Audrey sat in the car as Keith drove. It wasn’t until they were almost at the hospital that she realized they hadn’t even spoken to each other since the phone call ended. She whispered, “Do you think Jen will be okay?”
Keith kept his eyes on the road, the weather still lousy. “Of course she’s fine,” he replied tersely.
“What makes you say that?”
“Because there will be a second accident tonight if I don’t think that way,” Keith muttered under his breath.
Audrey jerked her head in his direction, ready to snap back a reply. That was when she began noticing the smaller details. The forced stiffness of his posture. His head focused on what was in front of him and nothing else. The shaky hand which he shifted gears.
That was when she realized her mistake. It wasn’t just any of their friends in surgery. It was Jen, the friend she refused to admit had a hold on Keith. Audrey may have been the one dating the guy but Jen had him all along and never knew it. That if Audrey wasn’t careful, he really might not hold everything together on this drive.
It occurred to Audrey that if she had been the one in the hospital instead of Jen, he wouldn’t be reacting this way. She mumbled, “Of course she’s fine,” then looked out the window, as far from him as possible.
* * * * *
“Hello?” Pacey called out as he cautiously approached. “Were you looking for me?” The figure stood up, Pacey calculating that he could take this guy out if necessary. The rain wasn’t making it any easier on his nerves.
The response didn’t help. “So you’re Pacey Witter.”
Pacey raised his hands while backing away. “I swear I didn’t sleep with your girlfriend last night.” The only explanation he could think of was this was the boyfriend of a one-night stand.
He repositioned his baseball cap, a grimace fixed on his face. “I should fucking hope not. She was home all night.”
Now he was confused. “Okay, then you’re not connected to Hilary,” Pacey kidded. There was no Hilary, just thought it better to cover his tracks for whatever this guy was accusing him of.
“Who’s Hil-” The guy tired to figure out what he meant, then laughed heartily. “You have absolutely no clue who I am.” Pacey nodded, glad he didn’t have to think of another stupid lie. “Brendan Meyers.”
Pacey let out a sigh of relief, then realized just how bad his comments were. “Joey’s boyfriend. In that case, strike the previous remarks from the record.” Pacey couldn’t think of a worse recipient of that joke. Well, maybe Dawson about three years ago, but that was it. “What brings you here?”
“Joey’s visiting her sister so I thought it was a good time to clear up a few things.”
Pacey raised an eyebrow, skeptical about what they could possibly discuss. “Between us?”
“Regarding Joey,” Brendan clarified.
“Oh.” Pacey unlocked the door, letting them both escape the rain. He sat down on the ledge in the hallway, not certain what to expect of this situation. “I’m not sure why you’re here,” Pacey admitted.
Brendan leaned against the wall on the opposite side of the hallway. “You tell Joey that you don’t want to interfere in her relationship. The problem is, you already played a role before saying that.”
“How? I admit I didn’t know she was attached the first moment I saw her again but…” Pacey shook his head, confused by the questioning. He affirmed, “Look, she’s your woman. Nothing I say matters.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. In fact, everything you say matters.” Brendan looked down at the ground, disgusted with what he had to do. He muttered under his breath, “It does to Joey.”
Pacey’s eyes widened, taken by surprise. “Why would it matter to Joey?” He tried not to read too much into the knowledge that Joey still cared about what he did.
“She never completely got over you. Whether you like it or not, there is still a part of Joey that feels strongly toward you. That she scrutinizes every move you make.”
“The flame blew out on our relationship a long time ago,” Pacey assured him. He wasn’t sure whether Brendan was attacking him or stating facts. The disadvantage to his friends wanting to keep Joey and Brendan’s relationship from him was right now, when he couldn’t figure out the objective of this.
“Do you really believe that?” Brendan challenged. “There’s still at least a flicker of light burning. I’m hoping that’s all there is but I’m not sure anymore.” He took a deep breath, then faced his challenger. “I see the way she looks at you. The Blair Witch movie, her eyes were fixed on you. The old photos in her desk drawer can captivate her for hours. Your entrance at the Halloween party, it was like she could feel your presence as soon as you entered.”
