Page 75 of Chasing Stars
Jake scowls. “Not true. I take good care of you,” he grumbles.
I glance between the two of them, fighting the swell of emotion that’s blossoming in my chest. Miles might have broken my trust, but here is my family, whom I haven’t seen in twenty-five years, ready to take me back in. “I am so grateful,” I say, putting my fork down. “But, it’s been so long. I just… I worry you won’t like me.”
Jake laughs. “What?”
Aunt Leona ignores him. “Jenna, you’re our family. Your mother and I didn’t see eye to eye at the end, but your dad was my brother. I loved him very much. I will not just throw you out on the streets to fend for yourself.”
I meet her warm gaze and nod. “It does feel really good to be near family.”
Aunt Leona squeals. “Good! Then it’s settled. You belong with us.”
I smile at her, feeling better for the first time today. This morning, I woke up feeling sure that Miles was the one for me. I’m not ending my day with him, and I don’t know if I ever will again, but at least I have people to lean on. I may be picking up the pieces of my life, but at least I don’t have to do it alone.
38
MILES
After Jenna left, I took Pete down to the beach and threw the ball for him until my arm hurt. Then I went back inside and fed him before falling into bed, exhausted from the emotions of the day.
Now the sun is casting its morning glow through the gap in my curtains, startling me awake. I slept through the whole night. My hand drifts to the space next to me—empty and cold. Jenna didn’t sleep next to me for the first time in weeks. The realization that I may have lost her forever hits me with the brute force of a wave. I fumble for my phone. Jenna’s name isn’t there—no missed calls, no messages.
I waste no time tapping her name. It doesn’t even ring. Immediately to voicemail.What have I done?My stomach twists and a wave of nausea passes through me.
I tap back to my home screen—I have other text messages, one is from Erin, the other is from Jake Walker.
I reluctantly open Erin’s.
Erin:
Miles, I’m sorry for yesterday. I’m leaving town this afternoon. I’d love to see you before I go and clear the air. Call me, please.
I am not in the mood for more of her bullshit but the nice guy in me feels terrible that she was so upset yesterday. There are so many things left unsaid between us—seeing her was like pouring salt on every open wound I still have. I need to stitch them up, once and for all. I text her back:
Me:
George’s Place - 11:00.
I begrudgingly open Jake’s text.What could he want other than to flip on me about Jenna.I’m right:
Jake:
Stay away from my cousin, asshat. You really hurt her.
Frustration bubbles in me. I know I hurt Jenna. How could I not? But I had every intention of telling her about her dad before she found out on her own. I’m so angry at myself. I’m afraid it’s too late, afraid I’m not good enough, and petrified to let her go. I don’t answer Jake; I have to deal with Erin first. I don’t have much time before I’m supposed to meet her, so I roll out of bed and head for the shower, hoping to wash away my shame.
When I get out, I don’t feel any better. If anything, my chest feels heavier. I call Jenna again. This time when I get her voicemail, I leave a message: “Jenna, please call me. I’m so sorry, baby,” I rasp. I pause, caught off guard by the wavering of my own voice. “I love you, Jenna. Please, can we talk? Call me.” I hang up and follow it up with a text saying the same thing.
Then, I throw on a pair of gray sweatpants and a hoodie. I feed Pete and take him for a quick walk before going to meet Erin and finally put this to rest, once and for all. I’m jogging down my steps, heading for the sidewalk when I spot Jake, pacing around the parking lot. His head snaps in my direction the second he sees me, like he’s been waiting.
“Dude, what are you doing?” I scoff, giving Pete’s leash a tug. “Sit, boy.”
“I was hoping to catch you, Miles.” Jake walks over. His words come out rough and he faces me with squared shoulders, as if to antagonize me. “I texted you.”
“Yeah. I got that.” I raise my eyebrows. “What do you want, Jake?”
“You really hurt my cousin.” Jake narrows his eyes, staring me down. “I’m not happy about it.”
I let out an impatient groan, but I level my eyes with his. “Jake, this is between me and Jenna. We’ll work it out.” I start to walk away, and Jake grabs my arm.
