The sound of footfalls suggested Gordon was heading toward the door and Mom was following. “I’ll go on up and schedule a flight home.”
“Oh, Gordy, I don’t want you to go.”
“It’s for the best. I’m feeling... I think I need to leave, that’s all. We’ll talk later, okay?”
The door snapped quietly shut.
Jenna listened for her mother but heard nothing. Had she gone with him? Jenna opened the bathroom door and watched Mom disappear into her bedroom. The door closed and the muted sound of weeping soon followed.
Jenna palmed her forehead. She couldn’t believe he’d responded this way. It seemed like such an overreaction.
But also, this was her fault. Her suspicions had brought this on. Mom never would’ve responded to that credit card statement suspiciously if Jenna hadn’t planted seeds of doubt in her heart. Why had Jenna been so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion?
She wallowed in remorse as she gave her mom a few minutes. When Jenna couldn’t take it another minute, she approached the door and tapped quietly. “Mom? Can I come in?”
Everything went quiet for a moment. Then a heartbeat later her mom answered the door, eyes red, lips quivering, and fell into Jenna’s arms.
Chapter 36
A few days later the mood around Mom’s house was still somber. Gordon had flown home the morning after their falling out and hadn’t yet called, leaving Mom to wonder if the relationship was over. Jenna had apologized profusely about her part in the debacle. But Mom insisted it wasn’t her fault.
Still, Jenna ached to see her mother so hurt. So lost.
Jenna drew comfort from Tyson, who also felt guilty about his part in the whole fiasco. He encouraged Jenna to give herself some grace and distracted her with ice cream runs and delicious kisses.
On Thursday she was starting her car after work when a call came in. It was Nancy from Parks and Recreation. Jenna’s stomach fluttered. She took a few seconds to settle her nerves before answering.
“Hi, Jenna, this is Nancy Gillespie from Parks and Rec. How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thank you. How are you, Nancy?”
“Doing well. The office has been quite busy this week, but I actually prefer it that way. Keeps things more interesting.”
“I like staying busy myself.”
“I had that feeling when we spoke last week. I enjoyed our conversation and I’m pleased to offer you the position. I feel you’d be a greatfit around here, but I also realize you might have other opportunities you’re considering.”
A smile spread across Jenna’s face. She made an effort to temper her enthusiasm. “I appreciate the offer. I do feel the position at Parks and Rec is ideal for me, but I would like a few days to consider all the factors.”
“Of course. I can send you the paperwork detailing the benefits and salary. I’m hoping that’ll be all the incentive you need. While I realize this would be a pay cut for you, we do offer terrific benefits for our team.”
“That would be helpful. Thank you. I really enjoyed talking with you last week, and I’m sure I’d enjoy working for you as well.”
“We did hit it off, didn’t we?” Her tone was conspiratorial.
“We sure did.”
They chatted a few minutes about the Braves’ recent series, the conversation flowing as easily as it had during the interview.
When Jenna hung up, she was grinning from ear to ear as she pulled the car from the lot. She couldn’t wait to tell Tyson.
“We have you right here in the Seashell Room.” Tyson unlocked the door and held it open for the middle-aged couple from Pennsylvania. They were celebrating their thirty-fifth anniversary.
“Aptly named,” Mrs. Turner said, referring to the wall decor. “These paintings are gorgeous.”
“They were done by a popular local artist. You can see more of her work at the Osprey Nest Art Gallery in the village.”
Mr. Turner set down his duffel. “I know where we’re going in the morning.”