Pacey muttered, “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I don’t know how serious Joey is. Maybe it’s only about these old memories of the person you were. That the prospect of you still harboring deeper feelings has her wondering about what could have been.”
“Absolutely not,” Pacey said, quick to deny as he jumped to his feet. “I’m not letting you… pronounce crazy statements about how I feel! What are you trying to do?”
“Maybe I’m wrong. Here is what I know. Joey had the nerve to wonder if you were still in love with her. Half of her wishes it were true, the other half dreads opening that door again. She may reciprocate those feelings.”
“That’s a daunting notion. You have no idea how scary that is.” Pacey stuffed his hands in his pockets as he bounced from foot to foot. Joey in love with him? That seemed impossible. Of course, she had loved him in the past. But to think some of that passion never left her dropped him back into the unknown.
Brendan watched Pacey wrestle with that information. Maybe it was scary, but he would gladly trade places with the guy at this moment. He stated in a low voice, “It’s scarier when you think she feels stronger toward you than she truly does. It’s harder when you realize her attention is captured by another man. It’s problematic when she sees you as a friend with benefits while you hoped for a relationship. It’s difficult to have these doubts that are unsubstantiated and knowing they won’t be proven until she finds out how the other man really feels toward her. And it’s impossible when the other man isn’t enough of a jerk for you to be mad at him.” He wryly smiled at that last remark.
Pacey nodded knowingly. It sounded much like he was back when he came to grips with his feelings toward Joey back in junior year. Joey was dating an older guy and Pacey couldn’t imagine Joey thinking anything special about him. It wasn’t until that stop on the side of the road, when he’d finally gotten up the courage to kiss her, that the fears lessened. Unfortunately, those doubts never quite left him, even as Joey continuously wanted to convince him otherwise.
“This isn’t the way this was supposed to happen,” Pacey said when finally able to reply. “You really shouldn’t be saying this stuff to me.”
“You and Joey need to talk,” Brendan declared. “That way everything is out in the open. Cards face up on the table, let the deal play out. There’s a whole weekend to think about what to say.” He fixed the rim of his cap, then headed to the door.
Brendan had his hand on the doorknob when Pacey called out apologetically, “You shouldn’t have to take this chance.” He realized just how much Brendan was wagering on this hunch. It was easier to find out early on in a relationship whether both sides have similar goals. But Pacey also couldn’t remember Joey ever referring to Brendan as her boyfriend - just ‘friend’ and ‘roommate.’ So there was the unfortunate possibility the guy was reading the situation correctly. It was either unsupported suspicion or true unrequited hell.
“I wish I didn’t have to do it. But it’s the only way.”
* * * * *
Audrey, Keith, Jack and Grams sat in a group of chairs in the corner of the waiting room. Audrey and Jack were engaging in a game of War with a deck of cards while Grams was reading a book. Anything to keep their minds away from what was happening on the other side of the double doors.
It had been established that Jen’s injuries were not nearly as serious as first thought. Though she hadn’t been responding when the paramedics first reached the scene, the worst was behind her; she regained consciousness in the ambulance ride and no serious brain damage was discovered. The extent of the injuries was a fractured rib and a punctured lung; the surgery was to reduce the scarring from the lung puncture. That didn’t mean there wasn’t a chance for complications; Grams, being a retired nurse, was well aware of the relative ease as well as the possible problems.
Two hours had passed, the group still in their daze when Jack looked up and saw Scott talking to the doctor as both entered the waiting room. His right arm was in a sling and scrapes covered his hands and face. Jack stood up and walked toward them.
The others seated turned around to see where Jack headed. Audrey smiled widely at the couple, saying optimistically, “See, we have nothing to worry about. Walking through and everything.”
Keith shot her a death glare, thinking that Audrey needed to take off her rose-tinted sunglasses. He could see that Scott was not fine. The guy looked almost petrified even as Jack had him wrapped in a hug.
