Chapter 14
Grant
What a night. One I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I liked seeing that side of Jo.
She relaxed and trusted us to take care of her. I don't think that comes easy, and something she won't admit to.
We get ready, and I help her into the truck.
My bag is tossed in the back. I brought extra clothes because we hadn’t told her we were staying overnight.
She looks adorable in my flannel pajama pants and sweatshirt.
It’s strange seeing my clothes on someone other than Clay, though.
I turn up the truck’s heat and head back inside. Clay should’ve been checked out by now.
“What the hell is this?" His tone is firm.
“What's wrong?” Concern lines his features. “Tell me what's going on?”
“She got another letter." He shoves the envelope at me. “Delivered here.” I take it.
“Fucking hell, Grant. She said she's never gotten more than one a year. And what does that even mean? Why even one at all?" Clay paces as I read it. He already took the liberty of opening it.
“Shit, Clay. You're right. This isn't good. Can you bring this to Matt and Derrick? See what they think? Or what we should do?”
“I hate to bother them, they just got married for fuck’s sake. But this can’t wait. I’ll message Derrick, but I’ll need to go into the office. Maybe he has a friend who can help. Let’s get Jo home, and I need to change.”
“Okay. When are you going to show this to Jo?”
“When we get home. Let her relax a little while longer. I expect this will rattle her more than the others.”
I give Clay a quick kiss, and we head out to the truck; I slide into the driver's seat, knowing his frustrations and concerns are growing.
Who knew the sassy redhead had someone else after her? Hasn't she been through enough? She deserves a break. She deserves more.
The radio plays country music in the background, and we are all lost in our own thoughts. Jo is still relaxed and half dazed, while Clay is frantically typing on his phone. Oblivious to the tension building around him.
We arrive at our house. Time to break the spell and see what else we can learn about Jo.
“Just wait, Jo. Let me help you inside.”
I walk around and help her to her feet. My arm stays around her waist. I like the feel of her soft body. She's completely different than my husband, and I like her close. My need to offer protection is growing as the unknown deepens.
I don't know exactly what's going on here, but I don't want to see her hurt either by us or by anyone else. For now, I'll gladly help keep her safe and show her all the ways to bring her pleasure.
Jo and I are barely through the door. Clay is already pacing. “Jo, are you sure no one is threatening you? Or wants to hurt you?"
“Yes. I told you before. One letter. Once a year. That's it. I can’t explain the other one except to say it's strange. But I’m not worried.”
“Jo, we think you should be. Another one was at the hotel desk for you.” My tone is firm. She needs to get serious about this.
“What? Are you sure that it's mine? That's nonsense. I wasn’t even home.”
“Here. Look for yourself." Clay hands her the letter, and I almost wish he hadn't. I wish he could make it go away for her, but it doesn't work that way.
We watch her read and take it in.
Jolee,
The celebration is over. It should never have started.
It's all over.
He’s not coming back. Ever.
There is nothing more to say that would change anything, and I no longer feel the need to be understood. Grief has given me the guidance I need.
I’m removing you from my memory. I can’t allow you to exist there.
Eight years is long enough.
This is the end of the story.
SJ
“This is absurd. Seriously. Do I need to call his mom? Maybe it would get her to stop?” Jo shakes her head. I can see the panic rising behind her mask. This is more.
“Who's mom? Who is he? What's going on, Jo? I can’t wait any longer for answers.” Clay presses, and I nod in my agreement. We can’t go on without knowing.
I pull Jo over to the couch with me to sit down.
“My fiancé’s mother, Sherry.” Jo takes a breath, then continues. “She's the one who sends me a letter every year on what our wedding anniversary would’ve been.”
“Fiancé? What the fuck, Jo? We were just intimate, and you have a fiancé?” Clay bursts out.
“He’s dead!” She yells right back at him.
Well, fuck.
I lean in to get closer to her. Trying to offer some support. This is obviously what’s been causing her pain.
“Why would she do that?” I ask quietly, knowing this isn't easy for Jo. And it’s causing Clay pain. I don’t like this.
“She blames me for his death. Even though I had nothing to do with his death. I was in love with him. I thought we would be together forever. We were planning our wedding. Talking about kids.” Tears start down her face, no longer able to keep them in or the pain.
“Jo, I'm so fucking sorry.”
She keeps going, like she just needs to get this all out in the open.
“It's why I moved up to Whispering Waters. Got a new job. New place to start over, but she followed me in a way I never expected. Hurtful letters every year. Making sure I never forgot. Except this is new. She’s never sent more than one, as I said.” Jo pushes her face into my chest, trying to hide.
I grab a tissue and start to wipe them away.
“We are going to figure this out. If it's his mom, we will get her to stop. If it’s not, we will figure that out too. I've already messaged Derrick.” Clay says quietly and joins us on the couch.
“None of this makes any sense. I'm so confused. She might hate me, but this is new. I can't move and start over again. It's just too much. Once was hard enough."
“I know. I don’t want to put more stress on you. I will go to the office later and let you know what I find out. Then we can make a plan from there. And Jo, I don't want you going anywhere but staying here.”
“You shouldn’t be alone, and we want to help you with this. This is too much to deal with by yourself. We can watch movies and rest, while Clay does his thing.”
Jo gives a weak smile. “I think I like the sound of that.”
Clay kisses her, "I'll be back as soon as I can. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t with Grant."
“Okay." She laughs again. Not sounding as defeated as she was moments ago.
Once Clay returns from our bedroom, changed and ready, I let her go and follow him to the door.
“Be safe. Let me know when you’re on your way back." I kiss him before he disappears out the door. Now, time to offer some distractions.
"Wow. That was hot." Jo covers her mouth in surprise. “Sorry."
“Sorry? For what?” I arch a brow at her, just to see her blush. “I'm glad you like us kissing because we plan to show you a lot more than that."
“Oh, you do?”
“Yes. Oh. Lots of oh's." I grin. “Now what should we do? How can I distract you?” I lick my lips because I’d love to taste her again.
“You're already distracting me just by standing there looking all hot and manly."