Page 35 of Forget Me Knot

“It’s catchy, though, right?” I hadn’t realized I was even doing it this time, too fixed on the task of studying Dinah’s practiced moves as she fumbles with the mechanics of the mixer. “Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah…”

“Very clever, J. Jones. Very clever.”

“What’s up with the J. Jones bit?” I try not to let the uncertainty sound in my tone, but it’s not the first time she’s used the moniker today.

She shrugs and flicks the mixer on, filling the kitchen with a surprisingly loud humming sound. Wincing, I breathe through the immediate discomfort the noise has against my brain. “Should we wait in the shop? I can make you some coffee. That needs a few minutes to mix.”

She leads without an answer, and I follow, making my way to where I remember seeing the coffee maker and fumbling around for supplies.

“I’ll take care of it, Jack. You just sit.” Her hands stop mine, and she grabs the filter and a tin that smells of a rich roast.

“Does it bother you?” she asks when I take a seat at the counter across from her. “J. Jones?”

“I don’t know.”

“I know for you, you’re two different people. I get that. I think.” She slips the filled coffee filter into the machine and presses a button. I get the feeling she’s taking her time with her words, though. Something I don’t take for granted. So many people are quick to give their platitudes and opinions on the uniqueness of my situation. “In my head… you’re the sameandyou’re different. Obviously. And I’m obviously just getting to know you more. But when I’m around you… or him”—she shoots me an apologetic smile—“you both feel likeyouto me. J. Jones. Two sides of the same coin.”

I clear my throat, unable to sort through the thoughts running rampant in my brain. I understand, and I don’t. I’mjealous, and I’m sympathetic. I hate him, and yet, I know he’s me.

I just wish I knew if she felt the same way about him that everyone else in my life does. That Jackson is the version of us they all know. They all… prefer.

“But,” she continues, tapping her yellow painted fingernails against the counter top, “I want to knowyou, Jack.” And with those simple words, that pesky seed of hope she planted earlier takes root. “So if it’s important to you that I call you byyourname, I understand.”

I nod. Too afraid I’ll say the wrong thing if I speak now.

“So, tell me something that is just Jack,” she says, tilting her head and resting her chin on her open palm.

“Well…” I lean closer and smirk, feeling more like myself than I have in a long time. “Not unlike your sleep attire,Just Jackalso thinks reading is sexy.”

Dinah’s cheeks blush beautifully, and we enter into that same, repeat staring contest. One where I’m mesmerized all over again by her playful green eyes daring me to look away. Something I desperately do not want to do.

She smiles wide suddenly, and a sort of surprised chuckle fills the air between us. “You win!”

“I wasn’t aware we were playin’ a game, Polly.”

“Oh, you knew exactly what you were doin’ with those hazel eyes of yours, Jack Jones.” She sips her coffee, but stares me down over the rim. “I read romance,” she admits like it's a sultry secret.

“Me, too,” I answer and am only half playing with her. I’ll read just about anything if it gives me a moment of escapism. Romance isn’t my go-to, but I'm not opposed to it.

She purses her lips like she can’t quite make out if she can trust me. “Ya know, if I can’t call you J, then maybe you shouldn’t be able to call me Polly.”

“I disagree.”

“Pray tell, why?”

I take a sip then rest my cup and hands on the countertop. “You’re just so pink and pocket-sized, Polly, I can’t help myself. And now, knowin’ you’re a sweet, little romance reader… it just makes sense.”

Her green eyes flare with that playfulness I could easily become addicted to. “I can’t decide if that’s a compliment.”

“It most definitely is.”

We carry on like this for a while, with a back and forth that feels light and easy. Like we’ve hung out a million times before. As if drinking coffee and teasing one another first thing in the morning is just the first stop in our day. We’re only interrupted when a timer goes off in the kitchen and Dinah’s smile lights up her face.

“Okay,Just Jack. Ready to get your hands dirty?”

12

EVERYTHING WE NEED

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