17. Jake
After that first day, Cherry and I find a balance working together. I took on most of the manual jobs like moving furniture, hanging pictures, and changing displays, and she spends hours designing and talking with clients so she understands their every need. She also lets me help her out with the things she was delegated for the baby shower. Her work ethic is damn impressive, but it doesn’t surprise me. Cherry has always worked her ass off for what she wanted.
She’d created something impressive here, something she can be proud of, but I can never forget that I was the one who took her original dream away and I’m sure she’ll never be able to either. I’d almost told her everything on that first day in her shop when she’d demanded answers, but a part of me wasn’t ready, wasn’t willing to risk her hatred when the truth of what happened came out. I need more time for her to see me as the man who adores her as much as the boy she’d loved did.
Gathering up the box of cupcakes iced in white and pale blue and decorated with tiny booties and pacifiers, I head into Hank and Vivian’s home. This place hasn’t been my home in a long time but every time I step inside I feel the love and comfort of family surround me.
“Hey, Jake.” Vivian kisses my cheek, as she takes the top box.
“Hey, Viv. Where do you want these?”
“Take them through to the back. Hank is sorting out the drinks and the caterers with Cherry. Frank and Darla left to go home and change but should be back any minute.”
Cherry. Just her name is enough to make my dick harden. I thought I could handle being around her and not touching her. I’d done it before when we were younger, when she’d had me firmly in the friend zone. But that was before I’d tasted her and before I’d felt what it was like to sink my cock into her. To have her consume me in every way.
The second I step outside, my eyes find her. I look around the patio, which is decorated with baby blue streamers and cream and blue flower bouquets that, on closer inspection, are made from tiny socks rolled into roses. White balloons are tied to the end of a table that’s filled with baby-themed canapes, with a huge white cake covered in pale blue and lemon ribbons and a tiny fondant elephant in the middle, but I only have eyes for my Blossom.
Fuck me, she’s beautiful, more beautiful than ever, and less attainable too. She thinks she hides it from me, but I see the hurt in her eyes, the betrayal in the bright smiles she fakes my way, and the careful control she uses to keep me at a distance.
She’s dressed like a fifties pin-up, with a wave in her pink hair and a full, pink, polka dot dress with some kind of netting beneath the skirt. She looks hot as fuck, but it’s her smile that she turns on Hank so easily, that makes me lose my breath.
“She’s a knockout.”
I twist to see Vivian has stepped up beside me. “Yeah, she is.”
“I hear she slapped you in the elevator at the Lungo office.”
My surprise must have shown because Vivian laughs. “You don’t honestly think anything happens in that building that my husband doesn’t know about, do you? ”
“I guess not. Does Hunter know?”
Vivian shakes her head. “No, but I see the way you look at her. Whatever is going on between you could be good for you if you let it.”
I have a reputation as a womanizer, as a man who never wants to settle down. They all think I’m just commitment-shy, but nobody knows it’s because the only woman I’d ever wanted to lock down had ended up broken because of me, and now hates my guts. “It’s not me that won’t let it this time, Viv. I took something beautiful and broke it, and she won’t forgive me.”
“Then fix it.”
I huff a laugh. “If only it were that easy.”
“Nothing worth having is easy, Jake. Love isn’t easy, but if you think she’s worth the fight, then fight for her. Or with her, whatever you need to do.”
I don’t respond because at that moment she must sense me watching her and captures me in her heated gaze that’s like a poison barb beneath my skin reminding me of what I’ve lost.
Walking up to her it takes everything in me not to take her in my arms and kiss the pink gloss from her lips.
“Thanks for bringing these.”
Cherry takes the cakes and begins loading them onto the display as I watch her. She flits around the patio like a deranged fairy giving orders and making people laugh or smile. She’s a force of nature and I want her back in my life. Not as Lexi’s friend but as what she should always have been, mine. Yet, how do I do that without telling her the truth and breaking her heart?
There’s only one way and that means causing chaos on a scale that would impact everyone I love. Everyone who’s supported me could suffer if I do this and yet watching her I know I’m about to burn down the world for her and the chance of her forgiveness. Other guests begin to arrive, dragging my mind away from my plans, including Lexi’s parents, who Hunter had flown in to surprise her.
Cherry greeted them like long-lost loved ones. I saw her mom, who was like an older version of Cherry, walk in with Frank who tipped his head in greet ing at me. I nodded not wanting to engage in small talk right now. I had fences to mend but the first had to be Lexi. I’d wronged her shamefully and it was time to be the bigger person.
“They’re here. Everyone be quiet.”
We all huddle in the lounge as we wait for Hunter to lead Lexi in from the foyer, then as one, we all shout.
“Surprise.”
Lexi blinks, looking completely shocked as she takes in all the faces of those she cares about in front of her. Then I see her lip wobble, her eyes grow wet as she spots her parents and turns to Hunter who looks at her like she hung the moon every night.
“You did this? You brought my parents over?”
Like a voyeur, I watch as he swipes her tears from her cheeks and kisses her, whispering softly before he pushes her toward her parents.
