Page 65 of Still Her

“Hey,” I give her a gentle nod in greeting before tentatively pulling her in for a hug. It’s light and gentle, and though she hesitates, she returns it. “Come in,” I insist as the chill starts to sink through my sweater. We pull her suitcase through the door and the warmth from within the house envelopes us. Both dogs’ tails are going crazy as they sniff the hell out of her.

“I remember these guys,” she muses as she squats down to give them both some love. After half a minute of that, I call them to the back slider and put them outside. As happy as I am to see Melanie, I’m eager to find out why she’s here. Once they’re outside, she and I stand facing each other in awkward silence for a moment before I finally break it.

“Can I get you something? Some tea?” I offer.

“Sounds nice,” she nods. “Thanks.” I nod and carry the kettle over to the sink to fill it with water. “So, where’s Jack?” she inquires after her brother.

“He and the guys are in New York. They’re taping the Up All Night show. They’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.” She looks down and nods as I start the kettle and pull out some mugs. “So…” I decide to dive into the burning question. “This is unexpected. Are you okay?” I ask, resting my hands on the counter as she takes a seat at the island across from me.

“Yeah,” she nods with a sigh that leaves me feeling a tad unconvinced, but I let it go. Surely she’s just had a long journey. “Yeah, I’m fine. It was just… time to come home.” That last word was very hesitant, but again, I don’t push and just nod at her instead. “I’m sorry for not calling ahead. My cell phone battery died midflight, and the charger plug-ins on the plane are not the greatest.” But she didn’t call before leaving wherever she was, when she decided to come home. I get the feeling it was spontaneous.

“Does Sarah know you’re back?” I ask as the kettle whistles and I pick it up to pour the hot water in the mugs.

“No,” she answers. “I will let her know tomorrow. I just, thought I’d come here first. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister, but she would not be handling this the same way you are,” she gives a humorless chuckle. “I just want a chance to catch my breath before I talk to her, you know?” The visual of a pregnant, hormonal Sarah losing her shit over her elusive sister showing up on her doorstep with no notice comes to life in my mind and I immediately concur.

“Yeah, I get it,” I answer with a half-smile, pushing a mug and the honey towards her as I turn and get the milk out of the fridge. “Do you need a place to stay?” I ask as she takes a grateful sip.

“No, that’s okay. I don’t want to impose. Could I trouble you for a ride to a hotel though?”

“No, don’t be silly. We have a guest room. Stay here,” I shrug, showing her it’s no big deal.

“Okay,” she nods. “I’d love to… if you’re sure.” She raises an eyebrow, seeking reassurance.

“Of course,” I affirm gently.

“I really appreciate it Mayzie. I’m exhausted. But I promise I’ll be out of your hair tomorrow. I’ll talk to Sarah, and hopefully she’ll let me stay with her or in her pool house or something while I get set up.”

“Set up?” I look up from straining my tea bag. “Does that mean you’re staying? You’re home for good?”

She blows out a breath and nods like she’s confirming it, more to herself than to me.

“Wow,” I quietly exclaim. “That’s amazing.” I don’t push for more details. Like she said, she came here to avoid that sort of welcoming party. She just nods again and gives me a polite smile before shrugging out of her coat, seemingly finally warmed up enough.

Our conversation turns to superficial small talk as we finish our tea and I take her upstairs to get her settled in our guest room. I presume she crashes out right away as I don’t see her again the rest of the night.

I lock up the house and turn off all the lights as I make my way to mine and Jack’s bedroom. Melanie showing up practically out of thin air is definitely a lot to process. As I settle down with my Kindle on my side of the bed and the dogs curled up in their respective beds in the corner, I can’t help but be positive that this is a good thing.

* * *

JACK

With the taping of the show finished and behind us, Matt and I hole up in my hotel room late into the night and keep it low key as we hang out and work on some songs. A quick look at my watch tells me I should call my wife if I want to hear her voice before she falls asleep, so I grab my cell off the coffee table and dial her number.

“Hey baby,” her sweet voice greets me softly. My heart gives a grateful squeeze every time I hear the lightness in her voice these days. It’s been three weeks since the sting, and while I still struggle with what she had to go through, it being over has given me my girl back. It also helps that in that time, six women have come forward to put their complaints of Eli harassing them on record, both in New York and L.A. It’s like our sense of justice grows with each report.

“Hi sweetheart, how’s your night been?”

“Um, interesting. How was the taping?”

My forehead scrunches at her reply. I look over and see Matt plucking at his guitar and scratching notes down on his notepad.

“It was… fine. No issues, it went great. What do you mean, ‘interesting’?” She blows out a breath on her end of the line before answering.

“You’re sister’s here.”

“Okay…” I shake my head, still confused. “So you’re feeding her brownies and having a girl’s night?”

“Not Sarah, Jack. It’s Melanie.” Her voice is still soft, but assertive.

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