Jason leaned his head against the rock and sighed. “The only stupid thing I did was let myself think this was a good idea.”
“What are you talking about? You—”
“No. Drop it. Nothing should have happened and nothing more is going to happen. Just drop it.”
Knox was quiet for thirty whole seconds. “You think you don’t deserve her because of how Leah died.”
Jason’s head snapped up. “What?Are you my therapist now?”
“Yes.” He hung his binoculars around his neck. “Am I right? This is about Leah?”
Jason didn’t like this conversation. Scratch that. He hated this conversation. If it was with anyone else in the world besides Knox, he’d not-so-politely tell him to shut up and stay out of his business. But it was Knox. So he would tell him to shut up politely. “You’re not wrong. But that doesn’t change anything. We’re not discussing this.”
Another thirty seconds passed.
“That’s dumb,” said Knox.
“What?”
“If you think you don’t deserve Tayla because you made some mistake with Leah, that’s just flat out dumb. Leah’s death wasn’t your fault. And if God brings someone like Tayla into your life, and you push her away because of your misplaced guilt, aren’t you sayingyourplan for your life is better than what God is offering?”
Jason couldn’t even respond at first. Knox was derailing his logic train. And this wasn’t the time.
“I can’t process all that right now. We need to watch the road. We’ll have company soon.”
“Understood.” There was no denying the smile in his voice. He rolled to his stomach and pointed his binoculars toward the road. “Tonight might be fun.”
Jason shook his head. Massaged the tightness in his neck. And refocused on the road.
Chapter 16
Tayla watched Rowan refill his Iron Man mug with Red Bull.
He noticed her attention. “Like I said, it’s a lucky mug.”
She smiled. “I like it. I’m not criticizing. It’s a cool mug.” She liked Rowan. He was smart and quirky, and she suspected he was pretty sensitive. “So, what makes your mug lucky?”
“That’s not really . . . it’s a long story.” He didn’t seem upset, but he wasn’t going to share.
“No problem. Didn’t mean to pry.” She noticed he’d changed into a different Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles t-shirt at some point that day. She wondered if the shirt was lucky too. But she was pretty sure she shouldn’t ask.
“Rowan?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m going to offer a little unsolicited advice.”
“Oh?” He sounded suspicious. Or maybe scared.
“There’s no need to feel offended when Leland calls you ‘kid.’ If he really thought you weren’t good at your job, he’d come right out and say it. He’s not shy about being brutally honest. Trust me. He respects your ability. He’d tell you if he didn’t.”
He looked a little uncomfortable with the topic, but she also sensed he appreciated her comments. “Thanks.”
“Leland just enjoys acting grouchy. Always has. I think he likes his crusty, tough exterior. It never fooled me. But I’ve known him my whole life. And I’m his niece, so I see a different side of him sometimes.”
The IT genius gave a slow nod. “Okay.”
“And I’m still getting to know Knox, but I’m pretty sure he’s not trying to disrespect you. He gives Jason a hard time as well, and they’re good friends.”
