“It’s just one mishap,” she said. Reanna couldn’t believe he was being such a baby about a little burnt squash. “I’ll cook us something different.”
“You mean besides baked mice?” Jerry said.
“What?” No way had she heard him correctly. “My cooking might not have been the best tonight, but that’s a bit cruel, don’t you think?”
“Ask them,” he said pointing to the oven, which was still open.
Now that the smoke had cleared, she could see the cause of the odor. Oh my God. “I’ve cooked a nest of baby mice!”
“Like I said, eating out,” Jerry stated just staring at the oven.
Reanna covered her mouth and ran out of the room. She was going to hurl. Flinging the bathroom door open, she dropped to her knees and held the toilet bowl while she vomited out the entire contents of her stomach. If that wasn’t bad enough, Jerry had followed her.
Handing her a cool, wet face cloth he said, “I disposed of the mice. How are you doing?”
Reanna slumped onto the floor and said, “I think I’ve had better nights.” Jerry extended a hand to help her up. “And I agree with you. Eating out sounds good.” Truthfully, she didn’t even want to think about food right now.
“You look like you might want to just sit on your porch and relax tonight. Would you like me to go and pick something up for us to eat instead?” Jerry offered.
Damn, he’s so good to me. After being married to Bobby, who never took care of her, this was such a wonderful change. “I’m sure we can get something delivered so you can relax too.”
She led the way to the porch. Reanna wanted to offer him something cold to drink, but wasn’t ready to go back into the kitchen just yet.
When they were seated on the swing, Jerry asked, “Should I update my list to include mice as well?”
“What list?” she asked.
“Sharks and now mice,” he said.
Reanna rolled her eyes. “You can’t tell me that didn’t gross you out,” she huffed. “It was absolutely…” She covered her mouth. “Let’s not talk about it.”
“Yup. On the list. Is there anything else I should know?” he joked.
She glared at him. “Don’t you want to know things like my favorite color or book or movie?”
“Not as interesting, but we can discuss those too. Later,” he said with a wink. “Now, what other fears do you have?”
“I thought we were going to talk about the party on Thursday. Because making a fool of myself in front of your family and friends would be one of them,” she admitted. “Were you able to get any more information?”
“I did. It’s a casual dinner party, family and close friends only.”
“So I’m not required to be there?” she asked hopefully.
“Since you’re the maid of honor, you’re stuck going just like I am,” he said.
Reanna snickered. “It’s your family. Of course you have to be there. And now I am wondering why I agreed to do this. It’s a lot more work than I thought.”
“It’s a dinner party, that’s all.”
“For you, maybe. But the maid of honor has a role to play. I am required to offer my assistance in any and all activities. Which means I need to call your mother and ask what I can do to help,” she said.
Jerry said quickly. “No!”
Her eyes widened in shock. “No don’t call? No don’t offer?”
“Yes. You don’t know my mother. She’ll have you helping her with everything,” he stated.
“And what is wrong with that?” Reanna asked.
“She doesn’t need it. My mother has been planning parties most of her life. It’s what she does. But if you offer, it’s like her way in. You will find the only thing you’re doing is answering a bunch of questions.”
“Why would she do that?”
“So she can determine if you’re a match for any of her sons,” he said.
That told her Jerry never mentioned to his family that they were….dating? “Oh, so I probably shouldn’t have told her that we’re sleeping together,” she said in a serious tone. “My bad.” Jerry looked like she’d just punched him in the gut. “Take it easy. I’m joking.”
“You wouldn’t do that if you met her.” Then he cracked a wicked grin and added, “Oh yeah. You will be meeting her on Thursday. You’ll understand then. My suggestion would be say little, and don’t offer any information you don’t want publicized.”
“Oh, she’s like Brenda,” Reanna said.
“With better connections to the Gazette.”
“So now I know what not to do, but what am I supposed to do?” she asked.
“I guess you could come with me,” he said.
