“I think it is. Trials can take a long time and are very costly. Plus, you know they're unpredictable. Once we work it out we'll probably have it finalized with the judge within the month. Tell him to hang in there. I'll call you as soon as I know.”
“Thanks, Mick.” Her spirits were already sinking and she had no clue why since he was doing everything in his power to help.
“Unless you want to take me up on my offer before then?” He had to give it one more shot. It was a long trip after all.
Kristen rolled her eyes—Micky was nothing if not persistent. After they ended the call she burst into hysterical laughter, not bothering to hold back the tears cascading down her face at the same time. When it was all over and she was exhausted and breathless, she allowed Logan to invade her mind.
What am I going to do about him?
* * *
Jake’s excitement mounted as he burst through the gate into the backyard. Just before he reached the front door, he did a double take—she sat next to Alicia on a lounge chair at the side of the house. It was hard to disguise his surprise and disappointment.
“Hey. Where's Alex?” Bending down to kiss her, he snuck a glance at her arms. He didn't want her to be around Alicia, or anyone else for that matter, until her bruises had vanished. Trying to make an inspection, without being conspicuous, he sighed with relief. Either she covered it with makeup or they were fading.
“He's sleeping. Is anything wrong, babe?”
“No, no, I just had something I wanted to talk to you about. It can wait.” Flustered, he fidgeted with his hair, lifting it up to fan himself with his hands. When Alicia and Kristen exchanged looks, he mumbled something about Alex, and took off into the house.
“He's acting strange. Are you sure everything's cool?” Alicia's eyes lingered on the door, then sought Kristen's.
“I think so. I have no idea what's wrong with him now.” Did something happen at work? Why is he home so early? Giving in to her curiosity and nervous tension, she stood up to go inside.
“I was just going anyway.” Alicia rose, planting a kiss on Kristen's cheek. Before she could leave, Jake was back with a couple of beers. Smiling, he extended one to Alicia.
“Oh, no thanks, Jake, I'm off to class. Talk to you guys later.”
When she was gone, he handed his beer to Kristen, and draped an arm around her shoulders. Her eyebrows raised. “Rationing me now?” she motioned to the full bottle he'd offered Alicia.
“No! Of course not!” He jammed it into her hand. “I just thought we'd share one.”
She took a long swig from the full bottle, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Why are you so hyped up?” Feeling more at ease, she stretched her legs out in front of her, getting comfortable.
Jake's face lit up. “I was hoping you'd come with me to the restaurant. I'm almost done with the mural and want you to see it. We can grab a bite to eat, walk on the beach…” He nuzzled her neck, absorbing the silky comfort of her hair on his skin. What he'd done to her still haunted him, making him desperate to make it up to her. “Are you bored staying home all day?”
It took her by surprise. “Sometimes I get lonely. But...” her thoughts began to wander.
“Are you happy?” He knew it was an unusual question to ask considering what had happened, but it was important to him.
Even more stunned, her face snapped up to his. He watched with apprehension as she pondered his question, her eyes crawling across every inch of his face.
“I think so.” She turned her face from him.
Taken aback, he stiffened, but fought to move on.
“Do you want to go with me?”
“What about Alex?”
“Cassandra?” Then remembering his concern, he touched her arms, his eyes saddened. “I thought you were gonna stay out of sight until the marks disappeared?” They were hard to notice, yet still unnerved him. As the strange way Alicia eyed him entered in his mind, he fretted over what she knew.
“I can't stay hidden forever, Jake. Besides, they are almost invisible. If you're so embarrassed, maybe we shouldn't go.”
“I'd never be embarrassed of you baby! I just don't want them getting the wrong idea—”
“—The wrong idea? What is the right idea Jake?”
His devastated sigh filled the room. He stretched his neck, rotating it in circles without relief, waiting for the mist in his eyes to dry up before looking at her. “Are you ever gonna forgive me for that? I told you it would never happen again. I'll burn my hands if I ever get mad enough to even think about it.”
Moved by his words, she found her anger melting away. Then an influx of images and voices in her head wouldn’t let up. You can never let anyone hurt you again. Don’t ever forget that.
Closing her eyes, she exhaled as he loosened his embrace. “Just don't think about it then, Jake.”
* * *
The evening turned out too perfect to be real. She was blown away by the mural. Jake’s face beamed the entire time with an intensity she hadn't seen since they first met. Henry appeared to genuinely appreciate Jake’s talent, his restaurant was exquisite and the food delicious. To top it all off, he was a super nice guy.
Things were heading back to normal with Jake, their chemistry so explosive, it rivaled the way it was in the beginning. For a while the stress was minimal, enabling her to block the painful events from her thoughts.
Since Cassandra agreed to keep Alex for as long as they needed, they made the most of it. It was almost 7:00 p.m. when they removed their shoes and trudged through the glittering white shoreline of South Beach. They gaped at the brilliant sunset illuminating the beach in a magical way. Just as the tepid water slapped the sand, soaking their feet, Jake lifted her into his arms.
“We still have so much to experience together, Kris. Do you know that?”
It felt like an eternity since he had any faith at all in himself or positivity that his life would get back on track, even longer since he’d been happy. The fact that he could have destroyed his entire world faded from his mind as he held on with all of his might.
Surprised by the depth of her love for him at that moment, she clung to him, determined never to let go. It wasn't the time or place to discuss the inevitable.
TUESDAY
KRISTEN/JAKE
She knew she should be glowing with happiness. Her beautiful baby cuddled in her arms. He was perfect. Jake worked hard doing everything in his power to please her while his career zoomed to unimagined heights. Fulfilled by his success, he strived to encompass her in his bliss. A few more weeks until couples' therapy began. Although it would revive all the painful memories, they were hopeful it would do more good than harm.
So why did the emptiness inside threaten to destroy her?
Micky called. Logan agreed to the plea bargain. One year locked up with the chance of an earlier release for time served with good behavior. Gina was still in a coma, hanging on, but there was always that possibility she would die. He was certain the plea was the safest way to go under the circumstances.
Logan persisted, texting and calling her nonstop, his desperation over her failure to respond, obvious. She knew she couldn't avoid talking to Jake about it any longer, no matter how much she dreaded it.