“I remember back when he was in school he’d talk about a girl in art class. He didn’t mean to, but it came up. I never got her name, but she was nice to him. Always said hi and made him laugh. He’d even smile when he talked about it.”
Jocelyn put her hand up in front of her mouth to smile as she was chewing. “I think it’s me.”
“I’m sure it is. I always knew there was a reason he went to that class because he hated art as much as he did math.”
“I looked forward to seeing him. I know he kind of got the shaft back then. People judged him.”
“And you didn’t,” Rhea said. “I see that now. But this thing, whatever it is you’ve got, he might not be ready for it. So give him time.”
Her shoulders relaxed, she let out a breath. “Thank you for that. I mean it. I’m doubting myself and I don’t do that. We talked some last night and I left feeling awkward and confused about it.”
“How so?”
She didn’t want to go into detail. That might push it even in her eyes. “Just the way he was acting.”
“Almost withdrawn but trying to pretend he wasn’t?”
“That would be him,” she said.
“Chance will never let on how serious the doubts are that he’s carried in his life. Or the scars he’s got hidden. If you keep an open mind they are there, that will go a long way.”
Jocelyn nodded, saw a group of people coming, and ate faster. “I’ll get out of here quickly.”
Rhea stood up. “Take your time. It’s fine. This will be between us, you have my word.”
“The same.”
She wouldn’t break her word to Rhea because she might need more help in the future.
“Jocelyn,”Garrett Fierce said. “It’s so nice to see you.”
“The same,” she said. “Are you here to meet my father?”
He and Grant were just walking into the building when they saw Jocelyn come toward the door and held it for her.
“We are. He’s expecting us,” Grant said.
“Why don’t you come on back?”
“While we are walking down, you know, if you ever want to get set up, we know someone who would be perfect for you.”
“I appreciate it,” she said. “But I’ve found myself in a situationship right now. I’d like to see where it goes.”
He looked at his brother, then back. No one informed them that she was seeing someone.
“Well then, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“Me too,” she said. “You know where my father’s office is. Have a nice day, gentlemen.”
The minute they were in Jim’s office, he shut the door.
“Who is Jocelyn dating?” Garrett asked.
“What?”
“We just told her we’d love to set her up. She said she was in one of those situationship things. Not sure what the hell that means. I’m going back to she’s dating someone. We never put fancy titles on things,” Garrett said.
“I don’t understand why this generation has to be so complicated,” Grant said.
