Page 53 of From the Moment We Met

“Janie, of course!” Victoria moved over to Jacob, tangling one hand in his curls while the other laid across his forearm.

Jacob visibly tensed at Victoria’s words and touch, and he wouldn’t even look in Lilly’s direction. “Victoria, that topic of conversation is best left for later.”

Victoria rolled her eyes as though the outcome was already decided in her favor. “How rude of us. Lilly, would you like a drink?” Charlie ambled over to Victoria, but she shooed him away with her foot. He found solace next to Lilly.

Lilly shook her head. “No thanks, Victoria. I really need to be going.”

Victoria’s huff was as artificial as her breasts. “Pooh. Tell me, before you leave, what charity work?”

Lilly provided Victoria with a brief rundown of the shelter’s work, ending with Friday’s fundraising ball. The singer’s eyes sparkled, and she glared at Jacob, feigning anger. “Jacob, you know I adore animals, why didn’t you tell me?” Turning back to Lilly, she clasped her hand. “What if Jacob and I attend the ball together to bring in some additional media coverage? Get the real big fish to open their wallets.”

Lilly bit back the tears that sprang to her eyes, she wouldn’t let anyone see how deeply she was hurt. She might be a fool, but she would play the part of a stoic warrior. Nodding, she forced her best smile. “That would be wonderful.” She saw Jacob close his eyes and look away, breathing hard. “It would attract a whole different caliber of people with a couple of your renown in attendance. I hope it isn’t too much trouble.”

Victoria shook her head. “Jacob and I would be thrilled to attend, wouldn’t we, sweetie?” She kissed Jacob firmly on the mouth before turning her million-dollar smile back to Lilly.

Kill me now, Lilly thought, wondering what karmic debt she was paying off to be in this hell. “Great. I really have to go, but it was a pleasure meeting you.” Swallowing hard, she extended her hand to Jacob. “Thanks again for all your help today.”

Jacob’s blue eyes revealed a man drowning. “I’ll take you home.”

Lilly shook her head, but his grip tightened significantly.

“I said, I’m taking you home.”

He apparently wasn’t taking no for an answer, and Lilly resigned herself to his decision.

This time Lilly slipped into the passenger side before he could open her door. Once inside, silence reigned as he backed out of the driveway.

After a few miles, Jacob pulled to the side of the road. He threw the car in park and clutched the steering wheel like a lifeline. His breathing was ragged, and when Lilly looked into his face, he seemed to be holding back tears.

“Jacob? Are you okay?” Lilly knew her question was ridiculous considering the love triangle she was now firmly ensconced in, but her nurturing nature won out.

“What must you think of me?” He looked skyward, releasing a resigned sigh.

Lilly placed her hand over his. “I think you’re a good man. A man who loved a woman very much, got his heart broken, and is unsure whether he should give that person a second chance.”

Jacob nodded his head. “That’s the exact truth—”

Lilly’s breath caught.

“—until a week ago.”

Lilly nodded. “Janie’s situation would be life-changing for you.”

“Janie’s surgery changed my perspective, but you’re the one who changed everything.” He slammed the steering wheel. “Now my past is pushing back into my life without my permission and mucking up any chance I have with someone remarkable.”

Lilly’s heart raced at his words, but she remained calm. “You have a lot to consider. You’ve been through tremendous upheaval in the last few weeks. Maybe you need time to yourself to think things through.”

Jacob put his head in his hands. “I know what I want, but I also know Victoria has a lead on a movie role, and I’ve waited almost a decade for this opportunity. She’s got the leverage to blacklist me if I don’t play by her rules. I won’t reconcile with her, but I can’t have her as an enemy either.”

Lilly nodded, swallowing around the lump in her throat. “Your decision makes sense. You’ve dedicated your life to your craft. This could be life-changing, in every sense of the word. Let’s get me home so you can get back. The rain is about to set in.”

Jacob pulled back onto the road, shaking his head. “Rain, perfect.”

The rest of the drive passed without a word. Lilly exited the vehicle and saw he was holding his head in his hands, unable to look at her. “Thank you for everything Jacob, I mean that. You’ve helped so many with your time. I’ll see you and Victoria at the fundraiser. Get home safe.”

The door was almost closed when she heard his voice. “Lilly.”

“Yes?”

His blue eyes were murky as a swamp at dusk, swirling with untapped emotions. “I wanted to take you to the ball, I wanted to dance with you again.”

She entered her house and leaned against the wall, tears in her eyes. She had always heard there were the haves and the have-nots, and this evening made it apparent that she’d never be part of their world. It was time she accepted the truth, fireworks or no.

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