Page 99 of Trusting Tanner
Tanner opened his mouth to speak, and Devon held up his hand to silence him.
“I know you don’t believe that, but it’s the truth. And it was your jealousy that started this whole damn thing, so I suggest you calm the fuck down. She lovesyou, Tanner.”
All the angry retorts died on his tongue. Devon’s words were like a bucket of ice down the pants. Tanner took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I’ve never dated a girl who was so close to another guy. I don’t know how to handle it.”
“Well, if you want to make things work, you’d better figure it out.”
Tanner laughed then turned somber. “You probably know her better than I do… Is there any chance for us?”
Devon paused for a moment. “Yeah, I think so. Like I said, it’s going to take some time. I’ll do what I can to try to make her see what she’s giving up, and you keep doing whatever it is you’re doing. Maybe together we can convince her that she really does belong with you.”
“You really believe that?” Having Devon’s blessing wasn’t something Tanner ever felt he needed, or wanted, but it was obviously important to Jules, and he would do whatever it took to make her happy again.
“I do. You’re not a bad guy, and I saw how happy she was with you.”
“Thanks, man.” Tanner extended his hand. “Friends?”
“Friends.” Devon shook his hand.
Tanner smiled. “You’re a good friend to her, Devon. I’m glad she has you.” Suddenly, things were looking a lot brighter.
…
Tanner flopped down on the couch in the family room, away from the laughter and conversations happening in the kitchen. It was only noon, and today officially topped the list of the longest day of Tanner’s life, which was saying a lot considering every day since he’d lost Juliana had been excruciatingly long and unbearable. But today was worse because it was officially Thanksgiving, and he was home. In New York. Hundreds of miles away from Juliana.
His flight had arrived late last night. Ryder and Xander were already home and had picked him up from the airport. They’d grilled him about the situation with Rebecca, and he’d recounted, in painstaking detail, every second he could remember of what had happened that night, which, sadly, still wasn’t much. Xander had promised he was going to make things right. Whatever the hell he meant by that.
“Don’t you dare fall asleep,” his mother said, walking by and swatting him on the arm. “Dinner will be ready any minute.”
His stomach growled. His mother always went overboard for the holidays, cooking enough to feed several armies. “I won’t.” While he was happy to be home with his family, he couldn’t shake the sour feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Since they’d broken up, he correctly assumed Juliana wouldn’t be going home with him. And after talking with Devon, he knew she wasn’t going home with him, either, which meant she was alone. He rubbed his chest, trying to ease the sudden stab of pain. He sent her a quick text.Happy Thanksiving.
Juliana:Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.Her response had come so fast, he wondered if she’d been waiting for him to contact her. He wanted her here with him. It was a want so damn strong he couldn’t get away from it. He wanted to introduce her to his parents and the rest of his family; he wanted to take her into the city and show her around; he wanted to go Christmas shopping with her; and he wanted to sit by the fireplace and sip hot cocoa while they watched movies. It was corny, but he didn’t care. He wanted those things with her.
“Dinner!” his mother called from the kitchen.
Reluctantly, Tanner stood and went to the table, which, as usual, was impeccably set with his mother’s best china. He kept his head down during dinner, concentrating more on his food than talking with anyone.
Xander kicked his leg under the table. “Dude, stop being fucking weird.”
Tanner shot him a dirty look then shoved another forkful of mashed potatoes in his mouth. He was being quiet, not weird. There was a difference. He finished his food and carried his plate to the sink.
“Tanner, honey, are you feeling all right?” His mom blocked the only exit from the kitchen, concern etched on her face.
“Yeah, I think I’m just tired from the late-night flight,” he lied. He kissed her cheek. “Dinner was great, as always.”
“Oh, okay. Are you going to watch the game with your father and brothers?”
He shook his head. “Nah, I’m going to take a nap.” He hadn’t missed a Thanksgiving Day football game for as long as he could remember, but he wasn’t in the mood for male bonding and sports.
His mother hugged him. “Go rest. I’ll come get you when it’s time for pie.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you,” he called as he headed for the stairs.
As soon as he was in his room, he dialed Juliana’s number. He hadn’t expected her to answer, so when he heard her strangled hello, he was momentarily struck speechless. “Uh, hey.” That was super lame. “I wanted to call and say Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Thanks. Again.” Her laugh sounded strained and…off.
