Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
T he last thing Nash wanted tonight was a family dinner. Everyone asking questions. But he couldn’t disappoint his mother. The dinner had been planned for weeks. Family gatherings had become increasingly rare, with everyone’s busy schedules making it a challenge to coordinate a time when they could all be together.
He walked over to his parent’s house—it was only about five minutes from his—and climbed the porch steps, steeling himself for the inevitable questions. His family didn’t disappoint.
He had barely crossed the threshold when his sister approached him, a beer in hand and a playful glint in her eye. “You know, Nash, I’ve been thinking,” she said, handing him the cold bottle. “You really should have invited Jenna to join you tonight. We’re all dying to meet her.”
“Drop it, will you?”
Pam’s eyes narrowed at his sharp tone. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.” He softened his tone but hoped to put an end to the conversation.
His mother came into the room. “I should have insisted you bring Jenna with you,” she said, echoing Pam’s words. “We’d love to meet her.”
Pam snickered.
He took a swig of his beer, silently wishing he could escape the scrutiny and enjoy a moment of peace without all the questions. He felt a twinge of guilt as he offered up the partial truth. “Ah, she was busy tonight.” Not really a lie. She was busy tonight. Busy avoiding anything having to do with him.
“That’s too bad. Well, dinner’s not quite ready yet. The boys are playing catch with your father in the backyard. Your brothers are having a hot debate going on about some baseball player.”
“Thanks, I’ll go out and settle the debate.” And escape the questions.
He headed out to the backyard. As soon as he stepped outside, his brother greeted him. “I hear you’re dating someone.”
“Not really.” He kept his voice neutral.
“That’s not what mom said,” his other brother joined in. “She mentioned you went to some concert at the gazebo. And you’re working on her house.”
“I was just being friendly to someone new in town. And yes, I took the job of repairs on her cottage.” Would the questions never end?
His nephews rushed over, their small hands tugging his and dragging him over to their game of catch. Which was fine with him. At least they weren’t asking him about Jenna.
Soon his mom called them inside. They all gathered around the table and had a rowdy family dinner full of conversation and laughter. After dessert, Pam turned to her other brothers. “Could you take the boys outside and tire them out for me? And Mom and Dad. Why don’t you go out and sit on the deck? Nash will help with the dishes, won’t you?” Pam offered up his help without hesitation. But he knew what that meant. She wanted to corner him to ask more questions. Resigned to his fate, he nodded in agreement.
As everyone filed out of the dining room, their chatter and laughter fading into the evening air, Nash found himself alone with Pam. He took his time clearing the table, his movements deliberately slow and measured. Each plate and utensil seemed to take an eternity to gather, as if he could somehow delay the inevitable conversation by prolonging this simple task.
Pam watched him with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, her arms crossed over her chest as she leaned against the kitchen counter. “If you went any slower, you could just wait and clear the breakfast dishes too,” she teased, her eyes rolling in mock frustration. He cracked a smile at his sister’s good-natured ribbing, even as he braced himself for the impending barrage of questions
“I’m working on it.” He brought in another load of dishes.
“Here, I’ve rinsed those. Load them in the dishwasher.” She pointed to a stack of rinsed dishes.
He methodically placed them in the dishwasher, making sure the silverware was handle downward just like his mother insisted.
“You were awfully quiet at dinner.” Pam handed him another plate. “Everything okay with you?”
“Yes.” He put the dish in the dishwasher and sighed. “No. Something happened between Jenna and me and I don’t know what. She’s… standoffish now. Says too much is going on in her life to date right now.”
Pam’s expression softened. “Maybe she just needs time.” She offered him some hope.
“Maybe. But I swear she’s hiding something from me. I can see it in her eyes. And then… she decided to add to the project even though she said tearing down the wall between the living room and kitchen was out of her budget.”
“I’m sorry things aren’t working out. I thought you’d finally found someone that you were at least going to try and have a relationship with.”
“I was trying,” he said flatly. “She no longer is.”
Pam turned and looked directly at him. “And you didn’t do anything, say anything to cause this?”
“No, I didn’t. I swear.” A hint of defensiveness crept into his voice. “I know I’m not great with women, but… it was just like overnight she changed her mind.”
“Did you try talking to her? Asking her what’s wrong? What’s changed?”
“I did. I even…” He paused, not sure he should share this. “I… I told her I had feelings for her. But she basically ignored it.” He put the last dish in the dishwasher. “I’m going to go say goodnight to Mom, then I’m going to head out.”
Pam reached out and touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Nash. I really am.”
“Yeah, me too.” He attempted a nonchalant shrug but knew it was useless. Pam could always see right through him.