‘I’m Jessica,’ she said, holding out her hand. ‘A friend of the family.’
I shook it. ‘Nice to meet you.’
‘Did I hear right? You’re Gray’s nurse?’
‘I am.’
‘Mae’s been making home visits to check on his progress and assist him with his rehabilitation,’ Eleanor clarified. She flicked a glance between me and Jonah. ‘Is that where you two met?’
‘No,’ Jonah replied, not elaborating any further. ‘Where is Dad? Is he up to joining us for dinner?’
‘He’s already at the table, as are the others. You’re late, as usual.’
‘I’m sorry,’ I said, smiling in an effort to appease her. ‘That was probably my fault. I wasn’t quite ready when Jonah arrived to pick me up.’
‘Well, at least you’re here now,’ she said, unsmiling. ‘Come along. Let’s not hold the others up any longer.’
She turned and left the room, and I exhaled heavily, feeling nerves fizz in my stomach. In my professional capacity as Gray’s nurse, I had no problems dealing with Eleanor and her snooty tones and moods. She wasn’t arrogant, as such. But shewas definitely one of those people who clearly viewed others as beneath them,especiallypeople who worked in service industries. Never mind that I was a qualified, experienced nurse who had dedicated my life to helping others. Who had, in fact, assisted in saving many lives over the years. It didn’t bother me that she felt that way about my job. I loved what I did. I went to sleep at night knowing I made a difference every day. Her validation was unnecessary. But itdidbother me that she clearly didn’t think I was worthy of dating her precious son. I sure as hell wasn’t going to have her look down on me forthat.
‘God, I’m so sorry,’ Jonah said, pulling a face. ‘I had no idea Jessica would be here, or even that she was back in town.’
‘It’s fine,’ I told him. ‘I think.’
‘You think?’
‘Was it a recent breakup?’
‘No, about a year ago, roughly.’
‘So not terribly fresh.’
‘Nah,’ he agreed. ‘Old news.’
‘Jonah, I know this is none of my business, and feel free to tell me to butt out, but why did it end? You don’t have to tell me everything. I don’t need all the gory little details. I guess I’m just wondering if you were heartbroken by the end of the relationship?’
He shook his head. ‘No. Which sounds bad, I know, because we were together for a little while. I cared about her. I did. And I was sad when we broke up. But honestly? I mostly felt relieved.’
‘Relieved?’
‘Yeah.’ He took a drink of beer. ‘Jessica’s great. And beautiful, obviously.’
A pang of jealousy briefly flared in my stomach, but I quashed it. ‘Is she? I didn’t notice.’
He gave me a look.
‘She’s stunning,’ I admitted.
‘You’re just as beautiful as she is.’
‘That’s nice of you to say, but we both know that’s not true. Jessica is the kind of beauty that ends up on magazine covers. The closest I’ve ever been to a magazine cover was a group photo in a hospital newsletter once, and it was taken at the end of a shift when my hair was a mess and I had vomit on my uniform.’
‘I’m sure you looked cute.’
I snorted. ‘Google it if you don’t believe me. On second thoughts, don’t. You might run screaming for the hills.’
He studied my face. ‘You’re not seriously feeling intimidated by her, are you?’
‘Not intimidated. Just in awe, I guess. You two would have made a serious power couple. Good-looking, and both from wealthy families.’
