“I can’t—”
“Why don’t we go inside and check on Jerry? You can make a few calls. If one of your friends can help you out, I’ll leave. I’ll feel better waiting until I know for sure that you’re taken care of.”
Jenna ran her tongue along her top teeth and nodded. “Fine.” She slid out of the van and slammed the door a little too loudly. Why was she upset with him for being kind?
Because she didn’t know what to do about it.
They bypassed the front desk this time, making their way to the elevator. “I should have loaned you a shirt,” he said when the doors closed.
Jenna looked down at her top. One shoulder was exposed, the other covered with the red material.
Definitely giving off the morning after vibe.
“What? You don’t think an off-the-shoulder blouse and cowboy boots are suitable hospital visiting attire?” Maybe making light of the situation would make their entrance seem less ... well, less.
“You’re gorgeous in a ratty pair of sweats and one of my extra-large sweatshirts.”
She gasped, shocked at the reference to her favorite weekend outfit during their marriage.
“I mean...” Tristan opened his mouth. Shut it. Opened it again.
“Don’t.” Jenna held up her hand to ward off any more words. Compliments, terms of endearment, jokes. It seemed everything that came out of his mouth was too ... well, too much.
The elevator dinged, pinging a sigh of relief in her chest. She escaped the small space as soon as the opening was big enough for her to slip through and hustled down the corridor to Jerry’s room.
“Knock, knock,” she said as she tapped on his door. A doctor and nurse were standing on either side of his bed talking with him. “I’m sorry for interrupting. I can come back.”
Jerry had given her medical rights and power of attorney in making any decisions regarding his health. He’d made her promise she wouldn’t stick him in a retirement home—only the occasional visit to socialize—and made her promise she wouldn’t let him die in a hospital.
When it came time, he wanted to be at home surrounded by pictures and memories of Brigette.
“There’s my girl,” she heard Jerry croak.
“Do you want some privacy with the doctor?”
“No.” Jerry coughed, and she moved to help him, but the doctor and nurse had him under control.
Jenna stood at the foot of his bed, gently rubbing his calf.
“Call your ... boy ... in ... here.”
She felt Tristan’s presence behind her. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Bishop.” He joined her and reached for his other calf, mimicking Jenna’s moves.
“You’re not ... trying to steal ... my girl, are ... you?” The oxygen tube in his nose slipped, and the nurse nudged it back in place.
“You have pretty big shoes to fill. According to Jenna, you’re responsible for putting the stars in the sky.”
“A romantic.” Jerry coughed.
She never thought of Tristan as a romantic. He was always just ... Tristan. He was her first boyfriend, so she never had anyone to compare him to. After a handful of pitiful dates, she learned what she had with him was not normal.
It was too perfect. And perfect relationships didn’t exist. Or last.
“Can I take him home?” she asked the doctor, ignoring the instant spark between Jerry and Tristan.
“I’d like to keep him here for a few more days. His oxygen levels are really low. He’ll need to stay on oxygen from now on. Belinda can show you how to operate the machine.”
“If it’s the same one he used last year, I remember.”
They all knew what this meant. From now on he’d be attached to a machine. He didn’t want to be kept alive by science. Oxygen wasn’t the end of the world, though. It didn’t mean he had to give up the fight.
“Jenna?” Carter’s voice startled her from behind, but not as much as his hand on her waist.
“Carter.” She looked from him to Tristan—all too aware of the tick in his jaw—to Jerry, keeping her attention focused on the man who needed it the most.
“You’re ... wearing the same ... clothes you had ... on last ... night.”
She prayed the moan she made was only mental.
“She stayed at my place. It’s my fault for not offering her something to wear. She was in a hurry to come to see you.”
The next groan escaped her lips. Carter’s raised eyebrow and Tristan’s poor attempt to hide his smirk told her it was a loud one.
“Tristan drove me home last night. I accidentally left my purse and keys at my parents and was locked out of the house.”
“Where is your car now?”
“At my parents. I’ve been kind of stranded.”
“I can take you,” Carter offered.
“So can I,” Tristan counteroffered. “I didn’t feed you properly this morning after we woke up. I’ll treat you to breakfast along the way.”
Not wanting to be stuck in the middle of this testosterone pissing match, she patted Jerry’s foot and forced a smile. “I’ll be right back.” She gave Tristan the death stare. “I’d like to have a word with you in the hall, please.”
Thankfully Carter didn’t follow them out.
“What the hell was that all about?”
“What?” Tristan shrugged, feigning innocence.
“Please. You’re playing a classic game of whose dick is bigger.”
Tristan choked, pounding his chest with his fist.
She’d heard Mia use the expression plenty of times, and Jenna didn’t think she’d ever have a need to say it. Until now.
“You’re making it seem like something happened between you and me last night.”
“Something did,” he said earnestly.
“No. It didn’t.”
“We’ve moved past the wall you—we—built. That’s something in my book.”
Maybe they had. That didn’t mean anything was happening between them. They’d be connected by the past, but it was just that. The past. Her future was with Carter.
