The slender, yet busty, woman with red hair bore a familial resemblance to one of Jessie’s high school classmates, whose name Jessie couldn’t recall at the moment.
The woman with fiery red hair and striking blue eyes crossed the deck like she owned the place and gave Jessie an appraising look. “So, you’re Robert’s ex-girlfriend.” There was an edge of contempt in the woman’s voice.
Ex-girlfriend sounded so much worse—more final—than former girlfriend, especially when Jessie hoped to be his girlfriend again, someday.
“I am.” Jessie sat up a little straighter in her chair. “I’m Jessie Pen— uh, you can just call me Jessie.”
The other woman’s eyes studied Jessie as though trying to figure out what Robert had ever seen in her. “Sylvia Sorenson’s daughter, right?”
“Yes. And you are?”
“Debbie Wheeler. I believe you went to school with my younger sister Joy.”
“Right, yes, I remember Joy.” Surprised Debbie made no move to shake hands, Jessie wondered why the woman had come.
Debbie wandered around the spacious deck with cat-like grace. “I’ve heard you and Rob—the sheriff used to be an item. Before you up and left him, for a career in New York.”
Jessie struggled not to cringe. Debbie made it sound like Jessie’s decision to leave Robert and go to New York was something she’d done lightly. But it couldn’t be further from the truth. Walking away from him was the hardest thing she’d ever done. Even harder than enduring years of abuse.
Jessie bit her lip to hold back a rude retort.
“So, how do you know Robert?” Jessie got the impression—even though her mother said he dated a lot—Robert wasn’t currently dating anyone.
Debbie gave a light laugh. “We’ve worked closely together on several of my philanthropic projects.”
How closely?Philanthropic projects must be Debbie’s way of telling Jessie she was wealthy.
Debbie stopped walking and studied her fingernails. “He could really use my support, what with him being up for re-election this fall.”
Unsure of what Debbie was getting at, Jessie kept her mouth shut.
“I worry about what people will think of him getting involved with a married woman.”
“I’m getting a divorce.” The words squeaked out of Jessie’s tight throat. She had an appointment with Ben this afternoon and she hoped he’d guarantee her she could get a quick and easy divorce even though she was pregnant, and her husband would most likely refuse to sign divorce papers.
Her and Robert’s relationship wasn’t anybody’s business, but their own. Jessie’s trip to the hairdresser a couple of weeks ago had reminded her how people in small towns liked to gossip. With Robert being a public official, people were sure to talk about him and Jessie, especially since they had a history.
“I’m not sure it’s in his best interest to get involved so quickly with a woman who just left her husband. You know how critical people can be in small towns.” Debbie’s last statement sounded like it held a warning.
Surely, she wouldn’t hurt Robert’s chances of getting re-elected. Would she?
Debbie planted herself right in front of Jessie and leaned against the railing. “From what I hear, he was pretty broken up when you left years ago. He’s a good man. I’d hate to see him get hurt again.”
Jessie lowered her eyes. No one had ever pointed out how torn up Robert was when she left, but she knew she’d broken his heart. It had brokenherheart to walk away.
Jessie never wanted to hurt Robert again. That was part of the reason she struggled with finding herself. She shouldn’t encourage a relationship between them if she couldn’t be content here in Providence.
“I have no intention of hurting him again.” Jessie wanted to stay here in Providence, where she could have a second chance with him, but she needed to find a way to support herself and her baby.
Debbie’s gaze narrowed on Jessie as though she didn’t believe her. “He deserves a woman who will put him first and support him no matter what. Not someone who sees him as a back-up plan.”
Jessie reeled, as though Debbie had slapped her.
The woman was right, though. Robert deserved a woman who loved him with her whole heart and didn’t put him second to her career.
I couldn’t commit to him five years ago, because I was selfish and wanted to chase my dreams. And now, I don’t feel like I can commit to him, assuming he even wants me, until I have a place and a purpose here in Providence.
Why couldn’t loving Robert be her purpose?
