“I hope you know that I’m now your friend, and I will always be here to listen.”
“You’re very sweet.”
She laughs softly. “I have my moments, but I also came by to invite you to dinner next weekend with Ellie, Sydney, and me.”
“Oh, that’s really nice of you, but I couldn’t.”
“Why not?”
Because I don’t know. I can’t say that, so I look around, trying to get a good excuse. “I’m . . .”
“You’ll be there, great!” She gets to her feet with a smile. “I thought you wouldn’t be able to resist. It’s at my house, which is where you came with the casserole. It’ll be a lot of fun, bring the kids so they can all keep themselves busy while we get to enjoy a bottle—or two—of wine.” I open my mouth to say something, but she keeps going. “Any time after six. Most of us come right around that time and let the kids burn off energy running between the farms while we cook.” She walks to the door and opens it, still not taking a breath. “Don’t worry about bringing anything! See you this weekend!”
The door closes, and I feel as though I just got railroaded, only it doesn’t hurt, it feels a bit like a gift.
* * *
“Mom!” Sebastian comes running up the steps with the biggest smile. “We had so much fun! It was so awesome.”
“That’s great, sweetheart.”
“I smell like fish.”
That’s gross. “Then why don’t you get yourself in the shower.”
“Okay!” He turns back to Jacob, who is walking toward us. His sunglasses are on, hair windblown, and he looks like the Hollywood star that he is. He’s unbelievably attractive, and I really would like to stop thinking about that. “Thanks again, Jacob!”
“Anytime, dude.” Jacob’s deep voice fills my ears.
He stops in front of me, and I smile up at him. “This was really sweet. Thank you.”
“It was fun. He’s a great kid, and it was nice to spend time with him. I haven’t fished in years, so I should be thanking you for letting me take him.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear and smile. “It means a lot to him to have a man hang out with him. I like to think I’m cool and all, but you definitely outrank me.”
He chuckles. “No one can ever outrank a mom.”
I wish that were true. “I can assure you that some of the teenagers I see on a daily basis wouldn’t agree.”
“Teenagers are nature’s way of preparing adults for what hell looks like.”
I giggle. Jesus. I just giggled. I pull myself back together and attempt not to act like a girl with her first crush. “I imagine that’s exactly what hell is like.”
“I guess I’m about to find out myself.”
“Oh? Are you suddenly getting a teenager or planning to go to hell?” I ask with a mischievous grin.
“God no. Sebastian mentioned that Mrs. Finnegan hurt herself.”
I nod. “So sad, and he’s crushed that the play won’t happen. He really loves acting, and it’s been a great outlet for him.”
Jacob runs his hands through his hair. “I called Mrs. Symonds, and she’s going to let me direct the play. She’s willing to make an exception as long as I do some paperwork to be a substitute or something and if I can find a current member of the school system to make sure I don’t corrupt the children of Sugarloaf.”
I’m stunned. “You’re going to direct the play?”
“I’m going to have to get a teacher first, which I’m sure I can sucker Ellie to do it. Hopefully.”
My heart, which was already swollen with admiration and gratitude, gets even bigger.