Mom put her hand on his arm. “Oh, honey. I’m sure that’s not true. She’s just angry. It’ll pass. At least she didn’t leave.”
“That’s only because she may still have a shot at the position. She’s waiting to hear from Olivia.”
“That’s great. Or not. Oh, phooey, I don’t know what to hope for anymore.”
Jonah had battled the same emotions all weekend. “If that job is what she most desires, then that’s what I want.” As much as he longed for her, he wanted her to have whatever made her happy—even if it wasn’t him.
Mom squeezed his arm. “Don’t give up on her, sweetheart. You made her happy before—you can make her happy again.”
He’d thought so initially. He wasn’t so sure anymore. “I’d love that, Mom, but it takes two people to make a relationship, and half of us don’t want that anymore.”
“There must be something we can do. Can’t we help her get her memory back? Therapy or hypnosis or something?”
He’d done plenty of research. “There are psychotherapies and cognitive behavioral therapies that can help. And yes, even hypnosis can be effective. So can looking at pictures and experiencing familiar smells and sounds. But all of these require a patient who actually wants to access those memories—and that’s not Lauren.”
Mom’s eyes tightened in a wince. “I’m sorry this is happening to you guys. I keep praying her memory will return.”
“You and me both.”
His mom regarded him with sympathy for a long moment. “Well, how’s school going? Are you enjoying your ethics class?”
“It’s fine. My grades are good. Just two months left.” He didn’t know what he hoped she would say. Maybe something confirming he’d fulfilled his end of the bargain and she knew he was the right person for the job.
“I’m glad it’s going well.” She glanced out the window and frowned. “Are you sure you don’t wanna assist Lauren? It might help clear the air between you.”
“I think she’d prefer if I didn’t. Besides, these floors won’t sweep themselves.”
“I’ll go on out then. If you change your mind, you’re welcome to join us.”
A moment later Mom slipped out the door and Jonah turned the vacuum back on, letting the loud drone of the motor drown out his melancholy thoughts.
***
The day was perfect for carving pumpkins. Too bad Lauren wasn’t in the mood. She was a professional, though, and made sure none of the guests knew she’d rather crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head. Jonah was on property somewhere—she’d seen his truck in the lot over an hour ago. But he had yet to seek her out.
“Those are great eyes, Mia,” Lauren told the eight-year-old girl working alongside her father. “Very scary.”
“I’m making a friendly jack-o’-lantern,” her brother said.
“I love his smile,” Lauren said.
“Miss Lauren, can you help me with these ears?” Janae asked. “They’re too pointy.”
“Of course.” Lauren moved down the table and assisted the tweenager. All the while her gaze kept darting toward the lodge where Tammyhad disappeared minutes ago, seeking Jonah. With any luck he’d be busy studying or something.
But Lauren was running pretty low on luck these days. And after their confrontation on Friday, Jonah would probably jump at the chance to help her. He’d made himself scarce this weekend and she was glad for that. She was still angry.
Then there was the anxiety over the job at Glitter. She might hear from Olivia as soon as tomorrow.
At the sound of a closing door, Lauren glanced toward the lodge. It was just Tammy heading back toward the pavilion. When their eyes met, the woman’s smile faltered.
So Jonah had told her about their argument—and apparently turned down the chance to help Lauren. Just as well. Maybe Tammy would stop trying to force the two of them together. If Lauren didn’t know better, she’d think Tammy orchestrated the whole trapper’s cabin episode.
The whole family knew she’d given up her future position and none of them had told her. Lauren couldn’t help feeling betrayed and also a little stupid because she’d had no clue. But it had been Jonah who’d made that call. That was the only thing that kept Lauren from being upset with the whole family.
They’d been so good to her after her accident. And really, how could she blame them for trying to protect Jonah’s heart after she’d inadvertently stomped all over it? She was perfectly happy to let Jonah absorb all the blame on this one.
Tammy joined the group and assisted the guests, which kept them both busy for twenty minutes or so. Then they found themselves working side by side.
