4. Jenny
Chapter 4
Jenny
T he cold air conditioning filters through my apartment making the room cool, but my skin is hot as my thoughts keep drifting back to last night. Dinner with Ethan was everything I didn’t know I needed—easy, fun, and full of the kind of connection that’s been missing from my life for so long. As I trace my fingers over my lips, I can still feel the warmth of his kiss, the way it made my heart race and my mind quiet. I didn’t want the night to end, but now, in the stillness of the morning, I’m excited to see where we go from here.
My phone buzzes on the nightstand, pulling me from my thoughts. I reach for it, half expecting it to be Ethan, but instead, I see Brooke’s name flashing on the screen.
Brooke: Morning, sunshine! How’d last night go? I need details!
Brooke: Remember, I’m living vicariously through you, girl.
I smile, rolling onto my back as I type out a reply.
Jenny: Morning! It was... amazing. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you. Coffee before work?
Brooke: You’re on! See you at Bean & Bagel in 20.
My phone buzzes with another text. I expect it to be from Brooke, but this time it’s from Ethan, and I can feel my smile across my face.
Ethan: Good morning, sweetheart. How was your night?
Me: Good morning, it was great. How was yours?
Ethan: It would have been better with you here with me.
My heart skips a beat when I read that. I don’t have time to respond when he messages again.
Ethan: Can I see you tonight?
Me: I thought you’d never ask. How does six sound?
Ethan: I’ll pick you up at six.
Me: See you then.
I toss the covers off and sit up, a flutter of excitement in my chest. Brooke’s going to flip when she hears about last night. It’s been a while since I’ve had good news to share, and I can’t wait to see her reaction. I quickly get ready, slipping into a simple sundress and sandals, my mind still half on Ethan and half on the day ahead. As I head out the door, I can’t help but feel like I’m walking on air.
The short drive to the Bean & Bagel is filled with the familiar sounds of Hibiscus Harbor waking up—the distant hum of cars, the laughter of children on their way to school, and the scent of fresh bread wafting from the bakery on the corner. It’s one of the things I love most about this town—everything feels alive, vibrant, like anything is possible.
When I step into the café, the rich aroma of coffee surrounds me. “Good morning, Jenny.” Kate, the owner of the Bean & Bagel calls over to me from behind the counter. Kate makes the best coffee and bagels on the planet and this place is always packed in the mornings.
“Good morning, Kate.” I wave. “How’s it going?”
She smiles at me, “My life is perfect. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“Liar!” Her best friend, Grace, yells from behind the counter. “She needs a boyfriend. Got any prospects for her? I keep running dry.” She calls out to me.
I laugh, “Nope. I’m bone dry, to,” I tease as Kate swats at Grace with a dish rag.
“Brooke’s over there.” Kate points to my best friend.
“Thanks Kate.” I laugh as Grace sticks her tongue out at Kate. Those two are fun to be around and one of the many reasons I love coming to this café.
I spot Brooke already at our usual table, a knowing grin on her face. She’s holding two steaming cups of coffee, and I can see the anticipation in her eyes as I approach.
“So?” she says, barely able to contain herself. “Tell me everything!”
I laugh, sliding into the seat across from her. “It was perfect, Brooke. We had dinner at The Silver Willow, talked about everything under the sun, and we just... clicked, you know? Like we’ve known each other forever.”
Her grin widens, and she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “I knew it! I could just tell there was something special about this guy. And the way you’re smiling right now... Jenny, it’s like I’ve got my best friend back. I can’t wait to meet him.”
I feel a warmth spread through me at her words. Brooke’s always been my biggest cheerleader, even when things with Richard were falling apart. She was the one who helped me pick up the pieces, who reminded me that I was worth more than the way he treated me. And now, seeing the pride and happiness in her eyes, it makes me believe that maybe I do deserve this—this chance at something new, something real.
“He texted me this morning and we’re seeing each other again tonight,” I say, unable to hide the excitement in my voice. “I don’t know where it’s going between us, but... I want to find out.”
“Of course you do,” Brooke says, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied nod. “And I’m here for it, every step of the way. Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I don’t want Richard showing up and causing any more problems.”
