He spreads his palms over the polished wood, cocking a brow. “You’re wondering what I have to say about her.”
When it’s just the two of us, Sam doesn’t hold back. Doesn’t pretend he doesn’t have a gift none of us really understands.
I shrug one shoulder. “Yeah, I guess I am.”
“You already know.” He chuckles, and it’s relaxed and lazy.
The sensation of calm laps over me, smoothing away some of the buzzing in my head. I don’t know how to respond or what I’m even looking to hear, so I shrug.
Sam scrubs his hand over his stubbled jaw. “That first night, when you came into the bar and she was wearing that red dress. You were both trying so hard to pretend there was nothing between you. But if you saw what I did, you would have seen it was a losing battle.”
Unable to help myself, I lean in, curious. “What did you see?”
“You know how when you don’t want me to read anything, you envision building a wall between your mind and mine?”
The complete change of subject, mixed with surprise, gives me whiplash. “Yeah. Does it work?”
“It’s more effective than most. But I still get flashes.”
“Good to know. Not sure I understand where you’re going.”
“There’s a difference between the wall and the door.”
My blood rushes hot, because the door that holds back all those memories and emotions springs to mind, sending a cold shiver through me. Slowly, I say, “Okay.”
He meets my gaze. “That door, it bulges when you’re with her.”
Everything inside me goes still.
“She’s going to blow it right off the hinges. You can’t keep her out.”
I find myself unable to speak.
“You’re going to think you can’t handle it, but you can. And once it’s over, you’ll be free.”
“Okay.” The word sounds tight, overly controlled.
He smiles. “Go home to her. You’ll find what you’re looking for.”
Jessica, all vibrant and life-affirming, swims before me.
He’s right.
In Jessica, I find all the things I ever lost.
Jessica
* * *
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Hailey rests her elbows on her knees as we stare into the night sky.
I pick up the joint and light it, sucking smoke into my lungs before exhaling as I watch for Charlie’s lights to turn into the driveway. “Trust me, he’s going to love it.”
Hailey takes the joint from me. “You think dropping that you discovered his past relationship with Gracie Donovan in front of all his friends, including her husband, is something he’s going to love?”
“Uh-huh.” I shrug, grinning at the Big Dipper. “He’s twisted. He needs to be kept on his toes. Besides, I’ve seen Gracie and her husband practically naked. Charlie was there, so I know it’s not a big deal.”
“So you got almost naked with these people, and not one person mentioned their past relationship?” Hailey shakes her head, taking a drag.