Carter, who had to be thinking she was an absolute hussy.
“Just because we’ve had a few conversations doesn’t mean you can push your way back into my life.”
“Why not?”
“Why not? Because...” Jenna crossed her arms, searching for the right words. Remembering the sweet man she left in the other room, she lifted her chin and huffed out her response. “Carter. Because Carter and I are dating, and he doesn’t need to know—to think— there’s anything going on with us.”
Hoping he didn’t pick up on her near-blunder, she dropped her arms and rolled her shoulders back, pretending to come off as one hundred percent competent in her word choices and actions.
“Besides, we’ve been over for a long time. Years. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to see to Jerry, then Carter will bring me home.”
“Jenna,” he called to her retreating back.
If his tone had been angry or cocky, she wouldn’t have turned around. Instead, her name came out as a plea. A sad, desperate plea.
Lowering her defensive stance, she tilted her head and crossed her arms again, this time not so tight.
Tristan’s long legs crossed the corridor until he stood close. Too close. His sneakers only inches away from the tips of her red cowboy boots, his body radiating so much heat her internal thermometer shot up twenty degrees.
Rich hazel eyes stared down at her, locking with her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
And then he did that wicked thing with his lip. It wasn’t exactly a grin or a smirk, yet his lip lifted. It wasn’t humorous or mischievous. It said sorry and I’m an idiot and forgive me all in one slight lift of the lip.
She told herself to look away, to not get drawn into his hypnotic stare. To not fall for him as easily as she had when they were teenagers.
Clearing her throat, she nodded. “Okay.” If she said anymore, he’d hear the turmoil in her chest. If only Tristan wasn’t so hu
mble.
If only Tristan was an asshole.
If only Tristan wasn’t so sexy.
If only.
Turning again, praying he’d leave her be, she pushed open the door to Jerry’s room and walked to his bed.
He struggled to lift his hand, searching for hers. She held on to it and gave it a gentle squeeze. She was too cowardly to talk to Carter alone right now. Holding on to Jerry for support, she said to him, “If the offer still stands, I’d like to take you up on that ride. Can you give me some time here first?”
“Absolutely. I have my laptop and plenty of work to do.” He patted his messenger bag. “I’ll be in the cafeteria. Come and get me whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” she said, still leaning on Jerry for support.
As soon as he left, Jerry coughed out two words. “Everything okay?”
“Everything will be a lot better when we can get you home. Do you know when that will be, doctor?”
They spent the next hour going over Jerry’s current medical condition and met with the team who would be visiting him at home as soon as he was stable enough to be transported.
The worry of his future mattered more to her than the two men who were pulling at her heartstrings and confusing the ever-loving crap out of her.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“I really appreciate you going out of your way to help me get my car.” Jenna fastened her seat belt in Carter’s pick-up truck.
“Anytime.”
They drove in uncomfortable silence, the only sound coming from the country music singers on the radio. Jenna tapped her foot nervously, a habit she’d never done before, while Carter drove with his wrist draped over the wheel in what appeared to be a casual Sunday drive.
Only it was as far from casual as could be. She had no idea what to say to him. This whole mess was complicated, that was for sure.
She’d never seen this side of Tristan. Competitive, sly, and possibly jealous. He’d fallen for her during art class. Something he totally sucked at.
She’d found it refreshing. A cute, popular jock who couldn’t mold a ball out of clay. Instead of getting angry, he’d laughed at himself and moseyed into Jenna’s corner, making himself comfortable—too comfortable—in her personal space.
“Penny for your thoughts.”
Jenna bit her bottom lip and cast a sideways glance at Carter. He was cute. Charming. Funny. Sweet. Kind. From a family of values.
Why couldn’t Tristan have stayed away and let her enjoy her new life with her friends? With Carter? There was no need for him to come in between them.
Twisting in her seat, she studied the man who’d rescued her from her dungeon a few months ago and brought so much light into her life.
Well, not that her life had been horrid. Her romance life, yes.
“Just a penny? I figured they’d be worth more than that,” she teased.
He winked at her while still keeping his focus on the road. “Sweetheart, there’s no price on your thoughts.”
“I’m going to assume that’s because I’m priceless, not worthless,” she said in jest.
“Don’t even think,” he warned, holding up a finger at her, “that you’re worthless. If he’s been...” Carter clamped his lips together and placed both hands on the wheel.
She hated that she’d caused a rift in their budding—somewhat—romance.
“Carter.” Placing a hand on his forearm, she scooted as close to him as her seat belt would allow. “I suppose I should tell you about Tristan.”
“We never said we were exclusive. You have a right to ... date someone else.”
The way he forced out the word date made it clear he was talking about sleeping with.
“Tristan is my ex-husband.”
“You were married? To him?” His eyes grew big with shock as he cast her a quick glance over his shoulder.
“Yes. And he was at the high school reunion last night. Working as the caterer.”
“He did Lily and Ty’s wedding. I thought you two went to high school together. I didn’t know you were married. That you’d ever been married.”
