Page 45 of Forever and Other Lies

Chapter 22

Mexico was a place on Jayna’s bucket list. Watch the sunset over the Yucatan Peninsula—check. And it didn’t just set; it cast a jaw-dropping golden glow over the lush landscape. The crystal-clear waters of the cenote below mirrored the vibrant colors of the sky. Beside her, Leighton and Jamie sighed.

The air was thick with the scent of tropical flowers and the echoing calls of exotic birds. The three women carefully navigated the rocky path to the cenote’s edge. Jayna dipped her toe into the water, shivering at its’ coolness—no surprise, as it was fed by groundwater. Without hesitation, she jumped in.

Swimming in the caves was another bucket list item. Convincing Jamie and Leighton took a bit longer, but soon they were all exploring the underwater cave together. Majestic stalactites hung from the ceilings like ancient chandeliers, making Jayna feel part of something timeless and magical.

When they emerged, the sky had turned a deep shade of purple, and they rushed to catch their bus. That night, they dined at an authentic Mexican restaurant, yet another bucket list item. The charming little place had a thatched roof with tables set under the stars and served the most delicious chicken mole.

The next morning was perfection. Early sunlight bathed the resort, casting long shadows over the manicured gardens and sparkling pool. The aroma of her coffee mingled with the sweet scent of the frangipani that bloomed next to the shaded terrace. Jayna inhaled deeply.

A week was never long enough on vacation. There was something about being close to the ocean, the sound of the crashing waves, and the feel of warm sand beneath her feet that brought a peace she couldn’t find anywhere else.

Taking a sip of her coffee, she glanced up as Leighton stepped onto the terrace and sat in the empty seat across from her.

“Wow, that’s quite the breakfast spread,” Leighton said, setting her plate of fresh fruit on the table. “Jamie’s still out cold?”

“She’s a lightweight. That last margarita did her in,” Jayna smiled, then grimaced at her own plate filled with bacon and fried eggs, not a piece of fruit in sight.

“I’m so grateful that you included me on this trip.” Leighton’s expression grew more serious. “It’s exactly what I needed.”

Jayna leaned back in her chair and nodded. “I have never seen you so relaxed.”

“The past four years have been a whirlwind. It’s been non-stop stress, grief, guilt, relief, sadness,” Leighton squeezed her eyes shut. “So many emotions tangled up in one big, messy knot. It turned into such a train wreck. One which I had no idea how to fix. I still don’t.”

Jayna knew it wasn’t her business. However, Leighton had become an honorary J, which meant her life was now an open book. The Js butted their noses into each other’s business. “So, what exactly happened there? Was it over Derek?”

Leighton’s mouth dropped open, and she stuttered. “Oh…um…nothing that I’m proud of.”

“No judgment here, Leighton. I am far from being a pillar of the community,” Jayna encouraged her to continue. She didn’t ask because she was being nosy, although she was, but she felt that Leighton needed to get it off her chest. Holding onto secrets was unhealthy.

“The night of the harvest dance, before Tommy went missing in action,” Leighton paused momentarily before continuing. “I had way too much to drink. And we started to play that stupid game of manhunt, running through the corn maze like we were all still a bunch of kids.”

Groaning, Leighton looked upward and shook her head. “I ran into Derek. I literally ran into him. And I still don’t know how it happened or why it happened. But he kissed me, and I kissed him back. I can try to blame it on the alcohol. Yet that’s no excuse. That night I had a video call with Tommy and confessed. Told him all about the kiss.”

Leighton squeezed her eyes shut again. “The expression on Tommy’s face will forever be ingrained in my mind. He looked so hurt, so angry, and disappointed. For the first time, he looked at me like the rest of the town once had. He looked at me like I was no good, just like my mother.”

Instant shame filled Jayna. She attended the harvest dance that night as well. She’d been the one plying Leighton with alcohol because she wanted to see the woman who was so perfect come a little undone. She’d dragged her into the corn maze when Ben had suggested the game of manhunt. But she’d never wanted to ruin Leighton, merely take away the shine.

“I guess, though, it’s always been there,” Leighton continued. “I was curious. Tommy was wonderful and safe. And Derek, he was so different. Dark, dangerous, mysterious. I felt like I had to be perfect for Tommy. It was exhausting sometimes.”

Jayna leaned forward and grabbed Leighton’s hand, squeezing. “I get that, Leighton. I can understand that you would feel guilty about it. But wow, you and Tommy were so young. He was your one and only boyfriend. I still remember Tommy at the age of 10, telling anyone who would listen that he would marry you one day.”

“He did do that,” Leighton smiled at the memory.

“Leighton, you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. You made a mistake and owned it. You apologized; now it’s all on Tommy to forgive you or not. We have no control over other people.”

“You’re right. I know you are, but I still have deep feelings for Tommy.” She paused, brow wrinkling. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course.”

“Tommy was always good looking, but now there is more of a … I don’t know, a more dangerous edge to him. This new Tommy makes my knees weak in a way the old Tommy never did.”

Jayna nodded, encouraging her.

“But the new Tommy no longer feels the same way about me.” Leighton wiped a tear.

Jayna leaned forward and squeezed the woman’s hand.

---