Page 81 of Chasing Stars
I spendan hour with Aunt Leona, drinking coffee and catching up. I will admit, she and Jake are the silver lining in all of this. I came to Cape May feeling lost and alone. Since arriving, I’ve connected with long-lost family members, and now I know I’mnotalone. I might be heartbroken, but I’m not alone.
“I better get on with it,” I mutter, standing and carrying my dishes into the kitchen.
“I’ll be here if you need me!” Aunt Leona calls.Oh, to be retired.
My first stop of the day is Cape Realty. On my way out of Aunt Leona’s complex, I drive by Miles’s side and see his car isn’t there. I am running the risk of seeing him at his office, but the sooner I cut ties, the better.
I pull into the parking lot, relieved to see only two cars—neither of which are Miles’s.
I look in the rearview mirror, fluff my hair, and swipe on a little lip gloss. It’s amazing what a shower and a little makeup can do when you’re sad. My trauma bangs are finally growing out. I won’t be making that mistake again.
“It’s now or never,” I tell my reflection. I don’t know how long it’ll be before Miles is here.
I pull open the glass door and the wind catches it, swinging both me and the door backward—drawing attention to myself.
“Hello, how may I help you?” A sweet voice greets me.
Before I can respond, Nate says, “Jenna.” He coughs. “I wasn’t expecting you. Miles is…not here.”
I clear my throat and suck in a breath. “I actually came to see you.”
My words hang in the air before Nate gathers himself enough to respond.
“Oh,” Nate says. “Well, then, please come sit.” He gestures to the chair in front of his desk.
I offer his secretary a small smile, tucking my hair behind my ear as I walk by. I sit down in front of Nate, and for the first time notice how much he resembles Miles. With the exception ofhaving shorter hair, Nate could be Miles’s twin. It’s startling, and I have to ignore the twinge in my chest at the sight of him. “So,” I say.
Nate offers me a remorseful smile. “So.” He meets my eyes. “What can I do for you?” His expression is open and trusting. I trust him.
I chew on my lip for a moment, knowing what I’m about to say will change things in a way I may not be prepared for. “I think it would be a good idea if you managed the sale of my house now…” I pause, wincing, “instead of Miles.”
Nate sighs. “Jenna, I know you’re upset,” he begins.
I hold up my hand. “I’m beyond upset, Nate. I can’t work with Miles anymore.” My voice catches, and suddenly, I’m afraid I might cry. Something tells me if I did, Nate would handle it with gentle grace.
He nods apologetically. “I get it. And it’s probably bringing up all kinds of complicated feelings about losing your dad. I’ve dealt with loss too, so I understand how you feel.” He pushes his lips together, pausing. “Miles knows he messed up. We allwarned him keeping that secret would backfire.” Nate shakes his head sadly. “This is going to kill him.” He meets my eyes, giving me a chance to back out.
I take a deep breath. “I just can’t let myself be hurt anymore. Please say you’ll help me, Nate.”
Nate closes his eyes and then opens them again, scraping his hand down his face. “You’re putting me in the middle of you and my brother, Jenna. He’s my best friend.”
I catch a single tear escaping from my eye with my thumb and Nate notices. He lets out a relenting breath. “Okay. Fine. I’ll take over.”
I shudder and offer him a shaky smile. “Thank you, Nate. I know it’s awkward for you, but this means a lot to me. And I’m sorry for your loss, too.” I push back my chair and stand to go. “I’ll be in touch when I hear from Danny,” I say, walking toward the door.
“Jenna?” Nate calls after me.
I turn back around. His jaw clenches, then loosens. Whatever Nate wants to say, he’s struggling with it.
“Yeah?” I ask, waiting.
“For what it’s worth, Miles really does love you. You should see the guy. I sent him home. He looked awful.” Nate shrugs, helplessly.
My heart constricts at his words, and my eyes well up again. If I talk, the floodgates will break, so all I can do is nod. I put a hand to my mouth as if I can stop the avalanche of tears, and walk out.
When I pullinto the lot on Aunt Leona’s side of the complex, I see him. He’s parked diagonally across from me, sitting in hiscar. If he sees me, he’ll try and talk, and I’m not ready for that. I sit for a few moments, watching him, my heart thundering in my chest. Finally, I decide to just make a break for it, hoping he doesn’t see me. I manage three paces before I hear my name.
“Jenna.” Miles’s voice is hoarse.