“You mean like actually go with you there?”
“It’s easy to explain. We are both part of the wedding party. We were discussing things ahead of time and decided that—”
“Jerry, why don’t you just say what you want to. It’ll save time and besides, I’m getting hungry,” she said.
“I would prefer my family not know that we are friends,” he said.
There was that word again. Friend. She wasn’t in the habit of having sex with her friends, and obviously she’d misread where this was going. I should’ve known. What would a guy like Jerry see in me? Definitely not anything long term.
Reanna buried the hurt and put on her policewoman face. “Don’t worry. It’s not something I want anyone to know either.” Not anymore.
“Then I guess all that’s left is to order dinner,” Jerry said.
She rubbed her stomach and said, “I know you drove all the way here, but I don’t think I could eat tonight. Right now, I think I need to go lie down and hopefully my stomach will settle before I need to go into work.” It wasn’t a lie. She really didn’t feel well at all. It just doesn’t have anything to do with mice.
Jerry nodded and got up. He placed a kiss on her forehead and said, “Are you sure you don’t need anything before I leave?”
Some superglue for my heart that you just broke. “No. I’m all set.”
She waited for Jerry to back out of the driveway and head down the road before she allowed herself to break. Reanna couldn’t believe she was even shedding one tear for someone she’d known less than a week. But the tears flowed and kept coming. She hadn’t even cried like this when she ended her marriage with Bobby.
Why does this hurt? It wasn’t anything more than… She sobbed. A chance to love.
Jerry had told her to just trust him. She did and look where it had landed her, bawling her eyes out and alone.
She wanted to be angry, but it wasn’t his fault. He’d upheld what promises he’d made. But he never promised this would be anything…real.
Reanna wiped her tear-streaked face with the bottom of her T-shirt. Getting up off the swing, she thought, I should’ve fed him the mice.
That thought was even too much for her and once again, covering her mouth, she ran to the bathroom.
This night really couldn’t get much worse. Don’t jinx yourself Reanna. It’s still early.
Reanna was right, things could get worse. Her night at work was nonstop, even for little Hope Valley. There had been a major collision with fatalities right off the highway. Her department assisted the State Police. If Jerry had left when they had originally planned, it could’ve been him in that vehicle. They might not have a future together, but she still cared very much for him and she wanted him happy. Even if it means not being with me.
Chapter Seven
“Mrs. Heart, you shouldn’t have gone through all this trouble,” Shanda said giving his mother a hug.
“Please, call me Marcy. We are going to be family,” his mother said.
Shanda smiled, and then did the same to his father. “Thank you David. This means so much to me.”
David said, “We’ve always wanted a daughter. Now we’ll have one.”
Jerry was standing right there and said, “Gee, thanks Dad.”
“You know we lov
e all our sons, but a girl, well, they have a way of brightening up things,” David said. “Look at Shanda’s smile. When was the last time you smiled like that?”
Clark came over and said, “Since we don’t wear lipstick, I’d say never.”
Jerry rolled his eyes. Was Clark trying to rev his parents up? They all knew better than to engage when they didn’t need to.
Marcy said, “Clark, you know very well that is not what your father meant.”
Jerry took that as his opportunity to step away. Although he normally would enjoy watching Clark get reprimanded, he had other things on his mind. He stepped out onto the patio and checked his phone. He hadn’t heard from Reanna since she’d texted him earlier saying she would meet him here. He hadn’t thought anything of it until she didn’t show.
Kenneth and Shanda had been able to break free as well and joined him outside. “You ran away quickly,” Kenneth said.
“I’m older and wiser,” Jerry responded
Kenneth chuckled. “Older is right.”
He’d just left Clark’s smartass, he wasn’t in the mood for Kenneth’s. Turning his attention to Shanda he said, “You looked as though you were really surprised.”
“I was. You could’ve given me or Kenneth the heads-up. I would’ve worn something different,” Shanda said.
