“You would totally suck as a nurse,” he told her.
She laughed. “So, what’s the plan?”
“A few more days, then hopefully I get to go home.”
Which was exactly what worried Phoebe. “To where?”
Phoebe realized she was the problem. She was taking up valuable space in their parents’ house, all because of the renovation. Space Jake could’ve used.
As it was, he couldn’t possibly go home to his rental in Kent. His apartment was on the second floor of an old Victorian house off of Main Street, with a steep walk-up. Which left Olivia. Who had a tiny cottage on her employer’s property, and a daughter who was also fresh out of the hospital after the accident. “I don’t know.” Jake closed his eyes and let out a long breath. “I don’t want to be a burden to anybody, but I can’t see doing the stairs at my place just yet. Maybe to Olivia’s.”
That’s what Phoebe had been hoping he’d say, but it still made her feel bad. “I’ve fucked everything up,” she told him.
Jake opened his eyes. “Hey now, I’m not done complaining. Why do you always have to make everything about you?” He was trying to make her laugh, but she couldn’t.
“I’m serious. You should be going home to stay with Mom and Dad for a while. You need help. And you can’t because I’ve already flooded their house with my own people.”
Jake shook his head. “Phoebe, I probably wouldn’t have gone there anyway. They already have Grandma to look after.”
“See? Even that didn’t stop me. I’m a horrible person.”
Jake nodded. “It’s been established.” Then, turning to her, “Come on, sis. Don’t beat yourself up. It’s only temporary. Isn’t it about the electricity or something?”
Phoebe slumped in her chair. “Or something.” She needed to tell Jake. Everyone needed that person who, no matter what they said, wouldn’t judge. Who wouldn’t give unsolicited advice. Jake had always been her person.
With some effort, Jake pulled himself upright and adjusted his pillows so he could face her. “What’s really up?”
Phoebe reached for his tapioca pudding and snatched it off the tray. Jake handed her the spoon. Between giant mouthfuls, she told him. About the budget, the hidden problems of the build, the tension between her and Rob. And the fact that they were “shit out of money.”
When she had finished, both the tapioca and the horrid details, she burped.
Jake studied her. “Just so we’re clear, are youshit out of money, or justoutof money?”
Phoebe chucked the empty container at him, and he ducked playfully, then gripped his cast. “Ow! No sudden movements.”
She jumped up. “Shit! Sorry.” And then she started to cry.
“Phoebs, it’s okay. I’m just joking.” Jake grabbed her hand. “Listen, if I had any extra cash, I’d give it to you, no questions asked. But I just bought Olivia an engagement ring, and this hospital bill isn’t going to be small.”
She swiped at her eyes, and held her hands up in protest. “No, that’s not why I’m telling you,” she insisted. “I just have to tell someone. I don’t know what else to do.”
“You have to tell Rob,” Jake said. “That’s the first thing.”
“He’s going to stroke out.”
“And so will you, if you don’t tell him. Look, I know you think you’re protecting him. But it’s obviously taking a toll on you, and, from what you’ve told me, on both of you. You’re stuck at Mom and Dad’s. You can’t get out of that situation until you finish the build. And you can’t finish the build. What choice do you have?”
Jake was right.
“I hate to say it, but have you considered that maybe it’s time to walk away?”
Phoebe jolted upright. “No. Not an option. It’s our dream. We’ve nearly killed ourselves to get it done.”
Jake regarded her sadly. “Phoebs. You’re killing yourself trying to hang on to it. Isthatyour dream?”
Phoebe reached for her purse. “Well, thanks for listening. I really need to get back to Mom’s and relieve her of the boys. I’m taking them to T-ball.”
But he wasn’t done yet. Jake snagged the straps of her purse just as she tugged it over her shoulder, and held on. “Phoebe. He’s your husband.” Jake was looking at her with too much sympathy, something Phoebe hated. People could disagree with her. They could dislike her. Hell, she didn’t care if they hated her. But she would not tolerate an ounce of sympathy.
