‘Only if you care about that sort of thing.’
‘I think your mother cares very much about that sort of thing.’
‘Then my mother can marry her.’
‘Imagine the scandal.’
He laughed. ‘Look, Jessica is attractive, sure.’ He leaned in close, making sure I held his eye contact. ‘But she never once made my heart race the way you do.’
I felt a smile spread slowly across my face, my own heart starting to pound in my chest.
‘I make your heart race?’
‘Every time I’m anywhere near you.’
I swallowed hard. ‘I don’t know what to say.’
‘You don’t have to say anything.’ He took my hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. ‘I’m just really glad you’re here.’
22
JONAH
Even though it was the formal dining room, it had always had a warm and welcoming feel to it. Especially in winter, when the big fireplace in the corner was lit and stoked high, the flames sending warmth into every nook and cranny, driving the cold from the snow outside away. The long wooden table was beautifully laid with tasteful linen and a pine and candle centerpiece, and the large portraits on the wall of my grandparents watched over proceedings as they always did. The room was cozy. The atmosphere, thanks to my mother, was not.
The others were as friendly as usual. Anna hugged Mae and asked about her week. She thanked her for everything she was doing for our father, marveling at his progress in such a short period of time.
‘He’ll be back to his normal self in no time,’ she declared.
Mae smiled. ‘That’s the plan.’
There was a lobster bisque for starters, and for main course, roasted lamb, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed beans in butter and herbs, honey-glazed carrots. The food was, as always, delicious. But I couldn’t relax and enjoy it because I knew mymother too well. Sure enough, after the main course was cleared away and before dessert was brought out, she started.
‘Jessica, dear, remember how you and Jonah used to come for dinner every Sunday when you were together?’
Jessica nodded and smiled at me, with a nostalgic expression that hinted at shared memories. She was seated directly across the table, guided there at the beginning of the meal by my mother. ‘Of course. Highlight of my week. Jonah and I both looked forward to it.’
‘Speak for yourself,’ I muttered.
‘Do you know, he’s only stayed for a full meal a handful of times since the two of you broke up,’ my mother continued. ‘Perhaps it was the memories of being here with you that made it too difficult for him to be here.’
That was a reach, even for her. I gave her a hard stare. ‘It has nothing to do with Jessica.’
‘I always hoped you two would get married,’ she continued, ignoring me. ‘I know Jessica’s mother shared the same wish. Childhood sweethearts. We thought it would be wonderful to merge the two families.’
I heard Mae suck in a sharp little breath, no doubt shocked at my mother’s audacity. Unfortunately, it no longer shocked me at all.
‘Eleanor,’ my father said, chiding her gently. ‘That’s enough.’
‘This conversation is inappropriate and disrespectful to Mae,’ I told her, my voice tight.
Eleanor gave Mae a startled look, as if she’d just remembered she was there. ‘I don’t see how.’
‘She is here as my date,’ I reminded her. ‘And you’re banging on about my ex-girlfriend.’
Eleanor waved a hand dismissively. ‘Nonsense. Mae is a grown woman. I’m sure she isn’t threatened by a littlereminiscing. You and Jessica have been friends for a long time. You share a long, beautiful history. That will never change.’
‘We broke up,’ I remind her. ‘So, change the subject, or we’re leaving.’