“You look beautiful,” Kenneth said and kissed her on the cheek.
“Thank you. But a girl likes to look her best at things like this you know. Neither Krissy nor Reanna said a word either. Hey, where is Reanna? I thought for sure my maid of honor would be here,” Shanda stated.
“I was about to ask if you’d heard from her,” Jerry said.
Shanda looked at Kenneth. “You don’t think something’s happened to her do you? I mean, maybe we should call and check on her.”
Jerry could feel Kenneth glaring at him. “Something probably came up.”
By something you mean me. Yeah, you’re probably right. At least Jerry hoped that was all it was. “She’s been working the overnight shift. Maybe she couldn’t get the time off.” The last time he’d spoken to her, she had said that wasn’t an issue. Something had changed since then and he wasn’t sure what. They spoke, but it wasn’t like before, light and playful. Reanna was pulling away from him and he wanted to know why.
And after this damn party, I’m going to find out.
“I know there was a huge wreck last night. If she was on, I’m sure she was there. It was awful. Did you see it on the news?” Shanda asked.
“We don’t get the Hope Valley news in Boston.” Jerry wished right now that he did.
“I’m sure that explains why she isn’t here. Heck, if I had my way, I wouldn’t be either,” Kenneth said.
Shanda slapped his bicep. “That’s horrible. Your mother went through a lot of trouble for us.”
“No. She did this for her. Trust me, she’s in heaven right now having all these people at the house. You can believe this is about us, but it’s always about her,” Kenneth added. “If you don’t believe me, ask Jerry.”
Jerry raised his hands and said, “You’re on your own on this one.”
Kenneth raised a brow and asked, “Already in too much hot water yourself?”
“I’ve kept my mouth shut and my distance tonight,” Jerry said.
He shook his head. “I mean with Reanna.”
“What makes you think I did something?” he asked.
“Because you’ve had a scowl on your face since we walked in. Since I know we didn’t do anything to piss you off, that only leaves one thing. Reanna,” Kenneth stated.
“Kenneth, it’s none of our business if they are having a lovers’ quarrel,” Shanda added.
“We’re not fighting,” Jerry stated a bit too firmly.
Shanda looked at him and asked, “Then where is she?”
“How the fu, heck should I know? She said she’d be here and she’s not. That’s all I know,” he growled.
Shanda crossed her arms and added, “Then why aren’t you out there looking for her? What if she is home sick or something?”
“She’s not,” he said.
“And you know this how?” she asked.
With a heavy sigh he replied, “Because I fucked up and said something stupid. Is that what you’ve been waiting to hear?”
Kenneth stepped in and said, “Don’t get angry at Shanda because you were an idiot.”
Jerry said in a softer tone, “Sorry. I guess I’m a bit…”
“Stressed?” Clark said as he joined them. “You’ve been that way for a week now. What the hell is going on? Maybe you need to see a doctor.”
You’re going to need one if you don’t shut the fuck up.
Shanda said, “I thought things were going good between you and Reanna.”
Fuck! Jerry saw the look in Clark’s eyes.
“Ha. I knew it. A woman. You said no, but I knew it,” he said smugly. “But how is it that Kenneth and Shanda know but I don’t?”
“Know about what?” Marcy asked as she too entered the patio.
Fuck me! He’d fucked up by telling Reanna he didn’t want anyone knowing, and by doing that, it seems he ensured that everyone did.
“Nothing Mother,” Jerry said. He shot Clark a warning look, but Clark just grinned.
“Mother, did you know Jerry is seeing a woman named Reanna?” Clark asked.
Marcy’s eyes widened and glistened with excitement. “Reanna Long, the maid of honor? She didn’t say anything when we spoke earlier today.”
“You talked to her? About what?” Jerry asked.
“I’m sorry, but my conversations might not be meant to be shared,” she replied.
“Mother, please,” he begged. Not something he’d ever done in his life. “Is she okay?”
