My world tips and goes gray. Guilt and hopelessness undulate throughout my soul.
I told Jami to go to Miami and fall in love with someone new. I thought it was the right thing to do, but now I don’t know.
Melanie lowers into the chair beside me. “No matter what you said to Jami, he knows how you feel. You’ve told me more than once you two share a connection that will always be there. You have to trust in that.”
I search her gaze. “Would you?”
“Yes.”
“Even knowing all that I’ve put him through? You said it yourself. I don’t deserve either of them. What if it’s playing out this way because I’ve been selfish and confused, tearing apart the hearts of two men who have done nothing but try to love me the only way they know how?”
Mel squeezes my hand. “That’s not why this happened.”
“How do you know?” Tears stream down my cheeks. “He wouldn’t have been in that park if it weren’t for me.”
“Don’t blame yourself, Dori. It won’t do anyone any good.”
Empty inside, I shake my head. “Go find Jonah and get yourself something to eat. I’m not hungry, so I’m staying here.”
She pauses for a beat, then nods and leaves the waiting room. My mind swirls with thoughts of the past year.
I thought Jami and I had a chance, but I shut him out when my heart got slightly bruised. Then he started working at Efron Worldwide right after I got together with Hunter. That’s where our story becomes convoluted and distorted.
Since that time, I’ve done nothing but create chaos and drama for Hunter and Jami. Some woman is claiming Hunter got her pregnant while he was out one night, trying to forget about me. Jami got shot because he was trying to beg for another chance.
What good am I to either of these men?
I’ve made Hunter jump through hoops to show me how much he cares. He’s tried hard to win back my trust and get me to see him as a worthy man. On the other hand, Jami has hung in there with me despite hurting him repeatedly.
It’s time I stop the madness I’ve created and dive into my soul to connect to the love that’s meant to be. I close my eyes, and visions of Jami and me throughout the years flood my mind.
His soft smile and longing stares pin themselves to my visions. He always supported me and encouraged me to do anything I dreamed of. Even when it meant it would hurt him in some way.
A soft feminine voice whispers through my thoughts,Jami’s home for you. You love him unconditionally. Let him know.
“Excuse me. You’re Dori, right?” Lauren stands before me, stealing my attention.
“Yes. And you’re Lauren.”
“Yes. Do you want to take a walk with me? I’m going a little stir-crazy with all these weird thoughts circling in my head.” She glances at a sleeping Chuck. “I’d wake him, but he needs his rest.”
I’m curious about what she wants, so I sigh. “My thoughtsare messing with me, so I have a feeling I know what you’re going through.”
“We could take a walk to the hospital’s church. Don’t they have candles we can light for the people we’re here for?”
I stand and shrug. “I don’t know, but it’s worth checking out.”
“Thanks.” She shoves her hands in her jacket pockets. “I’ve wanted to talk to you since I arrived, but your friends haven’t left your side.”
I follow her, still hugging Jami’s belongings to my chest. “Why have you wanted to speak to me?”
“I wanted to apologize for that night at Jamison’s apartment.” She turns down a hall and I follow.
“Oh. It’s okay. I’m sure it was shocking to have me there.”
“Seeing you there was bound to happen. I’m surprised it didn’t before then.”
“Why do you say that?” I glance her way.
