Page 51 of Forever After All

“Make yourself at home,” she called over her shoulder. “You want something to drink?”

“Water, please.”

She grabbed two glasses and filled them with ice, then water from the sink. “Sorry, I don’t have the fancy bottled stuff.”

Linc chuckled and took the glass. He looked around as he took the first drink. “Nice place.”

Jess put her glass down and flopped back onto the couch. It was her favorite furniture. She’d splurged on the pillowy-soft piece, and she fell asleep on it more nights than not.

“Thanks. I don’t spend a lot of time here, but I’m secretly a homebody. If I’m not at the ranch, this is the only place I want to be.”

Linc walked around for another minute before taking a seat on the far end of the couch. “Nice neighbors too.”

Jess rolled her eyes and flopped her head back. “Ms. Landry leaves me alone most of the time. Though, one time she called to let me know there was a mountain lion in my yard. She also advised that I never go outside again.”

Linc’s eyes widened. “Ever?”

“Ever. She doesn’t leave her house much. I think she’s afraid of life.”

Who could blame her? Jess wasn’t afraid of life, but every time she stepped outside, there was a chance she’d get hurt, say something stupid, or just forget to put on the placating face she wore for the world.

Linc hummed deep in his chest. “I didn’t know we could just quit. I might have done that years ago.”

The sadness in his voice choked her.

“I’m sorry. My bad mood must be rubbing off on you.” She pointed at the small TV on top of a squatty bookshelf. “I don’t have cable. Just local channels.”

Linc rested his arm on the back of the couch, and the heaviness she felt earlier eased enough for her to inhale a full, deep breath. Why did seeing him relax in her safe space make it easier to breathe?

He pinned his gaze on her. “What would make you happy right now?”

Happy? The irritation from her dumpster fire of a date was already dissipating. She was well on her way to content, and happy wasn’t far behind.

“I like hot chocolate. And popcorn.”

“You have those things here, or am I making a store run?”

Her mouth tugged in a smile. Why did she want to smile and cry at the same time? “I have them. You want some?”

“I’ll share some popcorn with you.”

He started to stand, and she jumped to her feet. “I’ll get it. You just…wait here.”

“Where is your bathroom? I need to wash my hands.”

She pointed to the hallway. “First door on the left.” She darted out of the room in desperate need of a minute alone.

Standing in the kitchen, Jess leaned back against the counter and took a few deep breaths. Those pesky emotions were taking over again.

After a few seconds alone, the grip on her throat loosened. She shook out her hands and got out the things she needed for hot chocolate. She preferred the powdered mix, but only in the off-brand. The perfect hot chocolate also included milk, not water.

The pantry was small, but it was plenty big enough for everything she needed. Grocery shopping was formulaic. Jess liked certain things and rarely ventured out of that box. She didn’t need extras, the newest flavors, or anything special.

Enough was as good as plenty. What was the point of having lots of options when she already knew what she wanted?

By the time the popcorn was in the microwave–butter lovers only–her mood had shifted to happy. Maybe even a little excited. The date had been a bust, but Linc was here, and the smells of her favorite snacks tingled in her nose.

She propped her hands on the counter and stared at a crack while the pops in the microwave slowed. Hanging her head, she said a silent prayer of thanks that Linc showed up tonight. Hadley was a good friend, but she wouldn’t have had the same calming effect as Linc.

---