Page 12 of Loving Justice

“She's a teenager,” Ness added.

“You have more patience than I do.” He resisted the urge to down the hot coffee. A scalded tongue might be a welcome relief from the constant bitterness he felt when he came home.

“Cut yourself some slack. You’re working hard. How’s that going?” His aunt had always been a great listener.

"Everything is fine. I'm sorry, Ness, that I’m not around more often. Ilene can be challenging."

“She is, but she’s also very kind, creative, and a compassionate young woman.” She looked down into her cup as if she had a lot on her mind.

He understood her concern. He wondered if there was something she wasn’t telling him. “What’s wrong?”

She raised her chin and offered him a bit of a weighted smile. “I’ve met someone who I care for a great deal. Technically, we haven’t met, but we’ve been talking. We have so much in common.”

“Really? That’s great. When do I get to meet him?”

“Are you planning on visiting Florida any time soon?”

He felt the invisible hit to the center of his chest. “How serious is it?” He could already read between the lines what she would say next.

“Serious enough. I want to move there to be closer to him.” Her eyes twinkled like she was a schoolgirl. “I think he might be the one. No. Iknowhe’s the one.”

Jinx rubbed his forehead. “When are you moving?”

“Nothing is set in stone.”

“I want you to be happy.” And he meant it. “You’ve put this family above everything long enough.” And even as he said the words, he knew he’d have to make some big decisions to do what was best for his sister. He couldn’t move her to Sagebrush Rose Ranch. He spent sunrise to sunset working. She needed a solid role model, and he wasn’t the best.

“I know this is a lot to absorb. I won’t leave until you figure out what this means for Ilene.” Concern returned to her gaze. “I didn’t come to this decision lightly. I love her, and I love you. But since Izzy passed away, I’ve put my life on hold. Andi is the first person I’ve wanted an opportunity to get closer to. I didn’t mean for it to happen, it just did. Now I want to pursue my future with him. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Ness. You don’t owe an apology to anyone. Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out.”

She nodded, but the worried lines remained. “Maybe it’ll do you two some good to spend some time together. I know she misses you.”

“Could have fooled me,” he muttered.

“You’re both alike. Stubborn as two mules. Just like your mama was, God rest her soul. She and I would argue like two squalling cats.”

“Ma talked about those times, but she loved you very much. I can't offer Ilene everything she needs.” He rubbed the ache out of his temples.

“If you think about it, you and I both have put our lives on hold since your mother’s death, but for different reasons.” She looked at him through the furling steam of her cup. “When was the last time you went on a date?”

He brought his gaze back to Ness. “I don’t have time.” His mind traveled to Justice and how he’d spent the last few months monitoring her per her father’s request. It wasn’t right that he had grown feelings for her. He drained his cup, barely feeling the sting of the burn in his esophagus.

“That’s a cop-out.” She held him in her stern gaze.

“It’s not a cop-out. I have been on a date,” he grumbled.

“Oh? Was there a second date?”

He cleared his throat. “No. The first date was a mistake.” He scratched his forehead with his thumb.

Her shoulders slumped. “I’m not giving you a hard time, honey. I’m only saying that you and Ilene both need something.” She patted his hand and then stood. “How long are you staying this time?”

“Until tomorrow.”

“Good. I’ll make you dinner because Lord knows when you last had a good home-cooked meal.”

Chapter Four

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