“My family has two golden retrievers,” Noah tells Jess. “I always miss the dogs when I go on tour.”
“You can’t bring them with you?” she asks.
“They’re not the most practical-sized dog to bring on the road, and I prefer they stay home to watch after Hailey and our kids.”
“That’s so sweet.” Jess smiles, and I really wish she hadn’t.
I have to glance down at Bailey because it hurts seeing that smile. A smile not directed at me. A smile that will never be meant for me again.
Jess steps aside, letting the guys into the house. “Do you mind if we sit outside in the backyard? It’s so nice out there with the sunset.”
Mason, Nolan, and Jared tell her they’re good with that, and she leads the way. I follow in the rear, enjoying the way her sexy ass moves as she walks. Luckily for me, she doesn’t turn and notice me appreciating the view, which I shouldn’t be doing. It only results in more heartache.
Bailey comes with us and makes the rounds to each man to officially greet them as we walk.
The garden hasn’t changed much since I last saw it, other than the early signs of fall. The flowers have faded and drooped and the leaves in the oak tree are turning reddish-brown—the color enhanced in the soft glow of the setting sun.
Jess offers them a drink. The guys thank her and tell her they’re fine. Everyone takes a seat.
Nolan sits next to her and leans forward, directing his words to her. “We’re heading back to LA soon. But I wanted to meet you and tell you I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through. My father was abusive. My mother and I were his favorite punching bags.” The pitch of his voice drops, his tone unfaltering. “He murdered her and my sister when I was nineteen, and I struggled for years from the guilt of not being able to protect them.”
Jess’s face pales and sympathy widens her eyes. If her husband hadn’t been murdered, that could have ended up being Jess’s and Amelia’s fate.
The thought of that almost brings me to my knees and hurling in a bush.
“I moved to LA,” Nolan goes on. “Changed my name. Pretended to be someone I wasn’t. It left a hole in me. I did eventually find the help I needed to heal, but that was after the media made my past everyone’s business. It was brutal.”
“I can imagine.” Jess’s voice is barely louder than a whisper.
“I recommend talking to a professional,” Nolan says. “A therapist. That helped me a lot.”
Jess smiles, the gracious curve of her lips soft. The scar at the corner of her mouth tries to prevent the smile but fails. “Thank you. I am seeing a therapist. And you’re right. It is helping.”
I look at Jess long and hard, but I can’t tell if she’s telling the truth and is still seeing Robyn. Robyn hasn’t told me anything, and I haven’t inquired this time. I just hope Jess hasn’t given up on therapy because she’s no longer on my company health insurance. She can afford to see Robyn because of the restitution payment, but who knows if she’s willing to use it for therapy? She was saving that money for her future.
I shouldn’t have let her quit her job. I should have fought harder to keep her on my payroll. It shouldn’t have made a difference that she wanted to break up with me. Pride can be such an asshole.
Of course, part of my stupidity had to do with my company. Now that she’s no longer my employee, clients have quit canceling their bookings. I haven’t had a cancelation in three weeks, so at least there’s that benefit.
The guys chat with Jess for a short time. I don’t say anything. I just watch her, keeping my feelings for her off my face. I need to get away from Jess soon before I do something I’ll regret. Like kiss her. And beg her to take me back.
“It was nice meeting you, Jessica.” Nolan gives her a hug, which she happily returns.
“Thank you so much for performing in the festival. What you did will help so many families.” She gifts the men one of her brightest smiles. “And especially thank you, Mason, for joining them so today was even possible.”
“Glad I could help.” He also hugs her and tells her something that I can’t hear.
She smiles and nods at him and gives Jared a quick thank-you hug.
The guys and I leave via the backyard gate. Jess walks with us to the front of the house, holding on to Bailey’s collar, no doubt so Bailey doesn’t go chasing after one of the neighborhood squirrels.
The men get into my truck. I nod bye to Jess but still don’t say anything to her. I can’t. It hurts too much.
I’m afraid if I speak, all my feelings will spill out.
“So, what’s the story with you and Jessica?” Nolan asks from the front passenger seat as I drive to the festival grounds.
“Damn, with the sparks flying between you two, I thought you both were gonna combust.” Mason, who’s in the back seat, mimes an explosion with his hands.
