Page 88 of Free to Believe
“I already told you, I’m not getting involved.” Dani practically clawed my face apart when I admitted what I’d done to Em. Even without the details of Em’s past, she was rightfully infuriated.
“Dani, listen,” I plead. I don’t know if it’s the utter defeat in my posture or something she hears in my voice, but she pauses. “That was the animal hospital. They’ve been trying to reach Em. Mugsy’s remains are still here.”
Dani’s face takes on a weary cast. “Ah, hell.” Letting out a long sigh, she drops next to me. “Jake, they’re so pissed, I don’t know if they’ll talk tome, that’s how pissed off Em’s family is. But I’ll try, okay?”
“Thank you.”
Reaching over, she takes my hand. “I love you, Jake. But what you did…”
“It cost me everything,” I finish for her.
“Maybe it’s time to try to figure out why you did it?”
My brow furrows. “What do you mean?”
“I think everyone’s drowning, Jake. And not just because Em left. Jenna went through something traumatic. She won’t talk with you, because…well…”
“Because I fucked up,” I say grimly.
“Yeah,” she says softly. “And while Michelle being here has been good in some ways, it might just not be the time for her to make the inroads into Jenna’s life. Jenna found a woman she loved, a woman who saved her even before the accident, and she lost her. It might be time for you both to talk to someone, even if it’s only to help her.”
A million thoughts run through my head. Jenna’s anger moving to the island. My anger knowing Emily was going to be in the apartment. The bond that developed between my daughter and the woman next door. Our spark that turned into an inferno. The beginning of trust with both of them I shattered by shoving away when I should have held on.
And suddenly I can’t take the emptiness where there was once Jenna’s joy.
I can’t take noise where there was music.
I can’t take life where there was once Emily’s love.
A love she tried to speak but I shoved back at her. But she did. I knew it and I felt it and I threw it away.
I turn my head away and nod.
Dani lets out the breath she’s been holding. Squeezing my hand, she says, “Let me go make a few calls.”
“Okay.” Leaving me to my solitude, Dani stands and walks away. I sit exactly where I am for God knows how long until I hear my mother call us all to dinner.
* * *
Later that night,I’m looking out over the water whose violent emotions seem to mirror my own when my phone pings with an incoming email. My heart beats faster at the sender. Fumbling with my phone as I open it, I read it quickly and again feel the earth shift under me.
From:Alison Freeman
To: Jacob Madison
Subject: Emily Freeman
Mr. Madison,
We’ve made contact with the animal hospital regarding Mugsy’s remains. They will work directly with us in the future.
On behalf of all of us at Amaryllis Events, we hope your daughter is healing quickly. All medical expenses for Jenna’s hospital stay have been paid for by our company to apologize for any belief you may still hold regarding the responsibility of one of our employees. If you find you need further assistance with costs such as rehabilitation, please contact the hospital administrator. They know how to reach me.
Cordially,
Alison Freeman
Please be advised,this email address will be blocked immediately after you receive this.
