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Jake’s priority will always be his daughter—as it should be. But if the shit hits the fan, where does that leave me?
My phone vibrates, jolting me from my introspection. I set down the spatula and wipe my hands on my apron.
Scarlett's name flashes across the screen. If anyone can help me make sense of this mess, it's her.
“Hey,” I answer, my voice betraying my exhaustion.
“Fin, what's wrong?” Scarlett's voice brims with concern, her intuition attuned to the slight tremor in my words.
“I don't know what to do,” I confess, my voice cracking slightly. “I went to Jake's last night. This morning started so perfectly, but then everything unraveled.”
“What happened?” I can picture Scarlett leaning closer to the phone, her brow furrowed.
“Jake's ex-wife showed up at his house this morning, and I was there.”
On the other end of the line, I hear Scarlett's sharp intake of breath. “Are you okay?”
I hesitate for a moment, unsure of where to begin. But as the silence stretches between us, I realize that if I can't confide in Scarlett, I can't confide in anyone.
My voice quivers as I confess what I overheard while eavesdropping to Scarlett. “Things got tense, so I made myself scarce to give them time to talk. But I caught part of Jake and Natalie's conversation after I got out of the shower.”
Scarlett remains silent, giving me the space to continue.
“Natalie was making demands, wanting to see Amber,” I say, my words heavy with disbelief. “Jake was angry, saying she hadn’t been in touch for over a year. It's like she doesn't even care about Amber's well-being.”
Scarlett's voice is gentle when she responds. “Oh, Fin. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been to hear.”
“It was.” I pause, my fingers absently tracing the edge of the countertop. “But it made me realize how much I care about them.”
My voice wavers as I recall the pain and frustration in Jake's tone. “Jake was so calm and collected, trying to find a peaceful resolution for Amber's sake. He puts Amber first, always.”
There's a pause before Scarlett asks softly, “Fin, are you considering ending things with Jake because of this complicated situation with his ex-wife?”
I pause, my heart stuttering at the thought. The spatula slips from my fingers, clattering against the counter as I steady myself.
How can I even entertain walking away from what Jake and I have?
My thoughts wander to the cherished moments Jake and I have shared, each one a precious gem I've stored in my heart–the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs at my jokes, the soft graze of his fingers on my cheek as he tucks my hair behind my ear.
He wraps me up in his arms, making me feel safe as if nothing could touch us. We talk about everything and nothing, sharing our hopes, fears, and dreams.
With Jake, I feel seen and understood in a way I never have before.
It's not just physical attraction, though that's undeniably present. It's a connection that reaches deep into my soul, a recognition of kindred spirits.
I feel I'm exactly where I'm meant to be when I'm with Jake.
Scarlett's question lingers in the air. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I try to untangle the web of my emotions.
Is love enough to navigate the complicated waters of Jake's past?
The thought of losing Jake, of never again feeling the warmth of his smile or the comfort of his embrace, pierces my heart like a dagger.
I care about Jake and Amber so much. What we have feels real and meaningful, and I don't want to give up on that.
“No, I'm not going to abandon my relationship with Jake,” I declare, conviction infusing my voice. “Natalie returning and making demands complicates things, but I trust Jake will handle it. What I have with Jake is too special to walk away from.”
As the words leave my lips, I think of sweet little Amber, and a surge of strength courses through me.
