Chapter Twenty
Now that Jenson has his own place, it’s easier for us to spend time together. It’s also easier for us to sleep together, which we do quite often over the next few weeks.
When his sons are with him, we all go to the park with Bernie, we go out for pizza, or we cook at home. We put the boys to bed after reading them a story, and then Jenson and I stay on his couch and make out like high schoolers until I leave for my own house.
Jenson’s busy game planning for Randolph’s first game of the season, but he takes time out to arrange to meet Donald Waverly at a coffee shop in Philadelphia.
“I told him I decided I was interested in buying a house. For me and my fiancée.”
“Oh, no.” I put my hands on my hips. “Why did you bring me into it?”
“Because I want you there, too.” He gives me a shy smile. “Can you make it to Philly tomorrow morning at eight-thirty? I’ll drop you off at work as soon as we’re finished.”
I put my hand on his cheek, enjoying the feel of his sexy stubble. “Of course. So you didn’t tell him who you are yet, right?”
“No.” He kisses me. “I’ll see what I think of him first.”
* * *
On the way to meet Donald Waverly, Jenson misses the exit three times. Three times we get off the highway an exit late, turn around, and get back on, only to drive right past the exit again.
“Freaking hell,” Jenson says as we careen off onto the ramp.
“Why don’t I drive the rest of the way?” I suggest.
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Jenson this frazzled. He’s always so in control of his emotions, but going to meet Donald has him understandably thrown off.
Jenson pulls into a fast food parking lot, and we switch seats. As I put his truck into drive and we start back onto the highway, I say, “It will be okay, J.”
* * *
Thirty minutes later, I sit next to Jenson in a booth at the Freedom Coffee House with Donald Waverly across from us. He’s got a full head of gray hair, thick eyebrows, and Jenson’s green eyes. He’s outgoing and friendly and intent on enticing Jenson and me into buying a home in Philadelphia.
“So how long have you two been engaged?” he asks as he pours three creamers in a row into his coffee.
I can’t stop staring at the cream disappearing into the black steaming coffee in his cup. And I can’t believe the three of us ordered hot coffees in this heat. I really should have asked for iced.
“Just a month,” Jenson says. “But we’ve always known we’d get married someday.”
“Well, congratulations.” Donald opens four sugars at once and pours them into his cup of coffee.
“Thank you.” Jenson keeps his hands around his cup of coffee but doesn’t come close to taking a sip.
“There are so many great options in Philly these days,” Donald says. “Me, being a single guy with no kids, I live in an awesome condo with panoramic views. There are clubs right down the block and plenty of places to eat. Now, for you two, being on the verge of marriage, partying and nightlife may not be what you’re looking for.”
I clear my throat. “Right. Probably not.”
* * *
After we say goodbye to Donald, Jenson and I return to his truck, and he pulls out of the parking lot.
“He’s a grown man, and he talks like he’s still afraid that a wife and kids will tie him down,” he says as we hit the highway.
“Jenson…”
His jaw clenches. “He’s rich and single and does whatever the hell he wants. He’s kind of a mess, Olive.”
His profile is still filled with tension, and I don’t know how to help him.
