She was in love with Tyson Parker. And even more miraculously—he was in love with her. Life would be perfect except for the minor little detail of her vocational future.
Ugh.Why did this island have to be so expensive?
Her thoughts came to a halt when she spotted Mom on the sofa.
Mom winked. “That was an awful long good-bye.”
Though her mother tried for a bright smile, Jenna couldn’t miss her bloodshot eyes.
“What’s wrong? Did Gordon call?” Jenna took a seat beside her.
“No, he didn’t. But he did send me this handwritten missive.” She handed Jenna a white envelope.
Jenna pulled out the contents: the itemized list of what he owed her mom—753 dollars, a check in that same amount, and a thank-you card bearing a watercolor painting of the Assateague Lighthouse.
“He bought those cards the day we visited Assateague.” Her mom’s tone was flat. “Go ahead, read it.”
The small, tidy printing matched that of the itemized list. It didn’t take long to read the four lines of standard thank-you etiquette. The words were kind and gracious. But after the closeness he and Mom had shared, Jenna could see why this note—and the accompanying check—might feel like a slap in the face.
“Emily Post would certainly be proud,” Mom said.
“Who?”
“He said he’d call! And instead he sends me this generic thank-you card and the money he owes me. I don’t even want the money. He’s such a kind, gentle man. How could I have ever thought he was trying to deceive me? No wonder he hates me.” The tears were back.
“Oh, Mom, I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.” Jenna had been so stupid and stubborn. All that time she’d been trying to prevent her mother’s heartbreak, and instead she’d actually effectuated it.
Ouch.
She squelched the urge to apologize again. This wasn’t about her. “You did have a viable reason to confront him. His reaction seems over the top. Maybe you should just call him. Tell him how you feel.”
“I’m afraid of what he’ll say. I don’t want to hear him tell me it’s over. I don’t want it tobeover.”
“Maybe he just needs a little more time. It’s only been three days. And he would’ve had to mail this a couple days ago. He might feel differently by now. Surely he can see now why you had some reservations.”
Mom wiped her tears away. “I’ll think about it. I can’t call him tonight, though. I’m a mess.” Her tears evolved into weeping. “I can’t seem to stop crying. This heartbreak stuff is for the birds.”
Jenna’s gut clenched. “Oh, Mom.” She put her arm around her mother and pulled her close. All she could do was offer comfort—and it just didn’t seem like enough.
Chapter 38
“It’s just as dismal as you said.” Tyson’s hopes dwindled as he scrolled through the available jobs posted online. He and Jenna were cozied up on his sofa while the Braves game played on the TV.
“I don’t seem like front desk material?” Jenna said.
“You’re overqualified for everything.”
“There is a general manager position open.”
“I doubt Dollar General pays a living wage.” Perhaps the salary would be enough to make ends meet elsewhere, but not on the island. He stifled a yawn. The sleepless nights were taking a toll.
“It’s getting late and you’re tired. I should go.” She started to ease away.
He held her fast. “Game’s almost over.”
“You need your rest.” Her gaze sharpened on him. “Are you still having nightmares?”
“Some.” Nearly every night, but who was counting?