The mention of Richard sends a shiver down my spine, but I quickly push it aside. Last night felt like a new beginning, a chance to leave all of that behind me.
“I’ll be careful,” I assure her. “But I can’t live my life in fear of what he might do. Ethan makes me feel safe, cherished. Brooke, he’s different.”
“I can see that,” she says softly, her expression serious. “Just... promise you’ll let me know if anything happens. You don’t have to do this alone.”
“I promise,” I say, my heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support.
We finish our coffee, chatting about school and the upcoming weekend, and by the time we head to the elementary school, I’m feeling more grounded, more ready to face whatever comes next.
The school day passes in a blur of activity—first graders with endless energy and a million questions. It’s the kind of day that keeps me on my toes, but there’s a comfort in the routine, a sense of purpose that I’ve always loved. Every now and then, my mind drifts back to Ethan, and I find myself wondering how his day is going, if he’s thinking about me too.
When the final bell rings, I’m gathering up the last of my things when I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. I pull it out, expecting a message from Ethan, but instead, it’s an unknown number. A chill runs through me as I read the message:
Unknown Number: Stay away from him if you know what’s good for you. If you don’t, I’ll make sure to end it for you.
I stare at the screen, my heart pounding in my chest. Who could this be? And how do they know about Ethan and me? The warning is clear, and it sends a wave of fear crashing over me. My first instinct is to tell Brooke, to show her the message and get her advice, but something holds me back. I don’t want to drag her into this, not when I don’t even know what’s going on.
Instead, I quickly type out a response:
Jenny: Who is this? What do you want?
I wait, my breath held, but no reply comes. After a few minutes, I shove the phone back into my pocket, trying to push down the rising tide of panic. I can’t let this scare me—not now. Not when things are finally starting to look up.
But as I walk up to my apartment, I can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching me, that there’s a shadow lurking just out of sight, waiting for the right moment to strike.
I try to focus on the positive, on the fact that I have a date with Ethan tonight, but the threat lingers in the back of my mind like a dark cloud.
I take a long shower, hoping the hot water will wash away the unease that’s settled over me. By the time I step out, I’m feeling a little better, but the anxiety is still there, simmering beneath the surface. That message has got to be from Richard, right? I mean, who else would even care that I’m dating Ethan?
I check my phone again—still no response from the unknown number. Part of me is relieved, but another part is worried. What if this is just the beginning? What if this isn’t from Richard? What if whoever sent that message is planning something worse? A text message I can ignore. Ethan getting hurt because he’s dating me? That’s unacceptable.
I push the thoughts aside and focus on getting ready for tonight. I want to look my best for Ethan, to show him that I’m just as excited about whatever is brewing between us as he is. I choose a simple but elegant royal blue dress, one that makes me feel confident and beautiful. As I apply a touch of makeup, I catch my reflection in the mirror and force myself to smile.
I can’t let fear control me. Not anymore and not ever again.
When Ethan arrives, the sight of him standing at my door, looking as handsome as ever in a button-down shirt and jeans, instantly puts me at ease. His smile is warm, his eyes full of that same light I saw last night, and for a moment, all the worries melt away.
“You look amazing,” he says, his voice full of admiration as he takes my hand. “Ready to go?”
“More than ready,” I reply, my heart lifting at the sight of him.
We head to the restaurant at the Hibiscus Island Country Club. The atmosphere is perfect, the soft lighting casting a warm glow over everything. As we sit down and the conversation begins to flow, I find myself relaxing, the tension from earlier slowly fading away.
Ethan tells me about his day, about the excitement of moving forward with Hooplas, and I can see the passion in his eyes, the drive that’s been propelling him forward since he got back to Hibiscus Harbor. It’s inspiring, and it makes me want to be a part of that world, to support him in any way I can.
“Hey, man. I heard you were back.” A man in an expensive suit slaps Ethan on the back before they shake hands and do that man hug thing.
“Hey, Ian. How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.” Ethan says.
“I’m good. Glad you made it home in one piece.” Ian smiles as me. “Who’s this beautiful woman?” Ian takes my hand and kisses it.
