Page 65 of When We Are Complete

I push off, pedaling toward my old house. The streets blur by until I get there, when everything seems to slow down. I stop a few feet away, leaning my bike against a tree, before looking around to make sure no one is nearby. The street is empty.

“Hey, Mom.” I step up to the gate, looking at the windows, almost expecting to catch a glimpse of her there. There are a couple of lights on and a blue Volvo in the driveway, smoke rising from the chimney, but no sign of Mom. Of course.

“I’ve been spending more time with Jake and Adele,” I say, my voice low. “I’m on my way there now for dinner, actually. And, somehow, it feels right. Maybe for the first time in a long time.” I pause, glad to have led with the good news. Unfortunately for me, there’s no ignoring the bad.

“Even though I’m doing my best with the festival, they’re saying these winter storms could be very damaging.” I glance up at the sky. “I can’t help but worry. I’ve put so much into this, and there’s so much riding on it. I sound as though I’m making excuses…”

I glance around to make sure I’m still alone before pressing on. “I just wish you were here. I could use one of your pep talks right now, telling me not to waste time worrying, to just put my head down and get to work.” I press my hand to my mouth, overwhelmed with missing her, then touch the gate. “I love you, Mom.”

With a final look at the house, I hop back on my bike, and start cycling toward Jake’s place, the loud weight of her absence settling over me once more.

Chapter 36

Kelly

When I getto Jake’s, the sun is already dropping below the horizon, and the porch light is on, a welcoming glow cutting through the darkening sky. I lean my bike against the side of the house and head for the door, before knocking.

A moment later, Jake opens the door, phone in hand. He’s wearing dark sweatpants and a woolen sweater, and looks as heartbreakingly gorgeous as ever.

“Hey, beautiful.” He leans down and kisses me on the mouth. “I’m just ordering dinner—any preferences?”

“Whatever you’re in the mood for is fine,” I reply, stepping in and hanging up my coat. I follow him down the hallway, pulling off my gloves and hat. “Hey, I had a visit from the mayor today. They’re predicting those winter storms could hit us hard in the next couple of days.”

“I had a missed call from Patrick earlier. This must be what it was about. Did she say how bad they’re expecting things to be?”He stops and steps closer, concern knitting his brow, the warmth of his body radiating toward me.

“There could be a lot of snow and damaging winds. She said we need to start planning for the worst in case it affects the festival.” I sigh. “I don’t know what I’ll do if it derails everything. I’ve put so much into this.”

Jake reaches for my hand, squeezing gently. “Hey, come here.” He tugs me toward him, wrapping his arms around me as he rests his chin on the top of my head. “We’ll get through this. You’re doing an amazing job.”

“Well it might all be for nothing.”

He pulls back just enough to look at me, his thumb brushing lightly over my hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll get the guys to help secure the installations tomorrow, maybe add some supports. We’ll do what we can to make sure everything stays intact.”

I nod, appreciating his willingness to jump into action, but his practical response lands a little flat. “That’s helpful, really. Thank you.”

He tilts his head, studying me. “I’ll make some calls first thing in the morning.”

I force a smile, squeezing his hand. “You’ll do whatever you can to help.”

But there’s a part of me that wants something else—a moment to just sit with the uncertainty, to be heard without immediately jumping into solutions. A hollow ache starts in the center of my chest, and I wonder if he’ll ever understand the pressure I’m under, not just from the festival, but this need to prove myself—prove I’m capable of handling everything. Of doing a good job.

He brushes a strand of hair from my face, a soft look in his eyes. “You don’t need to stress. We’ll get it sorted. You’re strong, Kel. You’re not someone who lets a bit of bad weather stop her.”

I nod, swallowing down the urge to say what’s really on my mind—that I just want to be understood. But how could anyone understandme? Me, who tries so hard to be perfect but never quite makes the cut? So I don’t push it. I hate the idea of coming across as anything less than in control.

“Thanks,” I say softly, stepping back slightly to give myself some space.

He watches me for a beat, as if trying to read something in my expression. “Whatever you need, you just let me know.”

“Of course,” I say, even as my mind spins with doubts.

“Okay. You get comfortable. I won’t be long. I’ll just pour us a glass of wine and order dinner.”

I settle on the sofa, pulling out my planner to look at my to-do list for tomorrow. Adele walks into the living room while Jake is still in the kitchen, and my gaze immediately catches on her.

“Hi,” she says quietly, and there’s something off. Her eyes are red and puffy. She’s been crying.

“Hey, Adele. “Are you doing okay?”

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