Page 66 of Taken

“I’m sure you’re right.” She paused. “I know my son. Whatever he did, he meant well, even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.”

The clock ticked away the seconds as I tried to think of something to say, but soon gave up. “I should get back.” Wow, that sounded lame. Mary was my boss and wouldn’t punish me for making me late.

“Will you do me a favor?” Mary asked.

“Yes.” I answered without hesitation, then hoped I wouldn’t regret it. I liked Mary and hated that I had to move because of what happened with Jack.Exactly why I didn’t want to get involved with him.

“Will you consider everything you know about Jack, and how you felt when you were with him before giving up?”

“Okay.” I put the note from Jack in my pocket. I doubted anything would change. Not only had Jack’s betrayal reminded me why I couldn’t trust people, but Jamie told me I put Mary in danger. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything happened to her or Beth.

“Thank you for hearing me out.”

“You’re welcome.”

Not wanting them as a reminder at home, I left the flowers in the break room at the end of my shift. I wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving as I walked out the door.

I showered faster than normal, eager to get to Fort Worth. Guilt washed over me for lying to Mary, though it wasn’t a total lie. I would think about Jack, and how comfortable and safe I’d felt in his arms.Which is why his betrayal is so devastating.The lie was the part about forgiving him. I didn’t think I could ever forgive him or trust him again.

It wasn’t easy searching for a new place to live with tears blurring my vision.

Chapter 39

Jack

It was a family tradition to hunt on Thanksgiving morning. I usually loved the quiet bonding time, but this year I couldn’t stay focused and was relieved when it was time to go home and get cleaned up.

Despite how I was feeling, I was looking forward to seeing Madi, even if it meant having to explain why Meg wasn’t there. Madi had been eager to meeting her and would want to know what I did to mess it up. My family was supportive, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t give me shit.

“You ready?” Jamie interrupted my thoughts.

“Yeah. I’ll drive separately.” I said, without making eye contact.

“Want an escape option if it’s too much?” He knew what was coming. I would need to man up, swallow my pride, and own my shit.

“Nah, I want to be free to leave if…” I shook my head. “Never mind. Let’s go.”

“If Meg wants to see you?”

“She won’t.” I sighed, “But yeah.”

When I pulled up in the driveway, dad was in the garage, dressing his deer. The only catch of the morning. Jamie never had a clean shot, and my heart wasn’t in it.

I asked dad if he needed help.

“I’m good. Go in and see your sister. She’s waiting, impatiently.”

His expression told me all I needed to know.

After a round of hugs, we gathered in the kitchen to help Ma. Madi updated us on her degree and career. We raised our glasses to celebrate her promotion. But not when she told us she was single again, even though it was a mutual break up because he transferred overseas.

“Speaking of relationships,” Madi pointed her knife at me, “you want to explain to me why I’m not meeting Meg today?”

“I’m sure ma filled you in.” My eyes never left the knife. I wasn’t worried she’d stab me, but it was easier than looking her in the eye. The only feature she shared with Jamie, despite being twins.

“I did no such thing. I only told her Meg wasn’t coming because you had a misunderstanding.” The air quotes around misunderstanding were less than subtle.

“How much of that is on you?” Madi’s accusation was stronger than her question.

---