The film crew lingered, trying to capture “final reactions,” and then finally followed the wedding party out.
When the kitchen door closed behind them, the quiet felt like someone had turned down the volume on my heartbeat.
Lucy leaned against the counter and let out a long breath. “Well. We made some decisions.”
“We did,” I said.
“And no James,” she added, sounding triumphant.
I blinked. “Where is he?”
Lucy shrugged. “Hopefully trapped somewhere without a camera.”
I started gathering plates and bowls, washing what could be washed quickly. The motion helped. The warmth of the water helped. I kept expecting the door to open and Braxton to appear, asking if he could carry something or fix something or help without making a fuss.
It didn’t happen.
Lucy watched me rinse a bowl a little too thoroughly.
“Okay,” she said softly. “It’s time to talk.”
“I am fine,” I said.
Lucy made a sound that wasn’t in agreement.
I set the bowl on the rack and wiped my hands on a towel. “Why hasn't Braxton shown up today?”
Lucy’s expression softened. “You noticed.”
“I didn’t mean to,” I said. “I just… he usually comes and since this morning, when he saw James talking to me, he disappeared.”
Lucy leaned closer. “He saw you with James this morning.”
The words landed quietly and painfully. “Yes.”
“He is probably misreading everything,” Lucy murmured, thinking.
I swallowed. “I hate that.”
“Then fix it,” Lucy said, gentle but firm.
I stared at the counter. My heart thudded. “I don’t know how to fix something when I am not even sure what this thing between Braxton and I is.”
Lucy placed her hand over mine briefly. “Start with the truth. Tell him you don’t want James. Tell him James isn’t the person you want in your life again.”
The thought made my chest tighten. “It isn’t that simple.”
“It can be,” Lucy said.
I wanted to believe that. I wanted to believe I could walk up to Braxton and explain my past with James without sounding foolish. I wanted to believe I could say, I thought someone loved me and he didn’t, and I am still embarrassed by that. I wanted to believe I could admit that James’ presence made my body react like I was still trapped in his kitchen, desperate to earn approval that never meant anything.
But I also wanted to believe Braxton didn’t already have his own conclusions.
Lucy watched my face. “He likes you, Jane. He is just scared he is going to get hurt.”
“So am I,” I whispered.
Lucy nodded. “Yes, that’s why you two are being ridiculous.”
