Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [124]
He quickly introduced himself and asked, “Is Jake here?”
“No. But come in. I’ll go get Erin.”
Katy’s feet seemed nailed to the porch flooring, but Jessie motioned them in as if she were hostess, and when David pushed her elbow, Katy found herself begrudgingly inside Ann’s kitchen.
As soon as Jessie left the room, Katy hissed at David. “Let’s get out of here. This is a mistake.”
“Not so fast. Let’s find out what’s going on first.”
“No. It’s obvious. I’m out. She’s in. I need to leave before Jake comes back and finds me here.”
“You know they’re going to tell him anyway. She must be visiting Erin. Otherwise she’d be with Jake.”
“Not necessarily. I think—”
Erin burst into the room, ending the argument, her expression bearing delight. Oddly, so did Jessie’s. Katy was curious. Maybe David was right. Still …
“Have a seat.” Erin motioned at the table. “Can I get you guys a soda?”
“No!” Katy quickly replied, her pride pushing aside her curiosity. “Yes, please.” David gave Katy an obstinate look. She tightened her lips and placed her hands on her lap to keep from yanking his perfect hair from his stubborn head.
“Great.” Erin talked while she moved with ease about her mother’s kitchen. Her gaze flitted from David to Katy. “What are you guys up to?”
David elbowed Katy. “We were looking for Jake.”
“Oh?” A flicker of wariness crossed Erin’s expression.
Katy felt both girls studying her with inquisitive gazes but couldn’t think of anything to say that would satisfy their curiosity without giving herself away.
“He’s not returning her calls, and she needs to tell him something important,” David clarified.
Katy’s jaw dropped open with disbelief, and her face heated from humiliation. Now she wanted to pull his hair out by its perfect roots.
Erin joined the others at the table, her eyes so like Jake’s now filled with concern. “Then I’m very sorry you missed him. He’s hurting bad.”
It seemed the only one with the brains to skirt the issue was Katy. Her face still burning, she glanced at Jessie, but even she wore a sympathetic expression. David squeezed her arm. The encouragement was her undoing. Her pretense fell away. “Me, too,” she admitted, easing gently from his touch.
“I know it wouldn’t be the same, but I could relay a message for you,” Erin offered hopefully. “It isn’t any of my business, but if it would help you guys get back together?” Her gaze held a definite yearning, then it dropped to the table, and she continued more softly, “But if I’m reading this wrong, then I don’t want to—”
She looked up again. “I love you, Katy, but I just don’t want him to get hurt again.”
“I don’t blame you.” Katy wanted to tell her that she’d changed and how she’d forgiven Jake, but it felt awkward with Jessie present. She studied the petite woman who had her chin propped by a silver-cuffed hand. Katy sucked her lip in then released it. “Are you and Jake back together?”
Jessie pointed at herself and the bracelet jangled. She tossed her short blond mop and laughed. “No. Absolutely not. We’re just good friends.” Her smoky gaze shifted to Jake’s sister. “I’m just hanging with Erin over spring break. Taking a country vacation.”
“Lame, I know.” Erin shrugged.
Katy could tell that they spoke the truth. Otherwise, Jessie wouldn’t have been acting so nice. It appeared that Jessie wasn’t as stuck on Jake as Katy had expected her to be. There was no evidence that Jessie was experiencing any kind of pain. This new piece of knowledge lightened Katy’s heart and planted new hope.
Nodding, Katy explained, “I’ve been a fool. God showed me some things about myself, some ugly things. After that, I was finally able to forgive Jake for…the past. I know it’s too late. But David keeps nagging me, telling me I owe it to Jake to let him know I forgive him.”
Erin’s eyes filled with respect for David, and she cast him a smile. “He’s right.