I nod slowly.
“Can someone give me a clue because I’m out of them?” Jackie waves a hand in the air.
Fran snorts. “He-Who-Won’t-Be-Named.”
All color leaches from Jackie’s face.
Oh boy.I sit back, waiting for the explosions. But all she does is blink. Okay, maybe explosions are more palatable to the building tension her silence brings.
“What are you saying, Val?”
I donotlike the quiet tone to Jackie’s voice. My mouth dries while I figure out a delicate way for her to understandandfor her to realize I had no idea that would happen.
“Raimo convinced me to go on a blind date. Said I needed a hockey player because they were the best guys.”
Fran and Jackie scoff.
“After a few texts of him and Steff nagging, I agreed.” How can you say no when you’re being cajoled on a daily basis?
“Wow. He got Steff in on it?” Fran chuckles.
“Exactly. I caved.” I throw my hands up. “I showed up and was stunned to see Jabari on the other side of the table.” Which is a huge understatement I’m sure my sisters can track with.
“Jabari!” Anger darkens Jackie’s face. “You’re calling him by name?”
“I mean, I thought we were only doing that He-Who-Won’t-Be-Named after you first learned he cheated. It’s been ten years.” Do I sound like I’m making excuses or being factual?
“Raimo never told you? Never gave you a hint? Nothing?” Jackie spits out.
“Nothing. I promise. I would’ve said no had I known.” Now it’s my turn to lean forward to offer comfort, only Jackie jerks back.
Her expression is closed off. I don’t know if she’s absorbing and processing all the information or something else.
“Did you make a second date?” she asks.
“No! Of course I didn’t.” A voice in the back of my mind reminds me Ididgive Jabari my phone number. He’d resembled a little boy whose favorite pet had died. No way I could’ve walked away without offering some comfort ... right?
“Fine. I guess it wasn’t your fault.”
Relief liquefies my bones into a puddle as I sink deep into my sofa cushions.
“Just don’t ever speak to him again.”
My breath hitches. “Right, no more dates.” Why does it feel like I’m mentally crossing two fingers behind my back? I’m not lying, yet omitting the fact I gave him my number feels very much like a lie.But youpromised Jabari you wouldn’t share about his diagnosis. I just need to keep quiet, even if the guilt eats at me.
We switch topics, and soon Jackie’s up and ready to go back home to her adorable family. I happily shut the door behind her, then wander into the kitchen.
Fran turns off the water. “I did the dishes.”
“Oh, I was coming in here to do them.”
“I wasn’t doing anything, so I took care of it.”
Fran’s acting weird lately. Helping out around the house, not going out. But it’s not like I can point a finger. What would I say? Stop helping? It’s not like she’s acting unstable. More like ... maturing.
“Thanks, Fran.”
“Now, shoo.” She flings her hands at me. “Go read a book or talk to your plants, or whatever it is you do in your room.” She shakes her head at me.
