Page 38 of Breaking
Jenna's heart ached at the quiet admission. "I remember Sasha saying you had a hard time at first."
Dani nodded. "Our parents weren't... good. We learned early that adults only do things because they want something. So, when Sasha kept being kind, we thought it was a trick." She shrugged. "I used tohide food in my room, in case she decided one day she didn't want us anymore."
Jenna felt an invisible hand tighten within her chest. "I'm sorry you had to feel that way."
Dani gave her a small smile. "Sasha never gave up. Even when we acted like little terrors, she never got mad. She just kept being patient, kept showing up." She glanced at Jenna. "Kind of like you."
Jenna blinked back sudden emotion, reaching out to squeeze Dani's hand. "I'm not going anywhere, Dani. Ever."
Dani held her gaze for a long moment, then nodded before quickly grabbing another sweater and tossing it into the cart. "Okay, enough heavy stuff. Let's go find snacks."
Jenna chuckled, following her through the aisles. As she watched Dani chat about her favourite crisps and debate which chocolate bar was best, a deep sadness settled in her chest. She had never had these kinds of moments with Max and Lilly once they had become teenagers. They had slowly pulled away from her, choosing Troy's world over hers, treating her with polite indifference at best and outright disdain at worst. She had let it happen, too afraid of pushing them further away. Maybe this was a second chance to experience what she had missed
With Dani, things were different. Dani wanted to talk, to share small moments. It was a stark contrast, and the realization stung. Maybe this is how it should have been with my own kids. Maybe if she had fought harder, things wouldn't have turned out the way they did.
They were heading toward the checkout when they ran into one of Dani's friends. Rhiann, a petite girl with dark curls, grinned when she saw her. "Hey, Dani!"
"Hey, Rhiann," Dani greeted, setting down her basket.
Beside Rhiann stood a man Jenna hadn't met before, but there was surprise followed by admiration in his gaze as he turned toward her. He was tall, with dark hair peppered with grey at the temples, and a strong, confident presence. Despite the streaks of silver, there was something youthful about him-perhaps the way he carried himself, relaxed but assured. He wore a simple but well-fitted coat over his jeans and button-down shirt, the kind of effortless style that came from comfort rather than vanity.
"You must be Jenna," he said in a deep bass voice. "I'm Adam, Rhiann's dad."
Jenna shook his outstretched hand, noting the firm grip and easy confidence. "Nice to meet you."
"I've heard a lot about you," Adam said with a smile. "Apparently, you're the cool new parental figure in town."
Jenna raised an eyebrow at Dani, who looked entirely uninterested in the exchange. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Adam laughed. "It was meant to be one."
There was a beat of silence before he gestured toward Rhiann. "The girls have been talking about a concert coming up. I was thinking of taking Rhiann, but if Dani's interested, maybe we could all go?"
Dani perked up at that, glancing at Jenna. "Can we?"
Jenna hesitated, looking at Adam. There was an easy charm about him, something effortlessly kind and grounded. "That sounds like fun," she finally said. "As long as you don't mind a tag-along."
"Not at all," Adam said. "I'd enjoy the company. Plus, I'd rather not be the only adult surrounded by a sea of teenagers."
Dani and Rhiann exchanged a pleased look before heading toward the checkout ahead of them.
Jenna turned back to Adam. "What kind of concert is it?"
He grinned. "Chevy Metal. A local band that does some of the best classic rock covers you'll hear. The girls love them, and I'll admit I don't mind tagging along for the nostalgia factor."
Jenna smiled. "That actually sounds pretty good."
"Great. Let's make it a plan, then." Adam's gaze lingered on her for a second longer, something warm and appreciative.
For the first time in a long time, the idea of spending an evening with someone new didn't feel exhausting.
It felt... nice.
Her phone vibrated in her bag as they walked out together and headed for their cars with the shopping. Jenna hesitated before pulling it out, her breath catching at the name on the screen.
Troy.
For a moment, she considered ignoring it. Then, with a sigh, she swiped to open the message.