Standing back, I give Lexi time to do the rounds before I approach her. This is the first time I’ve seen her since the showdown at Lungo and she looks a million times better. The bruises have healed, her sunken eyes have lost their shadows, and her smile is radiant instead of defeated.
“Lexi.”
She turns at the sound of my voice. “It’s Jake, right?”
She asks, but I know she knows who I am. She’s cautious and once again shame fills me. “Yes. I just want to apologize for my behavior at the office that day. I was a complete asshole and behaved despicably.” My words aren’t flowery but they’re heartfelt.
“Well, I’d love to disagree but…” she says with a disarming grin.
Right in that moment I know it’s going to be okay because the woman in front of me has more grace than I could ever hope for and she clearly loves Mac as much as he adores her. I smile as the tightness in my chest that had been so persistent these last months eases.
“I was a dick but it wasn’t personal. I thought I was protecting my friend, but I was just jealous. I see that now. For what it’s worth, I really am happy he has someone who makes him so happy.”
“Why jealous?” She asks with a tilt of her head and I regret that admission as she studies me waiting for an answer I don’t want to give, but she deserves my honesty no matter how uncomfortable it makes me.
“He’s my best friend, my wingman, and I didn’t want that to change. It was selfish and childish. He has the right to be happy with the woman he loves.”
“And what about you?”
“Me? I think my chance is lost,” I say wistfully as my gaze finds Cherry laughing with Cassie, but maybe I have a second shot.
“You never know what the future holds, Jake,” she says with a grin as I pull my focus from Cherry and back to Lexi.
“Friends?” I ask as I hold out my hand for her to shake.
“Friends.”
As she grasps my hand and goes to shake, her face contorts in surprise, her hand tightening on mine as a gasp leaves her lips. Lexi looks down and gasps again. “Oh no.”
Her hand tightens around mine as her eyes widen in pain and a groan leaves her lips.
“What is it?” I ask as she doubles over holding her stomach, a moan ripping from her lips and not the good kind I’m used to hearing from a woman’s mouth.
“My water just broke.”
I hold her hand as I look around for help, spotting Hunter talking to Lexi’s dad. It’s too early for the baby to come, and I’m so far out of my comfort zone that it isn’t funny. Did I do this? Did I put her into labor with my sorry excuse for an apology?
Hunter seems to sense something is off as he looks up and takes one look at Lexi before he rushes over to us.
“Lexi.”
He shoves me out of the way and wraps his arms around her and I stand back feeling helpless, as my Cherry Blossom steps up beside me and glares an accusation at me.
Lexi looks up at Hunter and gives him a wobbly smile. “We’re having a baby, ”
“I know that, Lex,” he says as if she’s telling him the obvious but my friend hasn’t quite grasped what she’s telling him.
“No, I mean my water just broke. We’re having a baby now.”
I see him gulp as his eyes go wide. “Fuck. We’re having a baby,” he shouts to the entire group, catching my eye and smiling with pride and not a little fear.
Lexi and Hunter are herded out of the house and I can’t help but let my gaze search for Cherry. I want to share this with her, it feels right.
“Are you going to the hospital?” I ask as I find her rushing around looking for her bag.
“Yes, of course.”
“I can take you.”
Cherry stops and looks at me with wariness. “Did you make things right with Lexi? Because I won’t have you fucking this up for them with your toxicity, Jake.”
“Relax, me and Lexi are good.”
“Fine. You can drive me, but don’t think this means anything.”
I hold my hands up in defense. “Okay, I promise not to mistake this as you forgiving me.”
“Good, let’s go.”
As I grab my keys, I hear Cherry shout to her mom and Frankie. “I got us a lift, let’s go.”
I’d hoped to get a few minutes alone with Cherry but endearing myself to her mom and friend is a good second. Cherry pushes her mom into the front seat and climbs in the back with Frankie, who is almost bouncing with excitement.
“Oh my God, do you think they’ll name him Frank?”
I snort but hide it with a cough when Cherry kicks the back of my seat.
“I think they’ll be more likely to name him after her dad or his.”
“I guess, so but it would be fun to have another Frankie around.”
I watch in the rear-view mirror as Cherry rests her head on her friend’s shoulder, and jealousy slams into my gut even though I know he’d never be interest ed in her or vice versa. It wasn’t that, it was the intimacy of her leaning on him and sharing her joy and excitement with him when I want her to share it with me.
I know I have no right, but it doesn’t stop the feeling twisting in my belly.
“The world doesn’t have the energy for two of you, my boy.”
I glance at Darla who gives me a soft smile. She has a grace about her and a silent strength that I wonder if others see as clearly as I do. Her eyes twinkle and in that moment, I hate myself for the part I’d played in her daughter losing her dream.
Now I sit in a car with the woman I’d hurt and the people who loved her, and I get the strongest suspicion that Darla knows who I am. That she can see straight through the mask of civility I wear to the damaged little boy beneath.
We arrive at the hospital, and I hang back a little, waiting for Hank and Vivian, wanting to give Cherry the space she deserves to enjoy this with the people who love her.
