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‘Everything is still so raw from Shona. I’m trying to figure out if I’m an easy target or just a gullible mug.’
That stung, but it wasn’t Holly’s fault.
Jen brought a hand to Holly’s face, cupping her jaw. ‘You’ve never been gullible – you’ve been trusting. There’s a huge difference.’
‘I want us to work—’
‘Me too.’
‘—this is just a lot, especially at the start of a relationship, when I’ve just come out of one so toxic.’
Jen let the words linger for a moment, then said the only thing she knew could fix it, something she’d been thinking about all week. ‘I know. But I love you.’
Holly’s eyes changed, emotion flashing over her.
Jen filled the silence. ‘You don’t need to say it back, it’s okay.’
It had only been a little over three weeks, and under any other circumstances she would have sat on the words a little longer, picked a better moment to say it, but she was done with being coy and guarded. Now was the time for saying how she felt, no matter what.
When Holly didn’t say anything, Jen’s stomach tensed. She wasn’t expecting a gushing declaration in return, but something would have been nice. Had she even heard what she said?
‘Please say something.’
‘Sorry, I’m just—’
Jen cut her off. ‘Honestly, I don’t expect you to say it back. I just want some acknowledgement that you heard me. And you believe me.’
Why did she feel like crying?
Moments like this were meant to feel special, not like they were on the edge of despair.
Holly nodded slowly. Finally, her mouth attempted what Jen assumed was the start of a smile. ‘Guess we got the couples’ quiz wrong.’
