her floral perfume all over again. It’s a delicate, understated scent, while she is bold and confident. Though, sometimes, like this morning, there are those rare glimpses of a far-more-fragile side of Jess that only I would understand. For instance, when the contrast between my father and hers pricks at her protective shell.
I sip my coffee and think about how much this drink, the vanilla white mocha, sums up the contrary sides that construct most human beings. Such as the side of me that reads my cup once again,“Red suits you,”with mixed feelings. It’s nice to be seen and noticed, even complimented, but somehow invisible just felt safer.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jack’s already seated at his desk in our shared office when I arrive on floor three. “I owe you,” I say, setting a cup of coffee on his desk as I head onward to my own.
“Thanks,” he says, rotating to face me and watching as I settle in my own little spot. “Hey, we were so busy yesterday that I never asked: How was dinner with your dad the other night?”
I turn my chair to face him. “He’s got a hot patent pending. The biggest thing he’s ever done, I think. I met Jess this morning. She’s connecting him with an attorney.”
