“I want to do it. Worst-case scenario, I don’t learn anything helpful. I have to at least try.”
“Let’s figure out a time that works for us both. Better if it’s before the end of June when the carnival kicks up.” The fire company was in charge of that monthlong event leading up to Pony Penning Days.
“Sooner is better for me too. I’m sure Miss Molly will give me time off. My interview is next Monday. We could do both at the same time since DC’s so close. That would probably make it a two-day trip though. Would your parents give you time off?”
“Yeah, those are slower days at the B and B, and I haven’t taken any vacation time this year.”
“What about the fire company?”
He’d been a little overzealous lately about going on every call. And things were still uncomfortable with Marissa. Some of the guys had become pretty standoffish with him, making those interactions awkward. “Honestly, I could use a break from the firehouse.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. Let’s do it.”
It wasn’t until he was off the phone that he realized he’d just committed to two days alone with Jenna. And the thought of it made his heart gallop.
Chapter 24
Jenna ran her damp palms down the length of her jeans and tried to focus on the country tune playing in Tyson’s truck. They’d kept up a steady conversation for the past four and half hours, which had helped keep her mind off the upcoming interview. But now that they were getting closer to Alexandria, the nerves were settling in.
“I can’t believe I’ve never been to your apartment,” Ty said.
They were stopping there first so she could change into something nice. “I haven’t even lived there a year.”
“This’ll give you a chance to check on things anyway.”
“I’m sure everything’s fine. I’ve forwarded my mail to Mom’s, and I only have one plant—which I brought to the island.”
“You’re keeping a plant alive?”
She wrinkled her nose in a mock scowl. Then a beat later confessed, “Okay, it’s a succulent, but still.”
He chuckled.
She swatted his arm. “Hey, at least I can keep a goldfish alive.”
“I was thirteen. I thought I was doing him a favor with all those extra feedings.”
Ten minutes later they entered her first-floor apartment. The familiar smell of new flooring and citrus cleaner welcomed her home. As she set down her things on the kitchen island, she tried viewing the space through Tyson’s eyes: the ivory leather sectional with softblue pillows, a cozy area rug, and wooden accent pieces. Its overall effect was slightly feminine, subdued, and inviting.
“This is really nice, Jen.”
“Thanks. Definitely a step up from my last place. However, I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford it on this new salary—if I even get the job.”
“Well, money isn’t everything. This position sounds moreyou, and you can’t put a price tag on that.”
“True enough.”
His gaze homed in on her. “I’m proud of you, Jen. These past few months you’ve kind of had to pivot from the life you thought you’d have. That takes a lot of courage.”
She hadn’t thought of it that way, but it was true. Getting the rug pulled out from under her had been scary. “You’d know all about that since you’ve had to do the same thing. You expected your marriage would last forever and suddenly it was gone. I know moving on was hard, and I’m just as proud of you for having the strength to do it.”
“I guess we’ve both faced a lot of loss and disappointment. Reinventing yourself is not easy.”
“No, it’s not. But having good friends to help you through is everything.”
“You’ve got that right.” Ty nodded.
