Page 34 of Romantic

“Jack, of course.” My mom sits down next to me. “He reminds me so much of your father. You know, dashing and flirtatious and reciting poetry and Shakespeare. But Brandon is loyal like your dad and so devoted to Pepper, just like your dad was with you girls.”

“Jack is definitely dashing,” I say, thinking of my time with him standing under the waterfall.

I really do like Jack. But when Brandon’s around, my whole being is aware of his every move. I think of when I slipped on the bank and Brandon caught me, lifting me with his competent hands. Then I turned, and he was so close that I forgot what I was going to say . . . or where I was . . . or that my ankle hurt. All my senses were attuned to the bewildering thunderstorm building between us.

Then Jack whisked me away, and the pain came rushing back. Brandon offered to carry me more than once on the way home, and I kept lying and saying I was fine, because the thought of him holding me . . . well, it frightens me. I thought dating Jack had helped me get over Brandon, and now I don’t know. But it would be crazy to throw away a man devoted to me for one that might never be emotionally available.

“Do you think Dad would like Jack?”

“Of course; he’d love him!”

“What about Brandon?”

My mom doesn’t answer right away.

“He would love Brandon too,” she says in a more measured tone. “But he might not like him for you. You said Brandon has made it clear that he has no plans to date or remarry, even if he does have feelings for you. I think your dad would want you to be with someone who is wholly committed to you. I want that for you, too.”

I want to contradict my mom. I want to tell her she’s wrong. But I know she might very well be right. And Jack, walking through the door with tacos from the Taphouse, is so ready to commit he’s decided to delay the rest of his sailing trip.

“You said you wanted Mexican, and did your man deliver?” He bends down and kisses me on the cheek, smelling of tacos. I’d be a fool to waste another minute thinking of a man who’s not all that interested.

***

I spend the next day resting my ankle on the couch and watching K-dramas with Jack. I probably should be applying for jobs. The one at the school in Redwood City is not guaranteed. But when I mention job hunting to Jack, he tells me not to waste my time. “Keep writing,” he says gazing at me intently with his deep blue eyes. “The world needs your poetry.” It means a lot that Jack praises my poetry, although I mostly enjoy writing for myself when the mood strikes. I’m not sure that’s a full-time occupation, but Jack’s unwavering support almost has me convinced.

Pepper shows up a couple hours later with a batch of Rice Krispie treats so tasty, Jack gobbles most of them up. I wonder if Brandon made them. I wonder where he is, and why he didn’t stop by.

“Does your dad know you’re here?” I ask Pepper.

“Yeah, he was busy with Edward. Said I could stay until you kicked me out.”

“These are the ultimate Rice Krispie treats!” Jack says, holding up his third one.

“You should try my chocolate chocolate chip cookies,” Pepper says with pride. “Dad keeps the cottage stocked with all the ingredients because they are so delicious.”

“They sound amazing!” says Jack.

“Maybe I’ll bake you some if you let me sit on the couch next to Annie.”

“It’s a deal.” Jack smiles and gets off the couch, and Pepper takes his spot snuggling in close to me. It’s kind of a relief to have Jack move; I was a little anxious about him getting too handsy in front of Pepper.

***

My ankle is much better on Friday, and by Saturday I’m back at the cafe. Brandon frowns at me when he sees me waiting tables during the brunch rush.

“Are you sure your ankle’s up to that?” he asks as I hobble-walk to their table.

“What about a ‘good morning, Annie—how are you doing?’”

“I’m just worried about your ankle. You should have seen a doctor.”

“Seeing that I’m up and—”

“Limping,” Brandon cuts in.

“Hardly,” I say. “I think I made the right call. By the way, thank you for the Rice Krispie treats. They were delicious.”

“That was Pepper’s idea.”