“No one knew. When we divorced, I wanted to start over. I moved to Crystal Cove and started a new life.”
“And he followed you.”
“I don’t think so. It’s a coincidence. Alexis and Ben sought him out and asked him if he’d be interested in the wine pairing events. They had no idea he was my ex-husband.”
“And you stayed with him last night?” Carter ran a hand through his hair and placed it back on the wheel. “Sorry. That’s none of my business.”
“It is.” She dropped her hand from his arm and settled back into her seat. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I didn’t really talk to him at all last night. Not until the end, when he was packing up. And then I got the call from the hospital. He was there. I had been drinking and couldn’t drive, so I took him up on the offer. After we stopped by the hospital, he dropped me off at home, but I’d left in such a hurry I’d forgotten my keys were at my parents’ house.”
“You don’t have to explain, Jenna. It’s okay.”
“But I do. I know I hurt your feelings today, and Tristan made it sound like my staying at his house was more than...”
Than what? Because it was more than. It was so much more than. They’d reconnected, and the bitterness she’d been harboring for so long had vanished too easily. Maybe it was the alcohol, or her emotional state knowing Jerry didn’t have much longer to live.
Tristan had come by at the right time. Or the wrong time.
Jenna puffed out a sigh, more confused than ever. Carter was taking this too well.
“You’re a good man, Carter.”
“Ouch,” he overexaggerated, his clenched fists and jaw. “No good line ever followed that before.”
“You are. And I have no lines to follow. Just that I like you, and I never meant to hurt you.”
“Those are lines. I’m getting nervous.” The teasing tone was back, so she let it go. No point in getting over apologetic, or he’d think something really had gone on.
The last hour of the drive was more relaxing. They talked about mundane things like the weather, plans for the holidays, Grace and Brady’s wedding.
When he turned into her parents’ drive, she tensed again. Carter would be the first man she introduced to her parents since she was fifteen-years-old and asking if Tristan could bring her to the movies.
“I told my mom we’d stay for lunch. I hope that’s okay with you.”
“A free meal? I’d have to be crazy to say no to such an offer.”
Rolling her eyes, Jenna hopped out of the truck and led the way up the path to the front door.
“Twice in one weekend. You should leave your car here more often.” Her mother greeted her with a hug and a kiss to the cheek. Jenna didn’t miss her raised eyebrow as her mother took in her clothes.
“Funny.” Jenna returned her hug. “Mom, this is Carter.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Snyder.” He held out his hand to her.
“Call me Carolyn. I’ve heard so much about you.” Her mother shook it and closed the door behind them. “Come in. Your father’s on the deck grilling the chicken.”
They followed her through the living room and kitchen and to the back door.
“Frank, Jenna and her friend are here.”
Jenna did a mental eye roll and elbowed Carter in the ribs when he grinned.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Does this mean she knows how many times I’ve kissed you?”
This time she eye rolled for real. He could make her laugh, but ... she didn’t have the fluttery butterflies in her belly. She should. She wanted the butterflies, the clammy hands, the flushed cheeks.
Forcing them, she slipped her hand in his and tugged him on to the deck.
“Dad. This is Carter.”
“Nice to meet you.” They shook hands and sized each other up in a non-threatening way.
Carter w
as like that. Nonthreatening.
Except to Tristan.
No.
Stop.
Don’t think about him!
“Why don’t you two have a seat, and I’ll bring out some iced tea, or would you like something warm?”
“We’ve been sitting for the past hour and a half. Why don’t you sit, and I’ll finish up with lunch.”
Her mother looped her arm through Jenna’s. “How about you help me in the kitchen, and Carter can keep your father company?”
“Fine.” She tried to keep the sigh out of her response, but her mother could read her like an easy reader book.
Once they were in the kitchen, the barrage of questions began.
“You’re dating this man,” she said rather than asked. “I’m so happy for you.”
“We’ve gone out on a few dates. I told you that when we talked this morning. Nothing serious. Just having fun.”
“Mmhm.” Her mother took the potato salad out of the fridge and set it on the counter. “How long have you been dating him?”
“Not long. A few months.”
“It only took you two weeks to fall in love with Tristan.”
“I was a teenager. Teenage girls fall in love with every boyfriend before the first date. And they fall out of love as soon as they break up and move on to the next conquest.”
“Is that what happened with you and Tristan?”
Her mother didn’t need to interrogate her. She knew all too well how hard it had been to get over Tristan. Granted, she used the loss of their child as a cover for mourning her husband as well.
She spent months living in her old bedroom. Not that her parents would call it living. She cried. And slept. And cried. The baby weight came off—and then some—in less than a month.
It wasn’t that she was trying to shed the weight. But she couldn’t bring herself to eat anything. It wasn’t until her parents threatened to bring her to the hospital that she ate some soup and a piece of bread.
She only ate when her parents were watching. When they went to work, she stayed in bed and cried, holding on tight to the comfort bear the nurses gave her to hold instead of her daughter, and she lied to them about her light breakfast and lunch she made.
Finding Our Way Back (A Well Paired Novel) Page 13
