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“Haven’t you ever heard of falling for someone and just knowing in your heart that they’re right for you?”
She shook her head.
“That’s not real life. That’s in books and in movies. In real life things go wrong. People have their selfish reasons and desires for wanting to be with someone.”
“That’s not true, Marlena. Hell, take it from me, I’m a lot older than you. That may scare you, but in actuality it should bring you some peace of mind. I’ve dated a lot, hell I’m ashamed to say I did a lot of stupid shit, but that was years ago, that was before almost losing Mike.”
“What?” she asked him. She could see the sincerity in Jack’s eyes, the sadness at remembering. Could he be for real?
“Yeah, he was in the Navy. He was a Navy SEAL. He disappeared on a mission and was due home for our parents’ anniversary party. He had the time scheduled off so when we hadn’t heard from him, we knew something was terribly wrong. Anyway, weeks went by, then two months. He had fought his way out of enemy lines and a bad situation. One he has never spoken about and I’m certain never will. He came back a different man. He had a new outlook on life and he wanted to help others but also remain in a position of power and a soldier. He’s taught Danny and me a lot and he’s the youngest,” Jack said and chuckled.
He stepped away from her and ran his fingers through his hair. He seemed nervous about revealing something personal to her. She reacted without thinking, letting her guard down.
“You’re lucky to have a family, to have brothers who love you and who you love and care for.”
“I know I am. I thank God every day. But what about you? No family at all?” he asked.
She shook her head and walked toward the refrigerator. She opened it and pulled out a water bottle, nodding toward him, silently indicating if he wanted one, too. Jack nodded back.
She closed the door and placed the water bottle onto the counter in front of him.
“I don’t have any family. My mom died when I was finishing up college.”
“Oh man, I’m so sorry, Marlena. That must have been terrible.”
“It was hard, but she wasn’t exactly mother of the year. She had problems. Luckily I had been working since I was fourteen and grabbing any extra hours I cou
ld to save money for college. I got a scholarship to Pace University in Westchester, New York. I never went back home. I got my degree and found a great job in Connecticut.”
“Is that where you’re from, Connecticut?” he asked, and she nodded her head and took a sip of her water. Jack did the same.
“Danny and I attended Universities in South Carolina. We hooked up with some guys running this cool business program and we loved it. Had money saved, took a chance on opening up a small bar in South Carolina near the colleges. We were in it with three other guys.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. What happened? Did it not work out?”
“It worked out great. We still have a financial share in the place but we’re more like silent partners. It’s a booming bar and club that expanded a few years back.”
“Why didn’t you stay there and run it full-time or open another place there if you were so successful?”
He looked at her and seemed a bit reluctant to tell her.
“What?”
“Mike was living here. We missed seeing our parents and being in Chance. When the property came up for sale where Spencer’s is now, we grabbed it.”
“Are you happy that you did? I mean you like it here? You want to spend the rest of your lives here?” she asked.
“I would say so. We’ve built our dream home way out a good fifteen miles from town. We enjoy helping out with the community and making sure it remains a great town where people are safe and inspired to settle down here. It’s been expanding for years. Another set of storefronts are going in on the edge of town. Looks to be all locally owned and operated.”
“I heard about those storefronts. We’ve been trying to convince Alicia to open up some sort of business of her own.”
“That would be great. I know the guys in charge of the project. They even front the money for the right people with the right ideas.”
“That’s interesting. We’ll see. She’s a little hesitant to take the chance. Kind of shy.”
“Like someone else I know,” he said and reached out to press a strand of hair from her face.
She couldn’t help but to smile at him.