Jack and Scott walked over to their corner, Jack went to get his coat. “I’m going to drive him home. The doctor recommended a night’s rest in his own bed. Don’t worry, I should get back here in about an hour.”
“Maybe you should stay with him,” Grams remarked.
Jack looked back at the door Scott had just come out from. “But Jen…” He was thoroughly confused as to which way he should go.
The elderly woman assured him, “If there’s a change, I know how to reach you. It’ll be simpler in the morning after a full night’s sleep.“ At Jack’s unsure expression, she added, “She’ll be fine, dear. The doctor is right.”
Jack reluctantly agreed with her explanation. He whispered in Scott’s ear, “We should get going.”
They turned around to leave, almost reaching the exit when Audrey jumped out of her chair, grabbed her coat and rushed over to them. “Hey, Jackie, could I talk to you a moment?” He obliged, walking a few steps away. She asked, “Would it be possible for you to give me a ride home?”
It wasn’t that Jack minded giving Audrey a ride, it’s just that… “Isn’t it easier for Keith to drive you?” Jack came back to the thought of the one Jen considered a member of the family to be there when she could have visitors. “In fact, we could switch around, have him drive Scott…”
Audrey looked over at Keith, the guy she’d thought of as a boyfriend before this. He wasn’t even looking her way. It wasn’t that she despised him, just knew that his heart wasn‘t into this relationship. “I think it’s better if he stays with Grams. Besides, why should I force you and Scott to be in separate places?”
Jack glanced over his shoulder to see Scott looking warily around the waiting room. “You’re right. He’s panicked enough without dealing with both you and Keith.”
Audrey wasn’t sure what Jack meant by that. Nonetheless, she took a few steps toward the corner, indicating to Grams and Keith, “I’ll be waiting for your call at home.”
Grams nodded in approval. Audrey waited for Keith to say something but he wasn’t paying attention. She rolled her eyes and caught up to Jack and Scott.
They had been gone for about five minutes when Grams noticed Keith sitting still in a slightly bent down posture eyes to the ground. His position had barely changed since arriving here hours ago. “Are you okay?”
“Sure, why wouldn’t I be?” He tried to sound convincing but he sounded raspy, as though just waking up.
“You’ve been unusually quiet, especially when Audrey took a ride from someone else.”
Keith shrugged it off. “She’s always restless.”
“True but that doesn’t explain the distance she was keeping from you.”
Keith hadn’t noticed Audrey doing that. The worse part was that he didn’t particularly care. He admitted, “Dating her may not have been one of my better decisions.”
“What do you mean?” Grams asked.
“Everything is messed up. Audrey’s great, don’t get me wrong, but I feel like I’ve been trying to avoid something else by being with her. Now with this accident, every choice I’ve made since the semester started seems wrong. It’s a wreck. All I know is that I don’t know what to do right now.”
Grams nodded in understanding. “This is about Jennifer?” She had heard enough of Jen complaining about the situation with Keith, especially once their misunderstandings had been cleared up.
“Yes. It had gotten so far out of control, even before the accident. I said that I couldn’t forgive her for something that now seems so stupid.” He shook his head. “It’s a series of fogged windows. The view is just not clear enough to get a clear picture no matter how much you wipe them down.”
“I wouldn’t say that my granddaughter is the easiest person to understand. She is determined to keep her head above water, after making so many poor choices as a teenager. Guys who weren’t what they claimed were the norm.”
Keith slumped back in his seat. He really did have a lot of work to do to redeem himself to her. If Jen made it through, there was still a long road ahead. “You’re a nurse. Is this surgery really not that serious?”
“Judging by the way Scott acted, I’d say the accident itself was horrific. But this surgery isn’t as bad as the doctors originally thought. Jennifer’s a fighter. This wouldn’t keep her down for very long.”
