Page 19 of Jack

I fill the two mugs and set a spoon on the counter. “You can fix it how you like.”

With shaky hands, she reaches for the spoon and sugar bowl. “Thank you.”

Surprisingly, she prepares the black mug. For someone who stopped to smell flowers earlier to choose black now is a sign of how she’s feeling on the inside. It’s okay. I don’t mind using a girlie mug if it helps her somehow.

With coffee in hand, I motion for her to follow me. “We can sit in the living room and wait for my mom. You probably want to relax after the ride from Texas.”

She freezes at the edge of the couch. “I’m not from Texas.”

Okay. That’s good to know. She’s been traveling for days, though. I didn’t see her file to know where she’s from. I’ll ask Dad if I can see that tomorrow. For now, I need to ease her tension.

Smiling, I nod. “No, but it’s where you met Shepherd.”

Man, it hurts saying that. Shepherd spent the whole day with her. The jerk laughed at me for being protective over Lily. He’s not really a jerk. Shepherd is one of the most loyal people I know. I’m just jealous of the bond he seems to have with her. That is something I will never admit out loud.

“Yeah,” she says with a sigh. She relaxes and shrinks into one of the corners of the couch.

As much as I want to join her, I don’t. Over the years, we’ve been trained on how to act around an angel. They have to be treated tenderly and with extra care. Giving them space to process trauma and emotions is very important. Even if they don’t outwardly show signs of needing space or ask for it, the battle within them screams for it in their minds. It’s why I sit in the recliner across from her.

She stares into her mug, still wearing the sunglasses. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

I settle back against the chair. “You don’t have to.”

“Are you sure?” She bravely lifts her head.

Are her eyes brown to match her long hair? Are they blue? Freaking gold, maybe? I want to know so badly.

“Yeah. I’m sure. It’s okay.”

It’s absolutely not okay. Hurting her was a sin. Somebody needs to pay. Once again, it’s not about me. It’s about what she needs. I keep my true emotions and thoughts hidden. Trust me. It’s a struggle.

“Thank you.” She takes a sip of coffee and drops her head again.

We drink our coffee in silence. I want to talk to her so badly. I want to know everything about her, not just what happened to bring her here. Her voice seems to settle the anger inside me somehow. The counselors who work with us said to allow the silence and expect it to last longer than normal. Forcing her to talk wouldn’t go well for me. Even small talk could create a wedge between us.

Mom and Everly walk through the door with several grocery bags on their arms. They’re the reusable kind. Mom hates those flimsy little plastic ones at the store. I quickly set my mug on the end table and hurry to help them.

“Here, Mom. Let me get those.” I reach out so she can slide the handles onto my arms.

Lily stands with both hands wrapped around her mug. Mom notices.

“Oh, good. You made coffee.” She gently places a hand on Lily’s arm.

“Um.” Lily turns her head toward me. “Jack made it.”

“Really?” Mom doesn’t sound like she believes her. Her raised eyebrow has me rushing the grocery bags to the kitchen.

“Yes, ma’am.” Lily follows Mom into the room.

Everly and I get busy putting the food away. Wow. These two raided the coolers and pantry at the clubhouse. Both are always overstocked. This didn’t even put a dent in them.

“Jack, will you stay with the girls for a little bit?”

“Yeah, Mom.”

Seriously? She literally just asked me to stay here? I had no intention of leaving just yet. I’m even willing to sleep on the front porch if Lily will let me.

“Sweetie, is there anything specific you need?” Mom asks Everly.

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