Page 29 of Any Second Now
Understandably, she’s still upset you’ve been helping me out financially. I reassured her I will pay you back for every dollar I’ve borrowed. I know you sent me money before you left, and I hate to ask again, but can you help me for one more month? I have a promising second interview coming up soon.
I’d love to come see you. Just tell me where you are and I’ll be there.
Love, Jacob
I groan and drop my phone in my lap.
There is too much in that email for me to process.
I’m going to have words with my mother for spending time with Jacob. He just looks at it as support and encouragement. But really, when I told her Jacob and I were splitting up, I think she really thoughtgood riddance. She’s never wanted me to rely on a man in any way. It was never part of her plan for me. And she certainly never wanted a man to rely on me.
I thought it was a win at the time, but I have regrets for accepting so much in the divorce. Jacob insisted. He is so sure we’ll end up back together. But he’s unemployed and broke and while I love him, I’m not in love with him anymore. Maybe I’m too easy on him, but we were married for five years and it’s not like he cheated on me, or worse. He just has some issues to work through, and I can’t be a part of it.
I pressreply.
To: Jacob Ford
From: Raleigh Hayes
Jacob,
I left Connecticut because I need space from my life, including you. I’m glad you’re figuring things out in therapy. I hope you continue to make progress.
You need to secure that job. I sent you money two weeks ago—do you really need more already? I’ll transfer you some cash, but let’s try to make this the last time.
-Raleigh
I cringe as I press send. I’m such a sucker.
But the last thing I need is Jacob hunting me down in Colorado.
CHAPTER 6
Hopeless in Love
ATTICUS
Raleigh walks through the door of The Black Diamond and a sense of relief washes over me. I’m not sure why I thought she might be a no show. This is not something I’m ever worried about when meeting up with women.
But Raleigh’s here. I watch her stride toward us, a closed-lip smile on her face.
“Hello,” she says. I stand and Lachlan leaps up off his chair.
“It’s good to see you again, Raleigh.” Lachlan pulls her into a hug first, like he’s the old friend, not me.
Last fall we were all in on the fake dating scheme between my sister and Kellen. There was a fake dating committee for it and everything. It was a hard thing for me to swallow at first—mysisterand myteammate—but it was clear they fell hard for each other.
We’d video call Raleigh from Connecticut along with January, their other best friend who lives in London. And they all met up here in Fort Collins for New Year’s Eve.
The night Raleigh and I kissed.
Lachlan and Raleigh separate and she steps back, turning to me with a tentative smile.
Raleigh’s always been the one of my sister’s friends who wasthe most stable. She kicked ass in college and pharmacy school, got a great job right away, and got married shortly after that.
Then divorced. Then married again.
Maybe she’snotthe most stable.