Her attempt at being upbeat was met with a chilly reply, “I’ll believe it until I see it.” Keith could recall others saying that his mom was a fighter and that she would cope with the fire and her husband’s death. Well, unless one thinks that living around liquor bottles and strange men is coping, those were false words.
“It won’t be easy, I realize that,” Grams pointed out. “When I say that, I mean both the recovery and the mending of the broken bonds. She has no reason to count on you at this point. You haven’t given her the opportunity to get a hold of the real person. I can say that Jen has trust problems but it goes two ways. I don’t think you want to get hurt either so you’ve been trying to keep her at a distance.” When Keith didn’t answer her, she sat back and continued reading her book.
He was pretty sure Grams was right but that didn’t make it any easier as to what needed to be done. While he was sitting here, he’d been counting the minutes and pondering every mistake he’d made with her. There were steps that needed to be taken - small steps to show he wanted to correct the errors of the past. “Wasn’t there a 24-hour store a block away from the hospital?” he asked aloud, interrupting what had been minutes of silence.
It took Grams a moment to figure out what he said since she wasn’t paying attention. “I believe so. Why?”
Keith shot out of his seat. “Something I need to take care of.” He glanced at Grams, who had no idea what he was up to. “I’ll walk over. I should be back by the time she’s out of surgery.”
* * * * *
“I’m so glad you could come out this weekend,” Bessie called out from another room as Joey folded linens in her nephew Alexander’s bedroom. She popped her head in the room. “I had forgotten about the guests booked when Bodie and I planned this trip.”
“Don’t worry about it, Bess,” Joey replied. “You could use time for yourself.” She looked over at the sleeping form. Peaceful now but would be running around as soon as he woke up.
“It should be rather quiet. The Lindstroms are leaving at 7 am tomorrow because their flight is early. Mr. Patterson and the newlywed couple are the only ones requiring breakfast. The couple’s on a diet so they only need…”
“You wrote everything down for me. Get away, everything will be fine.” Joey smiled broadly.
Bessie thanked her, then headed back to her room to continue packing. When she finished, she returned to the bedroom. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Go ahead,” Joey replied absently as she stacked one pile and started folding the next heap.
“Why did you volunteer to come here on such short notice? Is there something you’re trying to get away from?”
“It is a little crazy in Boston lately, so I thought a weekend away from that could do some good. I’m not trying to run away from anything.”
Bessie took a good look into her sister’s eyes. As she suspected. “It’s about a guy.”
“Long ago, in a galaxy far far away,” Joey kidded.
She raised an eyebrow at what she thought was a movie reference. “Dawson?”
“Huh? No, the other one from the past.”
Bessie nodded. Of course it was him. “Oh. I had heard a rumor about him being back in the area.”
“The rumors are true. Pacey’s around again to cause more havoc in my life.” Joey dropped the towel and sighed. “Everything was falling into place. I finally thought I’d recovered from his departure. Analyzed and processed, closure achieved. So there wasn’t any baggage when things started with Brendan. Then he had to wreck the peace.”
“I hardly think that was his goal.”
Joey murmured, “I know. He hasn’t even done anything. But I’m stuck in the middle again, where I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“Do you think Pacey is interested in pursuing a relationship with you again?”
“See, that’s what I don’t know and it worries me to ask him. If he says yes, then it’s junior year all over again. The only difference being that there’s a chance I’d actually be cheating as opposed to just betraying a friend. If he says no, then he’ll think that I never moved on, when I really did.”
Bessie chuckled. At Joey’s dirty look, she asked, “Are you positive about that?”
Joey replied reluctantly, “If I was positive about that, I wouldn’t have needed a weekend back in Capeside. I know this has to be settled soon, before it gets out of control.”
“At least you realize that much.”
“You wouldn’t happen to have any advice handy, would you?”
Bessie rested against the dresser. “You’re doing the beginning of what I would suggest. A timeout from the situation is a good start.”
Joey smiled, appreciating that Bessie thought that was a grown-up decision.
