Page 104 of Hard to Get

Wendy’s lips press together as she looks at me, but then soften. “I’m sorry, hon.”

Wendy and I aren’t close but I don’t think she hates me.

“We’ll talk about this later,” she says to Dad.

Why do I feel sorry for him? He nearly wrecked our lives and I hated him for years because of it. But things have turned out fine for all of us. I might be a little too focused on making money because of the fact we didn’t have any back then, but my business is successful and lately, I’ve felt more comfortable with my finances. Harrison has a great job. Even Mom is doing okay after those tight years, and I’ve been able to help her out from time to time. I also hated Dad for breaking Mom’s heart and splitting up our family and… well, the pain of all that has eased over the years and I don’t hate him anymore. I wish for his sake he had a better life. He’s the one who’s never recovered from all that, struggling to pay off his debt for years and possibly still gambling. He told us he had gone for counseling for his addiction but I’ve never had a good feeling that he has stopped. I’ve learned that addicts will lie.

Jayden clasps my hand on his lap, as if sensing my unease. I give him a quick look of thanks.

The ballroom is rearranged for dancing. I get emotional again watching Harrison dance with his beautiful bride. Then Mom dances with Harrison and Meredith dances with her dad.

Dad looks grumpy.

When everyone can join in the dancing, Jayden pulls me up out of my chair and leads me onto the dance floor.

“Is this when I get to see your dance moves?” I ask him as we move to Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga singing.

“No.” He smiles down at me. “I just wanted to feel you up.”

“Is your foot okay?”

“It’s fine.”

We grin at each other goofily.

“Thanks for being here.” Maybe it was a mistake inviting him, but right now, I really am glad he’s here. His presence is so steadying and strong.

“I’m happy to be here.”

“My family is stressful.” I sigh.

“All families are, sometimes. Let’s consider it lucky that there hasn’t been a shouting match. No punches thrown.”

“Not yet.”

27

JAYDEN

Stella and I sway to the music on the dance floor. “So cynical,” I tease.

Her smile goes crooked. “Yeah.”

“I don’t think you’re actually that cynical.”

“No?”

“Nope. You act tough, but you’re a big softie inside.”

Her eyes fly open wide. “Tough?”

“Yeah. Okay, maybe tough is the wrong word.”

“Hockey players are tough.”

I chuckle. “Right. Maybe strong is a better word.”

A notch appears between her eyebrows. “You think I’m just acting strong?”