AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My workload at the museum had gotten crazy the second Jake and I returned to California. My manager had wanted me and my crew to get a jump on the holiday exhibit. I’d dove in with both feet and swept everything that had happened in Burntwood under the rug.
I’m such a coward.
A confused coward who feared I’d gotten caught up in memories of the past. I had needed time to decompress and sort through my emotions. But deep down, I knew I didn’t want to face telling Jake we were over.
He’d flipped a one-eighty when we returned. It was like he’d turned into the man I’d fallen for two years ago and I hadn’t realized he’d been missing. He’d been sweet and attentive. Brought my crew and me meals. Showered me with gifts. I hadn’t wanted to rock the boat or make a rash decision, one I might regret later. Which also meant I hadn’t contacted Cade. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’d written me off.
I clutched my stomach, feeling as if I might throw up.
What was happening to me? Why couldn’t I do what I knew was the right thing?
It was Jake. Every night I returned home later and later, and completely exhausted. There was no way I could start a conversation when I couldn’t think straight. So I’d put it off until the next day, but the days had turned into weeks, and I hadn’t broached the topic.
If I wasn’t at the museum, where I seemed to spend all my waking time, I’d scream.
“What in the world is going on with Jake, your errand boy? I feel like we’ve hardly talked since you guys got back from the boonies.” Martina’s frustrated voice tugged me out of my thoughts.
“I’m sorry. Stuff’s just been crazy.”
“It’s been weeks, Shelby. Seventeen freaking days and I get no time with you. We’re working overtime and we never talk about anything other than the project. Either you’re in meetings or you’re concentrating on the exhibit. Or Jake is hanging out during our meal breaks. It’s cutting into our talk time!”
“I know, I know. Today’s the first day he isn’t coming for lunch.” Relief swept through me like I could finally breathe.
“Thank God. But now I’m curious why he’s not.”
“He’s hanging with the guys. Whatever that means.”
“Yay! Now fill me in and spill the tea, chica!”
“Well, Jake has totally latched onto me since we returned. He doesn’t give me a minute to myself.”
“And that’s why he’s here every day?”
“Mhm. I’m sure it has to do with Cade.”
“Oh, boy. This is getting juicy. Continue.” Martina made gimme hands to speed me along. Her almost black eyes grew larger with each passing second as her anticipation intensified.
“Cade and his folks had dinner at my parents’ place the night we arrived. It was nothing but drama. Jake bragged about his money and Cade was an ass. It was the most stressful meal of my life.” I took a drink of my coffee and exhaled.
“I can’t even imagine what it was like sitting at the same table as Cade. How’d he look?” She wiggled her eyebrows.
“Will you save your questions for after I tell my story.”
“Fine. Continue.”
“The next day, I took Jake out on the farm and we wound up at my favorite tree.” I grimaced and sipped my coffee.
“The tree Cade carved a heart with your initials in?”
“Yes, that one. It’s no fun telling a story when you know so many details about my life.”
“What kind of bestie would I be if I didn’t know anything about you?”
“Excellent point.”
“Just keep talking.” She collected her jet-black hair and twisted it into a bun, securing it with a scrunchie. “Come on, chica. The clock is ticking.”
“Jake saw it, of course, and got upset. For the rest of the visit, he walked around with his lips pursed tightly. And it all led back to Cade.” I put my face in my hands.
