Page 209 of A Matter of Time

“She told Mitch about her and Kurt.” Rachel spoke for her sister, patting Jen’s back gently. “And guess what?” She looked me in the eye. “He’s been banging his accountant for the last six months.”

“No.” I was stunned.

“Yes,” Jen announced, lifting her head, wiping her eyes. “His accountant!”

“What’d—what else did he say?”

“He said he was so relieved that he’s giving me everything I want in the divorce. He just wants out.”

“And your kids?”

“He wants joint custody, but that shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Then…” I drew out the word, making it a question, turning to Rachel. “Why all this?”

“Kurt,” Rachel said softly. “He’s going to stay with Rita. She forgave him, and they’re going to give it another chance.”

“But I thought Kurt loved Jen?”

“Apparently he loves his social class more.”

“I don’t understand,” I said, my focus back on Jen.

“Jory, Kurt was poor when he married Rita. He works at her father’s company. He’s the vice president and his father-in-law is the president. The cars and the boat and the membership at the goddamn country club are all through her. She owns him, and I forgot about that. He likes traveling and expensive clothes and his gadgets and everything else that her money buys.”

“Oh, sweetie.” I kissed her forehead, easing her back into my arms. “I’m so sorry.”

“When push came to shove, he wanted to be rich more than he wanted to be in love.”

“He was probably thinking of his kids,” I assured her. “If she’s that rich, I’m sure she could afford to⁠—”

“Please, Jory.” She sniffled. “His kids are away in boarding school. He doesn’t even see them,” she wheezed out, her tears nearly choking her. “No, it’s just the money. He likes his status, and he’s not going back to being just like the rest of us.”

“I’m so sorry, honey.”

She clutched me tight.

“Jennifer.”

We both looked up at Sam.

“Fuck them all. You’ll find the guy for you. Just focus on your kids right now, and we’ll all be here for you.” He motioned for her to get up. “C’mere.”

And I was so proud of him, watching him hug the life out of his sister. The sigh that came up out of her spoke to the importance of his words. For whatever reason, what he thought and said was the mirror she saw her reflection in. That he loved her and believed in her helped more than any other comfort.

“Thank you for coming, Jory,” Rachel whispered, leaning across the small space that separated us. “It means so much.”

“It’s Sam she needed.” I gestured to the brother and sister hugging tight.

“Yes.” She nodded, looking me in the eye. “But when you’re not around, he isn’t this guy. My mom says that’s what happens when you’re in love. The other person brings out the very best in you.”

I stared back at her.

“When you’re with him, Sammy is amazing. I never had much use for him until you came with him that one Sunday. I finally got what the big deal was…and then you disappeared. Don’t disappear again, Jory.”

“No, I won’t.”

She nodded, leaning back. “Good.”