34. Chapter 33
J enna
Jenna pushed the shopping cart through Tesco's clothing section, scanning the racks for leggings in Dani's size. The teenager walked slightly ahead, flicking through hangers with a look of practiced indifference.
"You're sure you don't want jeans instead?" Jenna asked, holding up a pair.
Dani shook her head. "Leggings are easier. Comfier."
Jenna nodded, watching as Dani pulled a few pairs into her arms before heading toward the sweaters. It had been a mild winter so far, but Dani had outgrown most of her warm clothes, and with Sasha gone, Jenna felt an even deeper need to make sure she had everything she needed.
After a few moments of silence, Dani spoke hesitantly. "Three years ago... Dylan and I wouldn't have let you do this."
Jenna looked up from a rack of cardigans. "Do what?"
"Take care of us. Buy us things." Dani ran a hand over the soft fabric of a hoodie, her voice quieter. "When we first came to live with Sasha, we didn't trust her. We didn't trust anyone."
Jenna's heart ached at the quiet admission. "I remember Sasha saying you had a hard time at first."
Dani nodded. "Our parents weren't... good. We learned early that adults only do things because they want something. So, when Sasha kept being kind, we thought it was a trick." She shrugged. "I used to hide food in my room, in case she decided one day she didn't want us anymore."
Jenna felt an invisible hand tighten within her chest. "I'm sorry you had to feel that way."
Dani gave her a small smile. "Sasha never gave up. Even when we acted like little terrors, she never got mad. She just kept being patient, kept showing up." She glanced at Jenna. "Kind of like you."
Jenna blinked back sudden emotion, reaching out to squeeze Dani's hand. "I'm not going anywhere, Dani. Ever."
Dani held her gaze for a long moment, then nodded before quickly grabbing another sweater and tossing it into the cart. "Okay, enough heavy stuff. Let's go find snacks."
Jenna chuckled, following her through the aisles.
As she watched Dani chat about her favourite crisps and debate which chocolate bar was best, a deep sadness settled in her chest. She had never had these kinds of moments with Max and Lilly once they had become teenagers.
They had slowly pulled away from her, choosing Troy's world over hers, treating her with polite indifference at best and outright disdain at worst. She had let it happen, too afraid of pushing them further away.
Maybe this was a second chance to experience what she had missed
With Dani, things were different. Dani wanted to talk, to share small moments. It was a stark contrast, and the realization stung. Maybe this is how it should have been with my own kids. Maybe if she had fought harder, things wouldn't have turned out the way they did.
They were heading toward the checkout when they ran into one of Dani's friends. Rhiann, a petite girl with dark curls, grinned when she saw her. "Hey, Dani! "
"Hey, Rhiann," Dani greeted, setting down her basket.
Beside Rhiann stood a man Jenna hadn't met before, but there was surprise followed by admiration in his gaze as he turned toward her.
He was tall, with dark hair peppered with grey at the temples, and a strong, confident presence.
Despite the streaks of silver, there was something youthful about him-perhaps the way he carried himself, relaxed but assured.
He wore a simple but well-fitted coat over his jeans and button-down shirt, the kind of effortless style that came from comfort rather than vanity.
"You must be Jenna," he said in a deep bass voice. "I'm Adam, Rhiann's dad."
Jenna shook his outstretched hand, noting the firm grip and easy confidence. "Nice to meet you."
"I've heard a lot about you," Adam said with a smile. "Apparently, you're the cool new parental figure in town."
Jenna raised an eyebrow at Dani, who looked entirely uninterested in the exchange. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Adam laughed. "It was meant to be one."
There was a beat of silence before he gestured toward Rhiann. "The girls have been talking about a concert coming up. I was thinking of taking Rhiann, but if Dani's interested, maybe we could all go?"
Dani perked up at that, glancing at Jenna. "Can we?"
Jenna hesitated, looking at Adam. There was an easy charm about him, something effortlessly kind and grounded. "That sounds like fun," she finally said. "As long as you don't mind a tag-along."
"Not at all," Adam said. "I'd enjoy the company. Plus, I'd rather not be the only adult surrounded by a sea of teenagers. "
Dani and Rhiann exchanged a pleased look before heading toward the checkout ahead of them.
Jenna turned back to Adam. "What kind of concert is it?"
He grinned. "Chevy Metal. A local band that does some of the best classic rock covers you'll hear. The girls love them, and I'll admit I don't mind tagging along for the nostalgia factor."
Jenna smiled. "That actually sounds pretty good."
"Great. Let's make it a plan, then." Adam's gaze lingered on her for a second longer, something warm and appreciative.
For the first time in a long time, the idea of spending an evening with someone new didn't feel exhausting.
It felt... nice.
Her phone vibrated in her bag as they walked out together and headed for their cars with the shopping. Jenna hesitated before pulling it out, her breath catching at the name on the screen.
Troy.
For a moment, she considered ignoring it. Then, with a sigh, she swiped to open the message.
Troy: I saw something today, and it made me think of you.
Something stupid, really-those little lemon tarts you love.
Remember when you made me drive to three different bakeries when you were pregnant just to find the perfect ones?
I ended up eating half of them, but you swore the ones from that tiny French café were the best. I saw them at a shop today, and I just..
. I don't know. I guess I miss you. I know I've messed things up, and I don't deserve to ask, but-are you okay?
If you'd let me, I'd like to come to Chester and talk.
No pressure. No expectations. Just let me know. Please.
Jenna felt an unfamiliar rage as she read the message again .
Damn him. Where was all this concern when she was begging for his time?
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard.
She should reply. A simple, polite acknowledgment, at least.
Too soon. Too soon to be civil. Maybe after the divorce.
She locked the screen and dropped the phone into her handbag, pushing it down as if that could bury the emotions clawing their way to the surface.
She had no obligation to answer him. Not after everything. Not after the late nights waiting, the ignored calls, the humiliations stacked one on top of the other until she had finally walked away.
And yet, guilt twisted in her stomach.
Not because she owed him anything.
But because of Adam.
Because she had agreed-however casually-to go to a concert with a man who wasn't her husband, despite the separation. Because, for the first time in years, she had felt something other than exhaustion in a conversation with someone new.
She wasn't cheating. She wasn't even sure she was ready for anything beyond casual company. She wasn't going to be ready for a very long time. But that didn't stop the self-recrimination from creeping in.
She exhaled slowly before reaching for her shopping bags.
She wasn't replying.
She wasn't opening that door again.
With quiet resolve, she stepped out of the car and headed inside, leaving thoughts of the past behind her.