She continued, “Of course I have more of a personal opinion regarding Pacey. This being a kid that hung around here for years, then was your true love, then broke your heart. Naturally, I’d say to be careful, but I see you’re already doing just that. You want to make sure you don’t carry residual feelings for Pacey over to the other guy. That’s when it begins messing up everything.”
“I will be thinking this weekend, that’s for sure.” Bessie nodded, then retreated back to her room to pack.
Joey tried to resume her work but she was thinking about what Bessie said. Now she understood why Brendan left her alone the night before. She was thinking about Pacey, in particular getting jealous over a woman that wasn’t his girlfriend, while talking to him. There was a line and last night had blurred the boundaries.
Damn. Joey couldn’t believe she had been so careless. She understood that volunteering to talk to the current boyfriend about the ex was a definite no-no. Joey was always wary of that, especially when it was between Dawson and Pacey. So why had she completely disregarded that rule of thumb with Brendan?
She thought of Brendan as a confidant from the moment they met. Audrey fulfilled that role in some instances prior. Except with Audrey it felt like a gossip session whereas Brendan was actually helpful. When she and Brendan decided to pursue something more than a friendship, his position as her sounding board hadn’t really changed. Even though, logically, it should have.
Joey muttered to herself, “Something’s definitely wrong. The current arrangement isn’t working for anyone.”
* * * * *
Pacey lounged on the couch in the middle of the night, the room dark except for light from the television as an infomercial played, as he pondered what he could say to Joey. If Brendan thought it was easier because Joey was out of town, he was dead wrong. Pacey would have preferred impulse to take over in such a situation. But how spontaneous can one be when there were two days to think? There was no reason to bug Joey while she was trying to run the B&B, not when he kept wavering between doing what he really wanted and what Joey deserved.
He thought he was imagining the lock turning. Jack clearly said he was spending the night at Scott’s. Pacey shook his head, realizing he seemed suspicious, again. Why the hell was he so paranoid tonight? First the figure in the darkness, now this. The door opened and Jack entered, followed by Scott.
“So you decided to bring the party over here…” Pacey paused when he saw the scar on Scott’s forehead, then spotted the sling. “Wow.”
Scott wanted nothing more than to forget this day ever happened. He had no interest in explaining to Pacey why he looked like someone who survived a horror movie. He whispered in Jack’s ear, “I’m heading to your room.”
Jack nodded, letting him go. He got the impression that Scott hadn’t heard a word he said all night and now wasn’t the moment to figure it out. It would have to wait until they were alone.
When the door was safely shut, Pacey asked, “What on earth happened?”
“What the hell?” Jack‘s outburst took them both by surprise. He noticed that Pacey really didn’t seem to have any clue. Calmly, Jack asked, “Have you checked your messages tonight?”
Pacey looked over at the answering machine. Red light blinking. “Guess not.”
“Check them then, because I’m too tired to begin at the beginning.”
Jack stood there as he watched Pacey get off the couch and head to the table where the machine was located. His own tearful voice filled the room as he gave the rough details of the accident. When it finished, Pacey was regretful for the way he reacted. “I am the worst friend ever.”
Jack waved off Pacey’s apology. “No, you’re not. If Jen’s out of surgery tonight, I assume that role.”
“How so?” He pointed to Jack’s room. “She’d understand that he’s priority right now.” Pacey may not have been around Jack and Scott for very long, but he did realize they were quite close.
“I hope so. I was intending to drive Scott to his place but then I remembered his sister was gone for the weekend. What was originally a wonderful opportunity has turned into the opposite. So instead of driving all that way in this weather, I thought it made more sense to come back here.”
“Of course,” Pacey agreed.
“I just hope that Scott exits this trance soon. It’s becoming scary. When he speaks, it’s like he doesn’t expect a reply so he’s not listening.” Jack stared at his bedroom door. “If he doesn’t snap out of it soon, I may have to call his parents.” Scott’s parents had moved to California several years ago, leaving Scott and his sister Sarah in Boston to attend college. It wasn’t like they could just drive around the corner. “I’d rather he deal with that conversation, if at all possible. Of course they should know but, at least on Scott’s end, the injuries aren’t that serious and he’s lived independent of them for so many years.”
