Henry deadpans, “Worse.”
Jack’s gaze finds mine—steady, a little hesitant. “I’ve got a guest room. You’re welcome to stay until your car’s fixed.”
“I couldn’t—” I start, but Henry cuts me off.
“Trust me. You want a door that locks.”
Jack shrugs. “It’s no trouble.”
Henry grins. “Translation: he’d hate it if you wandered off.”
I hesitate, then nod. “All right. Yes. Thank you.”
Jack nods back, and his expression softens just a fraction. He heads for my car. “I’ll get your bag.”
As I follow him past the humming neon and oil scent, something lifts inside me. It’s not quite hope, but close. And that’s got to be worth something.
CHAPTER FOUR
JACK
The drive home is swallowed by silence. Beth stares out the window, eyes fixed on the shadows racing past, her hands twisting in her lap.
After a few miles, she finally speaks, her voice barely a whisper. “This morning was supposed to be my wedding day.” She doesn’t look at me. “I walked in on my fiancé and my cousin. Together. In a closet.”
A tremor runs through her.
“I still can’t believe it. My own cousin.”
The ache in her words cuts deep. She’s trying to hold herself together, but her pain hangs in the air between us.
I tighten my grip on the wheel. “I’ll never understand how anyone could do that to you.” I mean it. She’s strong and beautiful, even now, with her world falling apart. If she were mine, there wouldn’t be room for anyone else.
Headlights sweep across the dashboard as I turn onto my dirt road; a small, battered sign marks home and nothing more. The two-bedroom house isn’t much, but I like it.
I park. Beth doesn’t move, gazing into the darkness as if there’s a missing piece out there waiting for her.
I break the spell. “Come on. You look like you could use some food.”
She blinks, meeting my eyes for the first time, exhaustion etched on her face. “I don’t know if I can eat.”
“You should try.” I grab her duffel from the back. “I’ll order something. Let’s go.”
Inside, I drop her bag and flick on the kitchen light. “How about pizza?”
She pulls out a chair, arms wrapped tightly around herself. “Yeah. Thanks.”
I dial Marcy. “Hey, it’s Jack. Can I get a large pepperoni and garlic knots? Same address.”
Beth smirks faintly. “Do you have the pizza place on speed dial?”
I shrug. “Only so many choices in Riverdale.”
A ghost of a smile plays at her lips. That’s something.
I grab two beers from the fridge and slide one her way.
She eyes the bottle. “I don’t usually drink beer.”
