“Why do you think that was?”
“Because things are complicated.”
“That’s an overused word, dear. Life is complicated. You need to ask yourself why you’re uncomfortable making that decision. But don’t talk right now—keep hydrating.”
Feeling the heat behind her words, Blue took another swig. He was at her mercy.
Ella continued, “What I see is a woman who loves you enough to put her pride on the line and ask you one of the most difficult questions a woman can ask. We’re socialized to believe that’s a man’s position to ask, not that I’m saying it is.”
Realizing that, he nodded slowly.
“Maybe your family wants you to return?”
“You’ve read my mind.” Blue nodded, finding his voice again. “I’ve also been offered a good position in Chicago.”
“Then you’re at a crossroads. You’ll have to decide which life you want.”
“It’s not that easy.” He drew a hand across his face. “My mother lost a son, and I feel like it’s time for me to fill in for my brother.”
“But you will lose Jo if you don’t act soon. Which life do you want? I doubt you can have both.”
The question hit him hard, and he had no answer.
Whitley approached them on the path. He spotted Blue and raised an eyebrow at Ella.
“We’ve just had a good talk,” Ella said, rising. “Maybe we could drop Blue off at his house on our way to the dance.”
“Thanks, but I’m fine now,” Blue said. “I’ll take a shortcut and walk through town.”
“Take more water with you,” Ella said, motioning to the pool attendant again.
Blue thanked Ella and watched her and Whitley stroll toward the parking area.
They made it look so easy.
Blue made his way home. Once inside, he went to his dresser and opened the top drawer. The velvet box was where he’d left it, buried under his board shorts. He picked it up and held it.
He’d imagined giving it to her at Glacier Point, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and magnificent vistas. They’d feel like they were on top of the world, together.
He was probably too fixated on that. His phone buzzed. It was Jackson again.
Don’t leave me hanging, kid. I need an answer soon.
Blue tucked the velvet box back into the drawer.
He turned off the light and lay in the dark, listening to the waves through the open window and wishing he could preview each option.
11
“Maileah suggested you take another crack at the copy,” Junie said, standing at Jo’s door as she handed her a brown paper bag full of vegetables. “Just tell your story.”
“Thanks for these,” Jo said, taking the bag from her. She glanced inside at the sweet peppers that Junie and little Penny had picked. “I’m not a writer, but I’ll do my best.”
“She wants you to speak from your heart. That’s what people connect with.”
“Did you see my emails about ideas for the new merchandise?” Jo asked.
Junie laughed. “Didn’t you see mine? I thought they were all great, so I sent your ideas to my suppliers, and they sent back their minimum order size and pricing tiers. I copied Rocky and Maileah on that, too. But I still think we can add on.”
