He tilts his head as though I’m a total idiot for asking. Of course, he wants to watch the new Jacob Arrowood movie for the ninetieth time.
As much as I don’t want to, there’s a part of me that wants to see his face again. I wonder if, now that I’ve met him, the green in his eyes will be as vibrant on screen as it is in person or if his smile is the same.
“Put it on.” I find myself saying without really thinking more on why I reply that way.
“Yes!”
“This counts as his Wednesday movie choice!” Melanie says as she gets to her feet. “We aren’t watching this again in a few days. It’s Mom’s choice.”
“Fine,” Sebastian agrees quickly.
And why wouldn’t he? We are watching his movie no matter what.
“Jacob Arrowood is the best Navigator ever. He has that look when he’s ready to save everyone that makes it so no one can help but believe him. I bet he’s a real-life hero who is nice and does things for people because he can. I bet he can really fly a plane, just like Dad did.”
I doubt it, but I’m not about to burst his bubble. He isn’t wrong about being a nice guy. Jacob was nothing like I expected. He was kind, ridiculously attractive, and made me feel a little sense of peace. Since meeting him a week ago, I haven’t been able to get him out of my mind.
It also doesn’t help that Cybil put these thoughts in my head about being wanted.
He's probably complicated, and I have enough of that to last me a lifetime.
The movie cues up, and Sebastian’s joy is palpable. I wish I could be like that.
Grief doesn’t work on anyone’s timeline. Some days are so hard that I feel as though I’m drowning while other days are easy. There are times I can think of Luke without a single ounce of sadness. I imagine him so vividly, smiling at us as we’re trying to unload the groceries in one trip, our fingers losing circulation as we load up because multiple trips are unnecessary. I can close my eyes and hear his deep voice telling me he loves me and he’ll always return to me.
Oh, how that was a lie.
The opening scene comes on, and Sebastian starts in with all the reasons Jacob is worthy of an Oscar. “He knows all the right turns and angles to make sure he takes down the terrorist who is trying to destroy the city without hurting the civilians.”
Melanie huffs and goes to the other couch by the window. “Yeah, he’s great.”
“Shut up, Melanie. He is great and you’re just pissed because we’re watching my movie.”
“I’m sure that’s it.”
“You both give me a headache.”
They quiet down for a few minutes.
“Mom?” Melanie calls without turning away from the window.
“What?”
“Is Grandma coming over today?”
I close my eyes and count to five. I love my in-laws. They’re amazing and generous and truly have helped us more than I can say, but they’re killing me. They never call before coming by or ask if it’s okay. I’ve lived most of my life on my own. I got married young and basically grew up while raising a family. I appreciate their help, but stopping by this late on a Friday is a bit much.
“Not sure.”
“There’s a car in the driveway, and it looks like hers.”
I get off the couch, head toward the door, and adjust my messy bun. When I pull the door open, I find it’s not her.
No, it’s not anyone in our family.
It’s a man.
A very, very attractive man. One who happens to be playing on my television at this very moment.
My eyes widen as I stare at Jacob, who is smiling at me.
“Hey.”
I push him gently and then close the door behind me. “Hi, are you okay? Is something wrong? I mean, I didn’t . . . expect you here now or like . . . at all. Of course, you’re not here for me, I’m guessing. Because that would be weird, right? What the hell is wrong with me?” I say the last part under my breath and pray he didn’t hear.
“Sorry to swing by, but I was driving home from the airport and saw your lights on. I figured I could meet Sebastian and hopefully set a time to hang out.”
“Right.” I look at my feet and bite back a groan. Please, kill me now. I’m in my leggings and off-the-shoulder shirt that has a huge stain on it from a popcorn and butter incident, and no bra. I quickly wrap my arms around my chest, to conceal my horrible attire.
“Now isn’t a good time, I’m sorry.”
“No! That’s not it. Please don’t be sorry.” If Sebastian realizes he’s out here and he doesn’t meet him, I’ll never hear the end of it. “We weren’t expecting anyone. We’re just watching a . . . something . . . and you surprised me.”
He laughs once. “I’m an idiot. I didn’t have your number or a way to get in touch with you that wasn’t passing notes through my sister-in-law. I jumped the gun.”
“I promise, you didn’t. I’d love it if you’d like to come inside—as long as you can ignore any mess you see—and meet Sebastian. My daughter is here too, Melanie, and she will also probably freak out a bit.”
Jacob shrugs and then runs his fingers through his coffee-colored locks. “I’m ready if you are.”
Right. Jacob Arrowood is coming into my house at eight thirty on a Friday night. Not a big deal. I mean . . . it’s cool that there are still some boxes in the corner and I look like complete shit. Once he sees me in the light, he’ll probably run out the way he came.
Here we go.
I push open the door and hear the intake of air through Sebastian’s lips. “Oh my God!”
“Sebastian, this is Jacob Arrowood. He happened to be in Sugarloaf and knew you were a huge . . .”
Before I can finish, Sebastian is on his feet and rushing toward us. “I’m not a huge fan! I’m your biggest one ever! Wow! You’re in my house! Wow! Mom! Look!”
I smile at the sheer joy that is on his face. “I see.”
“Did you know that I’ve seen all your movies? Even the crappy ones.”
“Sebastian!” I admonish as the heat floods my cheeks. “I’m sorry, he’s . . . eleven.”
“It’s fine,” Jacob says with a laugh. “I think they were pretty crappy too.”
“I didn’t say he was crappy, Mom, just the movie. You know, that stupid girl movie that Mel made us watch.”
Lord deliver me from boys.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask, hoping we can move on from the crappy movie talk.
“No, I’m good, thank you though.”
Melanie comes out of the kitchen, her eyes wide and jaw hanging open. “That’s my daughter, Melanie. She has also seen your movies as Sebastian pretty much demands them anytime it’s his turn to choose, as you can see now.” I jerk my head to the movie that’s playing, and he grins.
“Whoa.” Is all my brilliant daughter says.
“It’s nice to meet you, Melanie.”
She nods a few times, mouth still gaping.
Jacob crouches in front of Sebastian. “I stopped by because I wanted to ask you a question.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, see, part of my job while I’m here is to annoy my brothers, and there’s nothing in the world they hate more than me getting to have fun while they’re working hard. So, I wanted to know if you would like to go fishing in this awesome creek I have on my land on Sunday?”