Page 65 of Chasing Stars
Jenna takes it in stride though and seems to be enjoying my sweet little nephew. I’m standing at the end of the hallway watching Caden show Jenna every bedroom in the house when my Mom comes up beside me. She and I watch them moving down the hallway together for a few moments.
“Now I see why you didn’t invite Nate from the start,” I joke. “We’ll never get her back.”
My mother snorts. “You know Caden loves the ladies.”
“Like father, like son,” I say, glancing sideways at her to see if I can get a rise.
My mother doesn’t take my bait and instead says, “She seems lovely, Miles, really.”
I grin, draping my arm around my mom’s shoulders. “That’s because she is.”
“And this,” Caden bellows from down the hall, “is Uncle Miles’s room.” He kicks the door open with his foot and turns proudly to Jenna. “Come on!”
Jenna looks at me amused and holds up her hands, following Caden into the room. There is nothing in there anymore but my old full-size bed, my desk with a cork board displaying high school memorabilia, and a few old surfboards leaning against the back wall that I don’t use anymore.
Jenna peeks her head back out the door. “How many surfboards do you have?” she asks with a laugh.
I give her a lazy smirk. “A lot.”
“Well, you coming? Or can I root through your things?” she teases before disappearing into the room.
I walk down the hallway and into my old room. It’s impeccably clean because my mother has nothing else to do. There are some of Caden’s superhero toys stashed in the corner.
“This is my room when I sleep over!” he tells Jenna proudly, tugging her arm over to the corner with his things.
I watch them from the doorway, my feelings for her growing with each passing moment. Jenna is crouched down beside Caden, listening intently as he shows her his most prized possessions at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. She gives him her full attention but periodically she meets my gaze and smiles.I am so crazy about this girl.
We’re saved by the bell when, a moment later, Nate peeks his head in. “Mom says dinner is ready.”
“Great, I’m starving,” I say, gesturing for Jenna to lead the way. “After you.”
Jenna grins at me over her shoulder.
“So,Jenna, Miles tells us you came to Cape May after discovering a house that belonged to your parents?” my father, John, asks, taking a bite of pork roast.
Jenna nods as she swallows a bite. “That’s right. I didn’t know the house was still ours. Miles says your family has been the property managers all these years, so thank you for that.” She takes a sip of water.
“Of course. Happy to do it.” My dad smiles.
Mom must sense we’re in dangerous conversation territory; she interjects before he can ask any more questions. “What is it you do, Jenna?”
Jenna’s cheeks blush, and she looks down at her plate. “Oh, well, I’m taking some time off with the passing of my mom but…interior design.” She takes a nervous bite of food and chews it carefully.
“Oh, I’m sorry, dear. I didn’t realize your mother passed away recently.” My mother’s face softens with empathy. She clearly didn’t realize she was broaching a sensitive subject, as a look of guilt flickers across her face.
“Oh, it’s okay.” Jenna waves her hand, dismissing my mother’s guilt, but I can see the tears glistening behind her eyes. “She was sick for a long time.” Her voice wavers, and my heart breaks just a little.
“Still. That doesn’t make it easier.” My mother pats Jenna’s hand from across the table and shoots me a pained expression I can’t fully read.
“Let’s change the subject, shall we?” my dad interjects.
Jenna swallows audibly. “Great idea.” She forces a smile. “Tomorrow night, I’m having dinner with my aunt—I haven’t seen her in years. Maybe you know her? Leona Walker.”
Dad’s gaze shoots to my mom and I watch as a conversation silently passes between them. Jenna doesn’t seem to notice. My dad clears his throat. “I do know your aunt, yes,” he says, offering Jenna a warm smile. “That will be nice for you to reconnect.”
Before Jenna can respond, Caden interrupts with a loud declaration that grown-ups areso boringand he wants to talk about the newSonicmovie instead. A laugh bubbles out of Jenna, and she looks fondly at Caden who happens to be sitting right next to her.
“Why don’t you tell us about it, bud?” I suggest, hoping to lighten the mood.
