Page 47 of Intertwined Hearts

“That can be your assignment. You tell her everything before our next visit. I’m looking forward to hearing how it goes.”

“I hope it doesn’t ruin us forever.”

“I think you should give Nikki the benefit of the doubt. I think she’ll be more receptive and understanding than you give her credit for.”

“I hope so.”

“Well, my dear, our time is up. I’m looking forward to hearing how everything goes. Make sure to set up an appointment before you go begin repairing bridges.”

I stood and held my hand out to shake his. “Thank you.”

After making my appointment with the receptionist, I sent a text to Hunter. I owed him a huge apology. I wasn’t sure if he was able to see me during his lunch or not, but I wanted to make sure to let him know, in person, as soon as possible. I didn’t want him to think I was searching for the right way to make the next attempt to ditch him. I wanted the opposite. I wanted to hang on to him forever.

Chapter 36

Jackie

Hunter and I were back on track. I’d also spent some time with Nikki, and through many tears from both of us, told her everything. Nikki shared a lot of what was going on with her father with me too. I had been missing out on a lot. She had practically orchestrated a family reunion, unbeknownst to Gary, and had actually pulled it off. She also told me Jessica, their live-in nanny, had taken a job in Las Vegas and was leaving soon. My best friend needed me and I needed her. I felt closer to her than ever, and she said she felt the same. And finally, I felt like my life was back on the right path. If only I could get my damn place sold.

The unit had been on the market for months, and during that time, there had only been a few inquiries and two viewings. My frustration was mounting. We could easily afford the monthly payment, but we wanted to get out of this place and away from the bad memories associated with the place. The memory of Landon being inside my home freaked me out. I had thought the selling price was too high, but the realtor kept insisting it was priced competitively. I had one more month of this realtor before I could switch. I’d sent an email with my final request to lower the price. My last two requests had fallen on deaf ears.

My treatments were going pretty well. My gynecologist said it looked like the scar tissue was starting to clear up, but it was still pretty early. She didn’t expect it to really show improvement for about another year. Hunter and I decided not to spend all of our time waiting to see what happened. Instead, we began talking about and looking into the requirements of the possibility of adopting a baby. The night of our anniversary, we both agreed we were really eager to learn more about it, and maybe even begin the process soon.

Not even ten minutes after I got home from work, Hunter came in.

“Hey, baby,” he said. He grabbed me and twirled me into his arms before lowering his mouth onto mine.

“Hey, Hunter. You’re in a very good mood.”

“I’m always in a good mood, but I talked to Jeff earlier.”

“Oh, really? What’s he up to?”

“Well, a few years back, he and I talked about going into business together. At the time, I didn’t have the money to put into it, and the idea just kind of went poof. When he called me earlier, he asked me if I was still interested.”

“What’s the business?”

“A gym.”

“Is Nikki on board with the idea?”

“She’s the one giving him the push to keep looking into it. He said she’s probably more excited about it now than he is. Pretty funny, right?”

“That is funny. Nikki is usually the one who likes a sure thing. She must really feel pretty good about this idea. Or Jeff’s one hell of a salesman.”

We both laughed.

“What do you think?” Hunter asked me.

“There’s no harm in getting some information about it. I think, depending on where the gym’s located, it could be a really good opportunity for you both.”

“You’d be part of it too. Anything I do, you’re involved in, in some way.” He kissed my cheek. “Oh, Jessica leaves tomorrow, too, Jeff said.”

“That time flew by. They’re going to miss her, but I know Nikki’s happy to get back to just the four of them living in the house again.”

Hunter

I was floating on cloud nine. I had thought the gym idea had fizzled completely. Jeff and I hadn’t talked about it for years. I’d been socking away a little stash in case it ever came up again, but I never actually thought it would. I didn’t have anywhere near the amount of money Jeff had, but I had something. I wasn’t going to freeload on his coattails. Not completely anyway. This was our dream, and I was so ready to begin living it.

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