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Then there’s a flash of guilt across her face. She reaches out and takes it, and a swell of emotion burns in my chest. I want to tell her that she’s not a bad person for taking the money, whether she finished out the deal or not. I want to tell her it’s a good thing that she cares so much about Jodie.
Speaking of…
“I should get back. But tell Jodie I miss her. And I hope she’s doing better.”
Tipping my chin down, I send Mel a questioning look.Isshe doing better?
She swallows and nods. That’s enough.
I walk the few short steps to the door and out onto the walkway, digging my keys out of my pocket.
“Jenson, wait.”
Turning back at the sound of her raised voice, it hits me all over again that this is probably the last time I’ll see Mel. I just can’t imagine her coming back to Dupont, not after everything that happened. Not with how scared she is about Jodie being unwell.
“You’re not a bad person,” she rushes out, her eyes locked on mine. “You care. You just went about it…” She trails off, searching the sky as if the words will appear there. “Maybe after more than a decade apart, we’re just too different. I hope you get what you want, and I hope the company does well.”
I nod, and then there’s nothing left to say.
Just a drive back to the city, the life I thought I wanted, my spacious, empty apartment, and the company I’ve been so focused on for years. Only now, I’m wondering if I should want more.
Chapter27
Melanie
I can’t seem to pry my hand from the door frame after watching Jenson’s car speed off toward the center of Dawson and, inevitably, Boston.
I can’t believe he drove so many hours to get here. To apologize? And bring me that photograph, the one that kills me a little every time I see it, and the rest of the money…
The money.
Guilt eats away at my stomach as I turn away and close the door. I almost have a small heart attack when Jodie appears in the space between the living and dining room.
“What are you doing here? You said you were going to the neighbor’s!”
“Well, I was, and then I remembered I didn’t actually have plans to visit them. So I snuck in through the back door.”
“You snuck into your own house?” I deadpan, trying to breeze past her and act like Jenson Sharpe showing up here just now wasn’t earth-shattering.
But Jodie puts a hand on each of my shoulders and stops me. Her gray eyes search mine, worried.
“Is everything okay, darling?”
The endearment makes my throat burn with tears. I nod and blink rapidly, willing them to stay away, not wanting to cry. Not wanting to make this some big dramatic moment when it’s not.
Jodie sighs and gives me a little shake.
“You know that man is in love with you, right?”
A laugh bubbles out of me. Andthenthe tears come, as much as I try to fight them back. Two little streaks down each cheek. Swiping at them, I sniff and avoid Jodie’s stare.
“No, he’s not. He just feels bad.”
“Melanie. Iknowyou’re not that clueless.”
I gasp, a little hurt and surprised by her words.
“Do you really think any man would drive all the way down here with gifts and an apology just because he feels bad? Men don’t apologize. They’re bad at it. And even if you’re not sure about Jenson loving you,yousure as hell have always lovedhim.”
