When it came down to it, Nora didn’t really know much about J.P. at all. And vice versa.
But that was about to change.
“This time last year, I was planning my wedding,” he spoke into the stillness settling between them.
The cookie in Nora’s hand snapped in two. “What?”
“I was engaged. Last year. I actually proposed right around this time.”
“J.P.” She moved her handful of crumbs to the plate and wiped her palms together over it. “I had no idea.”
“I don’t talk about it a lot. Mostly because it’s a time in my life that I regret. And also because I’ve found I don’t wear the ‘jealous younger brother’ look well.”
Her eyes pinned him, head tilting the way Waylon’s did when he was trying to work out the meaning of J.P.’s words.
“You’re going to have to explain that particular look,” she said. “I’m not familiar with it.”
“Kenzie—that was my fiancé—she left me for my older brother.”
Had there still been a snickerdoodle in her grip, it would’ve been pulverized. Nora’s hands made fists. “Your fiancé left you for your brother?”
“Saying it is hard.” J.P. winced. “Hearing it is even worse.”
“I’m sorry.” She twitched her head in a fast shake and slammed her eyes shut. “I didn’t mean to—”
“I’m kidding, Nora,” he said. “Mostly. Anyway.” He gave a little shrug. “For what it’s worth, I’m saying I have trust issues too.”
“For good reason.”
Another breeze skimmed over his arms. He rubbed his biceps for friction and warmth, and couldn’t help but notice the way Nora’s eyes traveled to watch his hands. She lifted her attention back to his face and swallowed.
“I don’t know why,” he continued, “but I felt like you should know that.”
“Thank you for sharing with me.”
He felt like she might add something else, but that was all.
Moths pinged against the porch light. Waylon snored at J.P.’s feet, his heavy breathing a vibration against the wooden boards. J.P. pushed back in his chair to rock it slowly and it creaked with each leisurely forward movement.
“I wasn’t engaged,” Nora cut through the white noise of the night around them. “But I did get out of a serious relationship recently.”
“Got out of.” J.P. repeated. “Sounds like you escaped something.”
“I think I sort of did. I didn’t escape heartbreak, but I did escape a life where I constantly felt less than and was made to question all of my decisions and abilities.”
That sucker punch from earlier grabbed hold and twisted J.P.’s insides, her words reflecting something in his own actions. “Nora…”
She glanced up. “I’m not comparing you to Connor. I mean, I’m not anymore.”
“But you were.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “I think it’s a defense mechanism, you know? To take one bad experience, learn from it, and do everything you can to make sure you don’t repeat history with the next person.”
She must’ve replayed her words in her head because her eyes went wide after a few beats of silence.
“Not that you are the next person inthatway,” she stammered.
“I know.”
