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“Work for what?”
“For you.”
“Oh.” Her smile was lopsided. She lowered her arms to her stomach and uncrossed them. “Are you going to try to get back together with my mom?” she asked.
“Are s’mores the best snack ever?”
Olivia sat up tall. “Yes.” She grinned and punched the air. “That means yes! Yes!” She threw her arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug. Her heart was racing. “Thanks, Nate.”
We held hands on the walk to the kitchen.
“Hey, bud, I’m leaving,” I announced, getting Oliver’s attention off the table he was setting. Jenna was at the stove, stirring soup by the looks of it. I hugged Olivia goodbye. Then I bumped fists with Oliver when he walked over.
“Can’t you stay for dinner?” he asked.
I met Jenna’s eyes when she glanced back at me.
“Not tonight. I gotta go pick up Marley.”
“When will we see you next?” Olivia asked. She had climbed onto one of the bar stools.
“Olivia, go wash your hands. Dinner is almost ready.” Jenna turned away from the stove and motioned at the door. “I’ll walk you out,” she said to me.
I glanced between the kids. “I’ll see you guys soon, okay?”
Oliver nodded and resumed setting the table. Olivia gave me a small hug again. “Bye, Nate,” she whispered. Then she ran down the hallway.
I stepped outside Jenna’s apartment and watched her stand in the doorway.
“Can I see you guys tomorrow?” I asked.
She leaned against the frame and dropped her head closer to her shoulder. “I said we shouldn’t do this every day, remember?”
Right. That agreement I wasn’t behind. I wondered if Jenna was really behind it, or if she was just scared and protecting herself.
“What about every other day?” I asked, studying her closely.
A faint smile played at her lips. “Nathan…”
“I love you.”
Her mouth went slack.
I backed away from the door. “Good night, Jenna.”
She was slow to respond. “Good night,” she said, watching me descend the stairs.Chapter Twenty-FiveJENNAI squinted, shielding my eyes from the sun, as the large Greyhound bus pulled up in front of Dogwood Beach Community Center. Oliver’s Boy Scout troop was lined up along the sidewalk, fathers and sons loaded up with gear. Everyone was ready for the camping trip.
“Bus leaves in ten!” one of the troop leaders announced.
Families shuffled about, taking pictures. Nearly every mother had her phone out.
I glanced around the parking lot. Come on. Please…
“Do you wanna get in line?” Brian asked Oliver.
We stood a few feet away from the group with all of Oliver’s gear at our feet.
“Not yet.” Oliver checked the compass watch my brother had given him, then peered around me. He adjusted his hat, lifting the brim to see a little better.
“Maybe you should grab your stuff,” I said quietly to Brian, but not quietly enough.
Oliver glared at me as he straightened up. “He’s coming, Mom. He said he’s coming.”
“He’s still got time,” my brother mumbled from beside me.
I slowly peered up at him, shocked to hear those words come out of his mouth. I’d asked Brian to be our backup tonight, just in case. My brother was in no way 100 percent positive Nathan was showing up. I could tell when we spoke about it over the phone. Now he was holding out hope right along with my son?
Okay. Weird.
I hadn’t seen Nathan since Wednesday night, but I had spoken to him. He’d texted and called throughout the day. He’d spoken to the kids. He’d told me repeatedly how much he wanted to see us, knowing I needed the reminder without me having to say it.
My heart was cautious now, but it was still my heart.
Nathan had assured me yesterday and this morning that he would be here. He’d sent me a text two hours ago, letting me know he was dropping Marley off with his parents and then he’d be on his way. He’d given me every guarantee.
I was terrified to see him. I was even more terrified he wouldn’t show up.
Gravel popped and cracked loudly behind me. Someone was pulling into the lot.
“Nate!” Oliver stepped over so he could be seen and waved his arm in the air. He wore the biggest smile on this face.
Peering over my shoulder, I watched Nathan park his truck.
“Bet traffic was bad,” Brian said. “It is Friday night.”
Again, I slowly peered up at my brother.
Arms pulled across his chest, he smirked at me. “I’m just sayin’.”
I felt my forehead wrinkle. What the hell is happening right now?
“See, Mom? I told you he’d be here. I told you.” Oliver stepped around his gear and got beside me. “Nate! Do you need any help?” he yelled.
“Nah, bud, I got it!”
I turned sideways and watched Nathan walk across the lot, carrying a coiled sleeping bag and the large black duffle he had with him on the Fourth. He wore military-green cargo shorts and a white Fighting Irish shirt that looked well loved. The writing and logo were faded. I wondered if he’d had it since college. I pictured Nathan wearing it after practice or a game. His muscles and abs covered in sweat…the material clinging.