Pacey pushed Jack toward the bedroom door. “You’re probably going to have to help him get ready for bed, since he has that sling to deal with. Maybe he’ll start talking.”
Jack nodded, walking toward his room. When he entered, the room appeared to be vacant. Jack walked in a little further and that’s when he saw Scott. He was sitting on the floor, holding one of Jack’s framed photos.
Jack slid past Scott, to get on his uninjured side. The picture was one of Jack and Jen from senior year of high school.
“I tried, I really tried,” Scott said in a low murmur.
“There’s nothing you could have done.”
“I tried to push back the seat, get the metal from the door off of her.” That’s when Jack realized he was apologizing to the photo. Or, at least, to Jen in the photo. “If I had seen that car coming, I would have done anything, even take the hit itself, so she wasn’t struck like that. She wasn’t responding to anything…”
Jack cut him off, “She will be okay.”
He was surprised when Scott asked him, “Did you see her?” Finally, something more than a one-way conversation.
Jack was so thankful about that acknowledgement that he didn’t want to say that he already informed him. “No. She was still in surgery when we left. But her condition was improving. Grams will call when there’s more information.”
Scott nodded, taking in the information. He hadn’t really wanted to talk to Jack, at least not tonight, with everything so fresh in his mind. There was a sense of dread looming, as he had to bring up something that had nagged at him since the accident. “I’m so sorry, Jack. You must hate me.”
“What?” Jack sputtered out. “Wh-why would I hate you?”
“I know that you love Jen more than anything in the world. Even now, you’re worrying about her not seeing you if and when she wakes up. That I…”
“Okay, stop,” Jack said firmly. “That’s not fair.” He tried not to sound like he was whining but it’s inescapable whenever one says that phrase.
Scott tried not to hear the hurt in Jack’s voice as he replied faintly, “It may not be fair but it’s true.” He wasn’t interested in fighting over this, not tonight. “Just go back to the hospital, where you really want to be. I can take care of myself.”
That Jack knew wasn’t true, at least not for tonight. Jack carefully wrapped an arm around Scott’s waist, pulling him closer. “I don’t blame you. I’m thankful that you’re all right. Don’t say that it’s better if you’d taken the brunt of the impact instead. The problem with that would be that I don‘t love Jen more than anyone in the world.”
“What do you mean?” It was Scott’s turn to be stunned.
“It would hurt just as much if you were the one in the operating room right now.” Jack never thought that he could love a guy to the extent that he loved Jen. He hadn’t even been sure he felt that way toward Scott, it something he had been mulling over for the past few weeks. Now, sitting here on the floor, dealing with him freaking out about the accident, Jack couldn’t imagine leaving Scott here alone. There was no more deliberation.
Scott leaned his head on Jack’s shoulder. “You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”
* * * * *
Grams sat in the chair in the hospital room, Jen mostly listening to what her grandmother had to say. They wanted to try to keep the mood positive, so Grams would listen to the jokes Jen told to try to relieve the tension.
The conversation was as light-hearted as possible given the circumstances. That was, until Jen asked, “Is Jack still here?”
“Uh, no. He took Scott home. Which reminds me I have to call to assure them you’re okay.”
“Jack knows I wouldn’t let go without a fight,” Jen kidded, though she was a little disappointed. Sure, she was glad Jack had his priorities straight but it still stung…just a little.
Grams smiled warmly. “Not to say it wasn’t a difficult decision for him.”
“I’m aware.”
“Audrey was making this card,” she held out the thick piece of paper, “while in the waiting room but she had to go home.”
Jen skimmed over the contents. Lovely words strung together for a poem. For someone who Jen sometimes didn’t take seriously, it was nice to know that Audrey had been there. Even so much as making a homemade card, something she bet Audrey hadn‘t done ever. “That was so sweet of her. Too bad I missed the whole crew.”