Marcy looked at him for a moment, as though she still might hold back, but then said, “Yes, she’s fine. We were discussing the wedding. She apologized for not being able to come tonight but something had come up.”
“She didn’t say what?” Jerry asked.
“More like a who. Some man named Bobby was in the background, and she didn’t seem too happy about it at all.”
“Bobby?”
Shanda said, “He’s back? I thought she kicked him out. I can only imagine how pissed she is having to deal with that again.”
“Who the hell is Bobby?” Jerry snapped.
“Her ex-husband. I guess he showed up and crashed on her couch. Last time I talked to her she had kicked him out. Guess he is back and mooching off her some more. It’s a shame. She has the kindest, most generous heart, and people take advantage of that. And then there are those who are too blind to appreciate her,” Shanda said.
Jerry knew that last part was a dig at him. He appreciated everything about her. Because she was so amazing, he knew she deserved better than what he could give her. Jerry knew what she wanted wasn’t money, it was something money couldn’t buy. It was also something he wasn’t capable of giving.
He pulled out his cell phone and tried her number. It went directly to voicemail. Fuck. “I have to go.”
“Jerry, are you sure you want to do that? It sounds like there’s already a man in her life,” Clark stated.
“Yeah, there is. It’s me,” he snapped and left them all staring after him.
Before he could make it out the door, Shanda caught his arm, “Jerry, she doesn’t love Bobby, if that is what you’re worried about. They aren’t involved at all. Brenda told him he could stay there without getting Reanna’s approval first. All I know was Reanna wasn’t happy about the situation before. I’m sure she isn’t again.”
“Why are you telling me this?” he asked.
“Because I see the look in your eyes. You care very much about her. And from what she has said to me, she feels the same. Don’t let unfounded jealously blind you to what is important, which is how you two feel about each other.”
Jerry said, “I really did fuck up. That’s why she’s not here.”
�
�Then go and fix it. One thing I have learned about the Heart men, you like to act like you don’t have a heart, but the truth is, you’re all heart. You’ll think of what to say.”
“The only good thing about this long ride, it gives me plenty of time to do a lot of thinking,” he said. It wasn’t just about what he wanted to say, but what he wanted going forward. What was the point of fixing it if he was only going to hurt her again?
Shanda gave him a kiss on the cheek and said, “Don’t overthink it. The head only confuses things.”
He nodded and left. Telling a Heart man not to think is like telling him not to breathe. That is all they do, 24/7. That is also what makes them difficult to love. They need to rationalize every aspect of everything. When it comes to a relationship, women tend not to find any enjoyment in that. Jerry hadn’t really done much of that with Reanna, at least not while he was with her. He saved all the internal battles for when he was home.
Speaking what he thought was what landed him in hot water. He might as well have told her he was embarrassed to be with her. That sure as hell wasn’t the case. Jerry truly was trying to protect her. Now that his mother knew about them, she would butt in. If not today, Reanna would be getting an invitation for lunch or something very soon. The problem with that is Reanna being nice, she wouldn’t stand a chance with his mother. She really needs a job interrogating people. People who aren’t family or friends.
The ride wasn’t long enough tonight. He arrived at her doorstep with no more clarity than he had before. Coming here might have been a mistake. As soon as the door opened and a man answered, he really questioned what the fuck he was doing there.
“Who are you?” he said.
Jerry looked the guy over. He had loser written all over him. “I’m here to see Reanna.”
“She’s in bed.”
“Fine. I know the way,” Jerry said, pushing past who he assumed was Bobby.
“Hey, you can’t just walk in here like you own the place,” Bobby said.
Jerry turned to him and asked, “What part of this place is yours?” Bobby said nothing. “Exactly. Now why don’t you pack your shit while I talk to Reanna?”
“Why should I pack?” Bobby asked.
Just Trust (The Reluctant Heart Book 2) Page 9
