Page 57 of Just for Tonight

Okay, it’s been a rough few days for all of us.

“You okay?” I ask, not letting go.

“Been better. You?”

“I’m glad the celebration of life will be later. I’m relieved to be headed home now.”

His smile flashes. “There is that. Glad I could give you a ride today.”

“Me, too. I wasn’t even sure how to get there from here.” I give him a squeeze. “Getting all the value out of your gym membership?”

He looks briefly surprised. “I have weights at home. It’s easier.”

More expensive but more convenient. That’s Jake all over. Time is money etc.

He moves away and I relinquish my grip on him. “How’d you get to Empire in the first place?”

“Merrie gave me a ride. I met her for the first time at the airport.”

“I hope you got along. It’s a bit of a haul.”

I smile. “We did. She’s great. Have you met her?”

“Briefly. She’s an awesome chef.” Jake moves around the car to open the passenger door. I’m glad I pack light because there’s not a lot of room in the car. The back seat has two bankers’ boxes on the seat, but Jake manages to nestle my bag between them. It’s certainly not the most generous back seat space I’ve ever seen, but I guess people don’t buy cars like this to take their kids to Montessori school.

“What about the trunk?”

“Full,” he says with a shrug.

“Is this Dad’s stuff?”

“All of his records and files, yes.” Jake looks weary at that but before I can ask, Cameron comes out of the house.

She’s practically bouncing, her features alight. She’s wearing a red print sundress that looks fresh and feminine. It is not what she was wearing five minutes ago, which explains where she’s been. “Well, hello again,” she says with a bright smile, strolling toward the car. “It’s Jake Cavendish, right?”

“Right. Am I right that you’re Cameron?”

“Cameron Sinclair, RN.” She smiles up at him. “You ever have a medical emergency, just give me a call.”

I blink. I should know by now that Cameron isn’t subtle, but sometimes she surprises me.

Jake’s brows rise. He looks unimpressed and very cool. Even Cameron has to realize he’s not interested. “You’d come all the way to Toronto to help?”

“Aren’t you going to be in Empire on occasion now?”

“No.” He speaks with finality.

“I thought you were executor of your dad’s estate.”

“I am, but I’m hoping that can be handled remotely, with Richard Bradshaw’s help.” He smiles politely. “Still got to put in the hours at the day job, too. It’s going to be a busy summer.”

“No rest for the wicked and all that,” I say and Jake laughs.

“That is my theme song. Nice to meet you, Cameron.” He ushers me into the car, checking his watch. “It looks like the traffic might be bad, so we’d better head out, Abbie. I wouldn’t want you to miss your flight.”

I wave to Cameron as Jake gets in and starts the car. He backs out of the driveway with verve.

“Making an escape?” I tease and he chuckles.