Page 43 of Small Town CEO Grump

“That’s why I’ve always liked it,” Jenna said. “You walk in and you kind of feel like you’re in someone’s home.”

“Exactly!” I said.

At that moment I looked up and two women were sitting up at the bar, but they were both staring at me and whispering to one another.

“But seriously. Do all of your dates get treated like this?”

Jenna lowered her eyes and stared at the table. “Well,” she said, softly, “since you are getting treated this way, I can honestly say that yes, all of my dates get treated like this.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Her statement sounded like she was implying that she hadn’t dated anyone before me, but I couldn’t believe that. She was smart, funny, and absolutely beautiful. I’m sure that there were countless men who wanted to take her out.

Jenna shrugged her shoulders. “I haven’t dated.”

“In how long?”

“Since Tyler’s dad left me,” she said, finally raising her eyes to meet mine.

I was shocked, but I didn’t want to pry or ask any more questions.

“I’m sorry,” I said, wanting to make her feel more comfortable. “I didn't realize that was the case. You don’t have to say anything anymore if you don’t want to.”

Jenna shook her head and smiled.

“You have nothing to apologize for. You had no idea. But no, the truth of the matter is that I have not dated at all.”

“And he left you when he found out you were pregnant?”

“Yep.”

“That’s awful,” I said. I simply couldn’t understand it.

“Yeah, it was really rough. But this town rallied around me. Thankfully my parents were also in town and they helped, but everyone else also stepped up. They all helped me out in so many ways. I mean,I didn’t have to pay for diapers, ever. It seemed as if every time I was running out of diapers, a package would just show up on my doorstep. People also brought me meals, and they were just so helpful and supportive the whole time.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said, feeling a surge of emotion as I thought about the town stepping up to help support Jenna.

“Yeah,” she said, smiling softly. “It really was. That’s why I love this town so much. They have been absolutely wonderful to me, my whole life. And especially when I was at my lowest point.”

“That also explains why they are so protective of you. And why they don’t trust me at all. I mean, it is so funny. I have seen several of these people at the ballpark and around town, and they have always been kind and welcoming. But now that I am here with you they are making it clear that they are on your side, and I had better watch myself.”

“I’m sorry,” Jenna said, her tone serious. “I know it’s a lot.”

“Don’t even apologize,” I said. “I think it’s great. I understand why they are acting this way, and it makes me like them even more.”

“Really?” she said, sounding relieved.

“Absolutely!” I said, “It makes perfect sense to me, and, as I said, I would be the exact same way if I were them. You’re precious, Jenna. You absolutely deserve to be protected.”

Jenna looked at me, her eyes filling with tears. I looked back at her, and for a moment we sat there in silence, neither of us knowing what to say.

Finally I reached across the table and grabbed her hand.

“Jenna,” I said quietly. “Thank you for trusting me enough to let me take you on a date. And I promise that I will do everything in my power to maintain your trust, and the trust of everyone here in town.”

Jenna squeezed my hand. “I know you will,” she said.

“Good,” I said, squeezing her hand back.

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