Page 94 of Matchmaking the Rival

"But how can you do that?" I asked. "Typically, when you go through a hard time, you’re not in the best of spirits. The last thing on my mind is someone else."

"You're right," Jeannie said, looking at the nail polish she'd chosen. It was the brightest red in the color palette. "And that wasn't always easy.” Suddenly her eyes looked sad. “After Ryan, the boys’ father and my son, showed his true colors, it was an especially difficult time. Abe was angry, almost constantly. Bitter that our only son had turned out to be... well, not the good person we'd hoped we raised. I have to admit it was a tough time. It's hard showing love when the other person is bad tempered all day long, but that's especially when they need it. When you both need it. They need the reassurance of knowing you're still there for them even when they're not at their best. Abe was there for me too. Sometimes it's easier to show up for the other person than it is for yourself. And that's okay."

Her words went straight to my heart. I was going to remember them for the rest of my life.

"I'm sorry your family went through that," Natalie said.

Jeannie shrugged. It was still a sore point for her after all these years. Then again, how could it not be? "I wish we could've protected the boys better."

"Jeannie," I said gently, "you did your very best."

“I hope so. Colton and Jake took it so hard. They'd wanted to keep their younger brothers shielded, but it was impossible. And then their mother got ill. My poor girl. I know the doctor said she'd had the melanoma for a while, but I firmly think it started after Ryan broke her heart, and no one will be able to convince me otherwise."

"Oh, Jeannie, don't say that," I said. "Illnesses are unfortunate mishaps."

“I think Cade was the angriest out of everyone. He changed from that boy who played harmless pranks to someone who the school viewed as dangerous. I didn't know how to reach him. No one could.” And just like that, her expression changed as she said, “But let's not talk about anything sad anymore. I’m making that a rule we follow for the rest of the day."

"I like it," I said.

"So do I," Natalie replied.

"I do have an important question for you two girls," Jeannie whispered conspiratorially. "You can tell me not to butt in."

Oh yeah, like that would ever work.

Jeannie's eyes twinkled. "Are either of you planning on giving me great-grandkids?"

I'd never blushed so fast in my whole life. Natalie looked like she was about to choke on nothing at all. All three manicurists were fighting their laughter, enjoying our discomfort, I supposed.

"Um... I, um... You know Cade and I just started seeing each other," I mumbled.

"Okay. I take it that's my cue. I'm butting in."

Natalie narrowed her eyes at Jeannie. "You’re doing that thing again that you did when you told Cade about Meredith."

"What's that?" I asked.

Natalie leaned forward, making eye contact with me. "Apparently, when it comes to matchmaking, she has two strategies: one where she's completely sneaky and one where she's only partially sneaky."

Jeannie shook her head. "No, I was completely up-front. Sometimes it helps to tell people what you plan for them. Even if they reject the idea at first, it's there in their brain, percolating."

"Oh, I see. It's sort of like that movieInception," I said, even though it really wasn't. That movie had boggled my mind, but Leonardo DiCaprio was hot in it, so I'd watched it.

"Okay, got it. I did butt in. I won't ask again." Jeannie looked mighty pleased with herself.

We made chitchat while we got our nails done. Jeannie regaled us with stories from her time as an actress. She'd truly lived an amazing life. She said she hadn't wanted to travel a lot because it would take her away from her family, and that limited her options a bit, but she had no regrets.

Once my nails were dry, I texted Cade with an update.

Meredith: We’re done with our nails. Jeannie is happy. I think she had fun.

Cade didn't answer right away, so I put the phone back in my bag and focused on Jeannie as we entered the tea shop. The store was packed, which was surprising for a tea shop and the time of day. On the second floor, they sold very cute cups and plates and other accessories that looked delightful, so I marked this as a place to return to.

“Do you want us to drop you off at home, Jeannie?” Natalie asked after Jeannie bought tea for Abe and we'd stepped back out onto the street.

"Only if you girls have plans later."

Natalie and I exchanged a glance.

---