Page 102 of Second Round

It never occurred to me that Brent would miss our home, because he was the one who left. But there was no denying that we had had some good times there. The fun of doing the first painting and renovations before we moved in. When we brought Tristan home from the hospital and Brent’s parents held a little surprise celebration with Hannah. The big party we had for Brent’s fortieth. In fact, he probably had more good memories than I did, since I’d spent so many miserable nights there oncehe’dleft.

I’d never fully understand why Brent had left us, but now there was enough distance that it didn’t matter anymore. I had moved on and had accomplishments ofmyown.

“How’s your home renovation business with Sharon going?” Brentasked.

“Good. We’ve found a property. We’re putting an offer in and if they accept our price, we’re inbusiness.”

“I’m helping with the demo,” Hannahannounced.

Brent looked alarmed. But everyone would have the proper safety equipment on since Sharon ran atightship.

“I hope you’re not taking a big chance here. What if the real estate marketgoesdown?”

“If the market goes down significantly, the kids and I will move in there from our rental. Don’t worry, we’ve thought of all thepossibilities.”

“You’ve changed so much, Jacks.” He motioned around the room. “This art show, your own business—to be honest, I didn’t think you had itinyou.”

That was half compliment, half insult, but I went with the positive. “Thank you. Maybe I let you take care of things for too long. Now I have to look after myself.” I grinned. “And Ilikethat.”

Brent smiled back at me. Maybe it was my new confidence or the passage of time, but he respected me more now. And it certainly helped that I didn’t yearn for his approval or attention anymore. I’d always care about him, but Brent was in my rear-viewmirrornow.

“Fuckity, fuck, fuck,” declared Sharon as she barged in and hugged me. “I could not get off the site at a decent hour today. I was afraid I was going to miss the whole opening. Your work looks fantastic in here. How’s itgoing?”

“It’s going great! I’ve sold three paintings.” Brent had slipped away, so I went on tiptoe and whispered in her ear. “Leo was here. He bought a painting, and he’s coming to see metonight.”

Sharon’s eyes narrowed. “That fuckwad? Why are you so excited? You’re not going to let him waltz back in,areyou?”

“He apologized,” I said. “And nothing’s happened yet. We’re going to talktonight.”

Her expression took skeptical to new heights. Or depths. “Jackie, dial it back a notch. He was a huge jerk, and you are way tootrusting.”

“Leo never lied to me,” I protested. “And I forgot to tell you, he came to Tristan’s hockey game a couple ofweeksago.”

“Which was around the time you broke up with Sid. It’s all makingsensenow.”

“You know, as my best friend and potential business partner, you’re going to have to be less effing protective. Let me make my own decisions when it comestomen.”

Sharon broke into a wide grin. “I’m going to have you swearing like me in no time. We will be a great partnership. And I’ll admit that I did like Leo—before he broke upwithyou.”

“I broke up with him,” I reminded her. She rolled her eyes at that, because yes, I had acted like a typical dumpee atthetime.

“Okay, Jackie. Do what you want with the coach from hell. And I promise to be nice to whoever your boy-toy of theweekis.”

“Boy-toy? He’s not that much younger than me,” Iprotested.

“You know, there will be some hot guys on our worksite,” Sharon said. “Maybe you can find a teenagerthere.”

“Oh stop it. Let’s get you a drink. Then we can walk around and admire myreddots.”

39

TheNeutralZone

Jackie

Iwent home feeling fantastic.Of course, the whole time I’d been aware that Leo was going to come over afterwards, but so many amazing things happened that I had no time to worry orwonder.

Brent had taken the kids home, but they were still awake when I got home. I stopped by both their rooms to kiss them good night. Tristan gave me a big hug and suggested that we all go out for a celebration dinner on theweekend.

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