Page 3 of Even Ground

“Oh, Jess.”

She raises her tear-streaked face to look at me. Jessie’s gorgeous with her red hair and green eyes, and we’ve tangled in the sheets a handful of times on a casual basis. I went there because I always knew Josh wouldn’t, but right now I almost wish I hadn’t. I’m sure she thinks it gives her some power over me.

“Are you sure you can’t take me? I want to see the wedding.” Her lower lip trembles, but I shake my head.

“You know the answer to that.” I lead her to the couch where we sit and wrap an arm around her shoulder. “I’ll take a ton of photos, though.”

She leans in, resting her head on me. “I just can’t believe he’s excluding me.”

I raise my gaze to the ceiling. All Jessie had to do was pretend to like Delaney. She just had to make some effort. Instead, there’s a sea of bitterness between them and Josh will always have Delaney’s back.

“Maybe when this is all done, you could try and mend some bridges. Delaney’s a good person, and she loves Josh. Reach out to her.”

“I just want things the way they used to be.” She lets out a long, dramatic sigh.

“Oh, honey, nothing’s the way it used to be.” I squeeze her shoulder. “We’re all grown up now.”

“You two get all the breaks. I’ll never be as popular as you.”

I plant a kiss in her hair. “You’ve had a ton of successes. That movie you did with Josh was a huge hit.”

She rolls her eyes. “It didn’t do anything for my career, though. People came to see it because of him.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You could always put me in your movie.”

I close my eyes. “All the parts have been cast. And, again, I think what you need to do is to mend that bridge with Delaney, and maybe then it’ll help repair your relationship with Josh.”

She’s silent for a moment. “Maybe.”

“Think about it at least.” I press a kiss to her temple. “I’ve got to get going.”

“Can’t you stay?”

“Not today, but I’ll call you.”

I stand, and she looks up at me. “Promise?”

“You know it.”

Her smile’s small, but it’s there. Jessie can harbour so much sadness, and when she channels it, her performances are so much more powerful. But it sucks seeing her so sad, especially when I can’t help her.

“I’ll look out for wedding photos. I’m sure they’ll have a wonderful day.” She fiddles with the hem of her shirt. “Can you please tell Josh that I hope it all goes well and that they’re happy.”

I nod. “Of course I can. Give me a call if you need to talk.”

Her eyes glaze over again. I wish she’d move on. We’ll always be friends, but this is something she needs to deal with.

“I will.”

Leaning over, I press another kiss to her forehead. “I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you, Jess. I really am. I know this isn’t much, me being here, but …”

Her smile grows a little. “Thank you for always being my friend.”

“You’re welcome.”

It’s with a heavy heart that I make my way back to my car. But I get in and start it up, shifting the transmission into drive before moving into traffic.

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