Jane’s throat moved as she swallowed. Nodded.
“Then you should definitely tell Jack. As long as you have custody—”
“I don’t,” Jane whispered.
“What?”
“I got the divorce myself. Travis was away. He never signed a custody agreement. He has a right to see Aidan. He has a right to do anything he wants.”
“Listen, it’s not my job to tell you how to live your life,” Lauren said gently. “But I think you should talk to somebody.”
Jane looked doubtful. “You mean, like a therapist?”
That would help. But, “I was thinking more like a lawyer,” Lauren said. “What about Luke Fletcher’s wife?”
“Maybe.”
“Think about it,” Lauren urged.
“I will.” Jane peeled another shell from the mold.
“I’m not trying to push you.”
“Yes, you are.” Jane smiled. “But only because you care.”
Lauren laughed even as tears stung her eyes. “Thanks.”
“Honey, don’t cry,” Jane said. “If it means that much to you... Of course I’ll call Kate. I’ll call her tomorrow.”
“No, it’s not that. I mean, yes, call her, you definitely need to talk to a lawyer, it’s just...” Lauren laughed again shakily, blotting her eyes with her fingertips. “He didn’t get it, you know?”
“Who didn’t get what?”
“Jack. We were... discussing things, and I was pushing, I know I was pushing, but he won’t let me in. I just wanted to help, Icareabout him, I love him, and he won’t accept my help. He says he doesn’t need my help.”
“Or he doesn’t want to need it,” Jane said.
Lauren stared at her. “That’s it. That’s it exactly.”
Jane nodded. “And then he went on the attack.”
“No, actually, he was kind of sweet. He offered to take me to dinner.” Lauren pulled a little face, ignoring the pang at her heart. “Afterhe pointed out that I was the one who was leaving.”
Jane winced in sympathy. “Oh, honey.”
“At least he was honest.” Lauren sighed and snagged another cookie. “And maybe a small part of me would like to believe he’s bothered by my leaving and that’s why he brought it up.”
“Of course he’s bothered.” Jane hesitated. “I suppose youhaveto go?”
“I can’t stay on vacation forever. Sooner or later, I have to face my dissertation committee. And I want to see my family before I go on tour again. I’ll miss the island, though. I’ll miss you.”And Jack. I’ll really miss Jack. She bit into her cookie.
Jane’s face turned pink. “I’ll miss you, too. I feel like everybody’s leaving me.”
Lauren nodded in understanding. “All the vacationers.”
“The vacationers. You. Thalia.”
“Jane?” Thalia stuck her head in the door. “I’m taking off now.”
