“Sure.” Jake put the hairbrush on the desk and headed to the kitchen. He got a glass of ice water and was heading out of the kitchen when his mom caught him. “How is she doing?”
“She’s struggling, but that’s expected, I guess.”
“It is,” Faith agreed. “I’m glad she’s letting you share her grief.”
“Me too.”
“You’re a hard man to say no to, with your warm brown eyes, strong arms, and caring nature.” His mom gave him a one-armed hug.
“I’m not sure if I should feel complimented or embarrassed.”
“Oh, it was all meant to be a compliment.” She patted his arm. “Now, go take care of your girl.”
“She’s not my girl,” he protested.
“Mm-hmm,” his mom hummed, as she walked away.
When Jake returned to his office, Emily was on another call. She gave him a quick smile before she spoke into the phone.
“Keira, I know you and Cameron haven’t been seeing each other lately, but I have some bad news about Cameron, and I felt you should know.”
Jake heard the woman’s high-pitched cries after Emily broke the news.
Emily did her best to comfort Kiera while fighting her own tears. When Kiera asked for more information, Emily admitted that Cameron was killed. No, they didn’t know why or by whom. She downplayed as many details as she could, probably not to make Kiera more upset.
“Listen, Kiera, I don’t have Cameron’s contacts, but your friends with the same people. I know this is a lot to ask, but could you spread the word?” Then after a short pause she said, “No, we don’t know when the funeral will be, but I will let you know when I have more details.”
Sensing her tension, Jake picked up the hairbrush and brushed Emily’s hair again.
“No, I haven’t talked to Trent. I was hoping you’d call him.”
Emily’s shoulders rose at the mention of Trent, and so did Jake’s curiosity.
“I don’t think I can talk to him right now. Not with the way I left things with him.” Emily’s voice was strained. She waited for Kiera to say something, then she responded, “I know, but I’m not sure I can face him yet. I can’t deal with that right now. Besides, I’m not at home. I’m out of town, staying with friends.”
Jake was glad Emily considered him and his family friends, but questions raced through his mind. Who was Trent and how had Emily left things with him? Why didn’t Emily want to see him?
“Thank you, Kiera. I appreciate it. I’ll be going through Cameron’s apartment in a couple of weeks, if you’d like, maybe you... and Trent... can help me.”
After ending the call a few moments later, Emily propped her elbow on the desk and dropped her head into her palm. Jake squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture.
“Wow. That’s so exhausting, I want to curl up in bed.”
“Maybe you should go rest.”
“No, because I’m afraid I’ll have bad dreams. What I need is some fresh air.”
Jake crouched down and looked into her eyes. “Would you like to go for a ride?”
“You mean a drive in your truck? Is it fixed already? I’m not sure I’m too keen on getting back in your truck again.”
“I have another truck, though not as nice as that one. But no, I didn’t mean a drive. I said ride, and I meant ride.” Jake gave her a mischievous smile.
“Like on a horse? I’d love to ride a horse, but I’d never stay on with these casts.”
“I’ll work it out. Trust me.”
Emily put her hand on his cheek and looked in his eyes. “I do trust you, Jake.” Then after a lengthy silence, during which Jake struggled to breathe, she continued. “But if I fall off a horse and break another bone, you might be stuck with me until you’re sick of me.”