“This is Jenny Dalton… my date and if you don’t let her go, I’ll end you.” Ethan teases… at least I think he’s teasing.
Ian smiles, “Ian Gallo. Nice to meet you, Ms. Dalton.”
“Jenny, please. Nice to meet you, too, Ian.” I answer.
“Ian owns like half of Hibiscus Island.” Ethan offers, clearly trying not to sound impressed.
“Actually, I own the entire island and this country club.”
“Whatever, dude, she’s with me and clearly not impressed with your billions.” Ethan smiles.
“I would never, and you know that.” Ian says as Ethan nods. “Please, have whatever you want on the menu. It’s on me. It was great to meet you, Jenny.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Ian.”
He grabs Ethan’s shoulder, “Don’t be a stranger, man. Glad you’re home.”
“Thanks.” Ethan tells his friend as we watch Ian greet other guests in the restaurant.
“He’s a nice guy.” I say, a bit flirty to tease Ethan.
His eyes zero in on me, “Don’t even think about it, Jenny.”
I laugh out loud, “I’ve only got eyes for you, Ethan West.”
“Good.”
As the night goes on, I feel the connection between us growing stronger, the attraction deepening. But in the back of my mind, there’s still that nagging worry, that fear that something—or someone—is going to come between us.
After dinner, we take a walk along the marina looking at the million-dollar yachts, the warm breeze ruffling my hair as we stroll hand in hand. The moon is high in the sky, casting a silver light over the water, and for a moment, it feels like we’re the only two people in the world and I’m loving it.
But then I see it—a figure standing in the shadows up ahead, watching us. My heart skips a beat, and I instinctively grip Ethan’s hand tighter, my breath catching in my throat.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, his voice laced with concern as he follows my gaze as he pulls me behind him.
I blink, and the figure is gone, vanished into the night like a ghost. I shake my head, trying to convince myself it was just my imagination, that the stress of the text message is playing tricks on me.
“Nothing,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just thought I saw something, but it’s nothing.”
He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push either. Instead, he pulls me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders as we continue our walk.
“Jenny,” he says after a few moments of silence, his voice soft but serious. “If something’s bothering you, you know you can tell me, right? I’m here for you, whatever it is.”
I hesitate, the words on the tip of my tongue, but something holds me back again. I don’t want to ruin this evening, don’t want to bring my fears into this moment.
“I know,” I finally say, leaning into him. “And I appreciate it. I really do.”
We continue walking, but the unease from earlier starts to creep back in. I want to tell him about the message, about the figure I thought I saw, but I can’t bring myself to do it. Not yet. Maybe it’s something or maybe it’s nothing at all. There’s no reason to make a fuss for nothing.
By the time we reach my apartment, the tension has settled into a low hum, a constant buzz in the back of my mind. Ethan walks me to my door, his hand warm in mine, and as we stand there, I feel a pang of regret—regret that I’m not being completely honest with him.
But then he leans in, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss, and for a moment, all the worries fade away. When we pull back, his eyes search mine, as if he’s trying to read my thoughts.
“Goodnight, Jenny,” he says, his voice full of warmth. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Ethan,” I reply, my heart aching with the desire to tell him about the text message, but I don’t. I just watch him walk away. I’m such an idiot.
As I close the door behind me, the silence of the apartment feels suffocating. I lean against the locked door, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. I want to trust Ethan, to let him in, but the fear of what might happen to my heart if I do is paralyzing.
And then there’s the message—the threat that looms over everything, casting a shadow over the happiness I’ve found with him. Maybe it’s just a hoax and I’m worrying for nothing. Or maybe it’s just Richard trying to get me back – again.
I’m not sure who sent it, or what they want, but one thing is clear: they’re not going to make this easy. If I’m not careful, I could lose everything—Ethan, my sense of safety, and the chance at a future I thought I’d never have.
As I climb into bed that night, I can’t shake the feeling that something is coming, something dark and dangerous. And I don’t know if I’m ready to face it.
But one thing’s for sure: I’m not going to let fear win. Not this time.