“Actually, you didn’t.” Grams gestured to the door. “Keith is waiting on the other side. I’m not sure what the situation is with the two of you so if you don’t want to see him, I’ll tell him so.”
“No, it’s okay.” He should be the one holding the grudge, so she was amazed he was the only one of the group who stayed. “Let me at him.”
Grams gave Jen a kiss on the forehead. “Good night, child.” She slowly left the room.
A minute later, the door opened. Keith entered cautiously, unsure what he’d be facing. Even as Grams’ words had been encouraging, it didn’t convince him. It wasn’t until he saw the corners of Jen’s mouth turn up into a smile that he could believe her. He felt a little dumb just standing there, but the only words he could eke out were a “It’s been a long day.”
Jen’s smile widened, thankful that he wasn’t being sentimental. “I’ll be glad when this dream is over. I don’t like it very much.”
“Oh, so that’s what’s going on. You‘re just being evil.”
“I have that power.” She gestured for him to sit in the chair Grams had occupied, which he did. With them in such close proximity, it was difficult for either to ignore certain things. Underneath the bandages and tubes was still this rather sunny individual. Well, as sunny as one could muster under the conditions. Jen noticed Keith taking in the amount of damage from the accident. She kidded, “Can’t you see that I can trick you into carrying out anything for me?”
He looked away from her, mumbling, “As if you wouldn’t end up paying for that later. I could turn that power against you.”
“Right, like what? Make me your love slave?” As soon as the words escaped, Jen wanted to take them back. She didn’t want to give Keith that type of ammunition, as much as she wouldn’t have minded doing just that.
Still, Jen was surprised by his reply. “I’d like to point out that you made the comment, for future reference. So if I ever actually say that, you put the thought in my head.” Keith could imagine that particular concept playing out in a fantasy in the upcoming future. It would fit along with the dreams that already occupied his nights.
“Statement withdrawn,” she said softly. Jen wanted to change the subject, before she’d forget that Keith was dating one of her friends. It was then she spotted the plastic bag in Keith’s hand. “Did I interrupt a shopping spree?”
Keith had briefly forgotten about the gift. “Uh, no.” He pulled a book out of the bag and walked over to the bed. “I thought you might appreciate this.” Jen looked at the cover, trying to figure out the point, as Keith talked quickly, “You didn’t seem like a flowers and chocolates kind of person and the selection was rather limited. I was able to narrow it down to this and Jackie Collins,” accentuating that comment with a roll of the eyes. He didn’t want to admit that he hoped Jen would enjoy the gift, that he may have read the book himself years ago.
Jen kidded, “Don’t underestimate the power of cheesy romance novels. It can help women through dry spells in their personal life.”
“I can’t imagine you ever having to deal with dry spells.”
She scoffed, “Oh yes, it’s easy to believe.” Jen checked out the cover of the book. She read it aloud, “The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. It’ll be a good way to pass the time, anyway.” She could dimly remember one of the guy’s books being turned into a teen flick, so it seemed an odd choice. Then again, she could believe Keith randomly picking that book.
“As much as you can ask for.” He took the book from Jen’s tired hand and left it next to Audrey’s card. “You look like you want to go to sleep.”
“I wish you weren’t right. But as you said when you arrived, it has been a long day. Can you make it back tomorrow?”
She wanted him to be around? Keith didn’t want to sound too eager, so he said in a deep voice, “Sure.”
“Thank you for the gift and for staying around,” she let out a cough before continuing, “With Grams.” As if it was obviously all she meant.
“You’re welcome.” He flashed her a fleeting smile, then backed toward the door. “Good night.”
Jen gave a faint wave, her body ready to fall asleep. Keith left the room, wary of not having the door slam, and leaned against the wall in the hallway.
“She’s gonna make it,” he muttered to himself. A wave of relief came over him, as now he could believe what Grams insisted about Jen earlier.
