Page 73 of The House on Blueberry Lane

“It didn’t matter to her, but it mattered to me. She left after that and filed for a divorce to be with her lover. For years, I blamed myself just like she wanted me to do. I grew up believing all women were like her, or close to it. It would be just my luck to give my heart to one who would destroy it the way she destroyed Dad’s.”

“When you went to see your mother, did she have any remorse about what she’d told you all those years ago, when you were a child, and letting you think everything was your fault?”

“No. I knew then that she was right—the Colfax family had been better off without her. It took me coming face-to-face with her and talking to her to accept that. She thinks she has it all now, with her lavish lifestyle and a husband who dotes upon her. Little does she knows things aren’t as peachy as she thinks.”

“What do you mean?” she asked as he poured a little more wine into their glasses.

“That private investigator also had information that her present husband is having an affair with one of his employees, and soon he’ll serve Jessica Colfax-Percy-Owens-Goodman divorce papers to marry a woman thirty years younger.”

“Oh, well,” Velvet said. “What goes around, comes around.” No wonder he’d avoided talking about it. “What made you go see her, Jaye?”

“I needed closure. Since I was a kid, I’d allowed her to take up space in my head. I was messed up and she was somewhere enjoying three more marriages. Well, maybe husband number three wasn’t such a joy since he screwed her over, but still.”

“What did your dad think about you going to see her?”

“He felt it was time. Maybe it’s a good thing that neither Dean nor Franklin wants to see her. They didn’t have the issues about her leaving as I did.”

Jaye grew quiet. It was as if talking about his mother had drained him mentally. He stood up and stoked the fire and when he sat back down, he said, “Did I mention the co-op program my bank has initiated with the schools here?”

She knew his question was his way of changing the subject, and she understood. He had shared more with her than he’d ever had before. “No, what program is that?”

She could tell from his smile that he was excited about it. “It’s a co-op program where the bank will work closely with both the junior and senior high schools to give students the chance to learn hands-on how their financial decisions can affect their quality of life. I think it’s best to introduce it to them before they leave for college or start their lives in the workplace.”

“Oh, Jaye, I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

“Thanks. We will teach a banking class at both the junior high and senior high levels. We’ll set up an actual bank within the schools where students can open accounts and learn how to save and invest. The principals and the school board have given their approval and are excited about it. We hope to have it implemented at the beginning of the next school year. Isaac Elloran has agreed to build most of the software. It will be the first of its kind here, and I hope to expand it to partner with my other banks and the schools in their areas.” Isaac, who was married to Donna, was a technology expert, born and raised in the cove, who’d moved away after college. A few years ago, he’d retired and returned home.

She sipped her wine. “I can certainly see something like that being beneficial to Catalina Cove.”

“I can, too, and honestly, you gave me the idea.”

She was surprised. “When?”

“That day you told me how that kid in your class doesn’t think he needs math because of all the millions he plans to make. Making millions is fine but knowing how to keep it and grow it is monumental.”

“Well, I’m glad I was able to contribute even though I didn’t know I was doing so.” She set aside her empty wineglass.

He reached over and took hold of her hand. “Have you thought about what I asked a few days ago, Velvet? Is there someplace I can take you on spring break for unrestrained indulgences?”

She looked at him. “There is a place I’d like to go.”

“Where?”

“The Keys. I’ve never been there before.”

He leaned closer and placed a kiss on her lips. “Then consider it done. I’ll make the arrangements.”

LATER THAT NIGHT, they stripped and fell into each other’s arms in bed. After sharing what he had with Velvet about his mother, Jaye wanted to make love to her with a new perspective and deeper meaning.

He kissed the top of her head. “I’m glad you’re here with me, Vel.”

She lifted to stare down at him and then shifted their positions when she eased her body over his. “And I’m glad you’ve agreed to take me to the Keys.”

If only she knew. He would take her anywhere. “Whatever you want, Velvet, I’ll give it to you. No matter what it is, and in this case, no matter where it is.”

Pain flashed across her eyes. It had been so quick if he hadn’t been staring into them, he would have missed it. “Don’t say things you don’t really mean, Jaye.”

He reached up and cupped her face in his hands and said in as tender a voice as he could, “Trust me, I won’t.”

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