Chapter 24
Jenna ran her damp palms down the length of her jeans and tried to focus on the country tune playing in Tyson’s truck. They’d
kept up a steady conversation for the past four and half hours, which had helped keep her mind off the upcoming interview.
But now that they were getting closer to Alexandria, the nerves were settling in.
“I can’t believe I’ve never been to your apartment,” Ty said.
They were stopping there first so she could change into something nice. “I haven’t even lived there a year.”
“This’ll give you a chance to check on things anyway.”
“I’m sure everything’s fine. I’ve forwarded my mail to Mom’s, and I only have one plant—which I brought to the island.”
“You’re keeping a plant alive?”
She wrinkled her nose in a mock scowl. Then a beat later confessed, “Okay, it’s a succulent, but still.”
He chuckled.
She swatted his arm. “Hey, at least I can keep a goldfish alive.”
“I was thirteen. I thought I was doing him a favor with all those extra feedings.”
Ten minutes later they entered her first-floor apartment.
The familiar smell of new flooring and citrus cleaner welcomed her home.
As she set down her things on the kitchen island, she tried viewing the space through Tyson’s eyes: the ivory leather sectional with soft blue pillows, a cozy area rug, and wooden accent pieces.
Its overall effect was slightly feminine, subdued, and inviting.
“This is really nice, Jen.”
“Thanks. Definitely a step up from my last place. However, I’m not sure I’ll be able to afford it on this new salary—if I
even get the job.”
“Well, money isn’t everything. This position sounds more you, and you can’t put a price tag on that.”
“True enough.”
His gaze homed in on her. “I’m proud of you, Jen. These past few months you’ve kind of had to pivot from the life you thought
you’d have. That takes a lot of courage.”
She hadn’t thought of it that way, but it was true. Getting the rug pulled out from under her had been scary. “You’d know
all about that since you’ve had to do the same thing. You expected your marriage would last forever and suddenly it was gone.
I know moving on was hard, and I’m just as proud of you for having the strength to do it.”
“I guess we’ve both faced a lot of loss and disappointment. Reinventing yourself is not easy.”
“No, it’s not. But having good friends to help you through is everything.”
“You’ve got that right.” Ty nodded.
She glanced at her Fitbit. “Well, I’d better go change. Don’t want to be late. Help yourself to the Keurig, but fair warning—the
cream’s probably expired.”
Almost two hours later Tyson waited in a coffee shop just down the street from the building where Jenna was interviewing.
While he waited he answered some texts. One from Luke, who was excited about his relationship with Trinity.
A couple of messages from his mom regarding a reservation for the upcoming weekend.
When he wasn’t on his phone, he flipped through a copy of The Alexandria Times someone had left on the table. But he was only skimming the newspaper. He couldn’t focus well enough to actually read the
articles.
He was too nervous for Jenna. Or maybe it was just jitters from the caffeine. Yeah, that was it. Couldn’t be worry that the
new job would take Jenna away from the island again.
The image of her emerging from her apartment hallway flashed in his brain. Her brow furrowed, she’d stopped and smoothed the
skirt of a dress that somehow managed to appear both businesslike and sporty. It offered a conservative view of her slim arms and tanned, toned legs.
“Is this okay?” she asked. “Is it too much? Not enough?”
He jerked his gaze from her legs. “It’s perfect. You look great.” He handed her a mug of hazelnut coffee. “Energy in a cup.”
Since creamer was his thing he’d skipped the coffee, but he was making up for it now with the large cold brew. He checked
the time. Must be going well if the interview was lasting this long. She would get the job, and he’d be back to irregular
visits and sporadic texts.
His phone vibrated and a notification appeared on the screen. Jenna. I’m done.
He replied, Be there soon. Want a coffee?
No thanks. Too jacked up on adrenaline!
He left the shop, and unable to wait any longer, he sent a text on his way out to the truck. It went well then?
She responded as he got in his truck. Very well! I’ll tell you all about it on the way to DC.