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My little sister has called every day this week to complain, and the problems are all ones I can’t solve.
“Mom grounded me. Again.”
She probably snuck out. Again. “I’ll be there Friday. Can’t talk,” I say and hang up.
Josie calls back, so I send her to voicemail.
I should have gone home weeks ago. My career and Sarah have distracted me this season. If I want it, a ride for next season is secured, plus Sarah and I will be back together tonight. With those problems solved, I can handle everything at home, too.
Sighing, I rub my temples.
Rainbows out of my ass. That’s the critical part.
I enter the restaurant and find Sarah sitting in a booth with her back to me.
She’s sitting alone, which is expected, but the way she swirls a full glass of ice water bothers me. Her date with Martin started ten minutes ago, and she’s been waiting for a man who doesn’t exist.
Guilt pricks at me. Martin solved a problem for me, and now he needs to go away. It was supposed to be done via a polite farewell message from her, not him standing her up like some coward.
I square my shoulders and approach. Instinct says not to touch, so I don’t, sitting opposite her instead.
Sarah’s eyes bulge, and her hands go to her lap. “Jake?”
“Hey, Princess.”
23-Jake
“What are you doing here?” Sarah asks.
“Eating dinner, the same as you. Are you waiting for someone?”
“He’s running late.” Sarah rubs her lips together and avoids meeting my eyes. “I asked him here.”
Guilt pricks again. She probably believes Martin is standing her up. Checking my phone is the only way to know for sure, but that would give away the game.
Her eyes finally meet mine, and I’m again reminded of her brother Boone. They share the same penetrating expression that makes me uncomfortable, like they understand something I don’t.
“You’re on a date? Let me guess. It’s that guy you told me about. Insurance or sales or something.” This situation is my doing, and I’m jealous of a guy who doesn’t exist.
“Martin.” Her lips pucker before her features soften. “It’s not a date, at least not like you think it is.”
“Then explain.” There’s an unintended sharpness to my voice. I force myself to relax and smile encouragingly. “I’m not angry if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I wouldn’t care if you were,” she says, and I draw back with surprise, which she notices. “This isn’t for you. It’s for me.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’ve been doubting myself for a long time.”
“You shouldn’t,” I say, butting in before she goes further. “Never doubt yourself.”
“You always say that, but saying and doing aren’t the same, Jake.”
“I’m confused.”
“Martin and I have shared messages since the season started, off and on. It’s been off for the two weeks since we started, and I didn’t miss him. He’s not like you, he’s very…. ordinary. You are many things, Jake, but you’re not that.”
“That’s a nice compliment,” I say before realizing she may not have meant it as one. “Is that what you want?”