The waiting room outside Lexi and Hunter’s private room is full of laughter and chatter as we wait for news. Nurses and doctors come and go, each giving us a reassuring smile as they go in and out of the room. Hours pass and people talk and bonds are formed in the room. Bonds that I know will encircle their child with so much love and support and I find I want to be a part of that more than I ever realized. Until now, Lexi and her pregnancy have been almost ephemeral, unreal, and the baby hadn’t been real either but now I felt the strongest urge to protect him.
“Hey, I got you this.”
Blinking, I look up at Cherry holding a cup of coffee in front of me. “Thank you.” I take a sip and smile. “You remember how I take it.”
Her shrug is accompanied by a delicate blush on her cheeks. “Can I sit?”
I scoot sideways to give her room and she sits beside me, her shoulder grazing my arm .
“I know this is hard, Jake, but I think we should try and put the past behind us so that we can be there for Hunter and Lexi. Whatever this is with Dean isn’t finished yet, and I don’t want this little boy growing up surrounded by people fighting.”
“I agree.”
“That doesn’t mean I forgive you, or we’re friends. I just don’t want us to be enemies either, at least not in front of them.”
“Thank you, Blossom. I know I hurt you, and I know any apology I give you won’t make up for what happened.”
Cherry sighs. “It’s done. Let’s just get through this and then we don’t have to see each other again until his christening or birthday party.”
“I want more than that.”
Cherry looks at me then, a sad tired look on her pretty face, that makes my gut clench.
“I can’t give you more, Jake. I can’t be your friend so let’s just be civil for them.”
Before I can respond, the door to the delivery suite opens and we all stand as Hunter walks out with the biggest smile on his face.
“Is he here?” Cherry asks as she moves to stand beside Cassie. I miss her instantly, but my attention is on my best friend who is struggling to hide his emotions.
“Yes, he’s absolutely beautiful. Lexi did so well, and they’re both perfect.” Everyone surges forward to hug him and I see tears streaming down Cherry’s cheeks as she turns to look at me. We share a moment of complete understanding before Hunter wraps her in his arms.
“Thank you for making my friend so happy.”
Hunter hugs her tight and I shake his hand as he lets her go, a grin on his face that I’ve never seen before. I know in that moment that everything is changing, that our friendship will evolve because they’ll always be his priority. It’s how I know he’ll be an amazing father to his son.
“Can we see them?” Elena asks .
“Yes, of course. She wants to see you all.” Hunter opens the door and precedes us in taking a place next to Lexi. Oohs and aahs are exclaimed over the baby. Tears of joy are cried—and more hugs are passed out.
“What are you calling him?” Cosmo asks.
Lexi looks at Hunter with a nod and a grin. “Theo Henry Cosmo McKenzie,” he announces as they watch their father’s reactions.
Gasps of delight are heard around the room and I watch the man, who is more of a father to me than I deserve, tear up. He embraces his son hard, and I know that I’ll cherish this moment for a long time to come.
“Would you like to hold him?”
“Yes, please.” Hank sits in the chair beside Lexi, and Hunter lays his son in his father’s arms. The look of love I see in his eyes touches me deeply.
“How much does he weigh?” Cherry asks as she leans over Hank and touches Theo’s tiny fingers. I get the strongest image of her looking at our child that way and a well of grief opens inside my chest at all we lost.
“He was a whopping nine pounds, four ounces,” Lexi replies.
“Wow, my ocean comment wasn’t far off.” She laughs but it’s an inside joke that only the two friends understand. I see their bond and know how loyal she is to those she loves. It’s why my betrayal cut so deep.
I stiffen as Hunter approaches me. “Got a second?” He nods to the door and I take one last look before he ejects me from the cozy scene before me.
We walk down the corridor a little before we sit in the chairs that we occupied for hours as we waited for Theo to enter the world.
Knowing he should be with Lexi, not out here handling me, I begin. “I know what you’re going to say, Mac. I just wanted to see that the baby and Lexi are okay. I’ll leave you in peace now.” I turn to leave and Hunter calls me back.
“Jake, just wait a sec. ”
I stop and turn, I know the dejection I’m feeling is clear on my face. “Why? So, you can tell me what an asshole I’ve been? I know that, okay? I’ve apologized to Lexi. It was a douchebag move and I have no excuse.”
“You were a dick, but I could’ve handled things better, too. The thing is, Lexi comes first. You cross her, then you cross me. That said, this whole year has been fucked up with one thing or another. Yes, you messed up but I’m ready to put it behind us if you are.”
I process his words like the second chance they are before I let a grin split my face and I offer him my hand. “So, you’re a dad now. Does that mean you’re going to get boring and start drinking wheatgrass smoothies instead of coming out with me?”
“Fuck off, Jake. I’ve never touched a wheatgrass smoothie in my life and I don’t intend to start now.”
We move toward the door as if Hunter has an imaginary line that keeps him tethered close to the woman he loves and his son.
“Why don’t we talk about the way you keep looking at Cherry.”
I swallow past the pain and shake my head. I can’t tell him what happened between us, not yet, and maybe not ever. “Yeah, okay, point taken. Can we just go coo over your son instead?”
“Sure, let’s do that.”
I catch Cherry’s eyes as I walk in, my own drawn to her like the moon to the sun. She looks away first and I know what I should do next, I’m just not sure if I can.