by Taylor Dean
“Hello, Jack.” Sensing no dirt, Sue immediately turned her attention back on Chloe. “Business trips are the bane of my existence. I hate being left alone to deal with the children. What I wouldn’t give to have some alone time.” Sue nudged Chloe. “You don’t know how lucky you are, my dear.”
Chloe didn’t respond. Literally. She was as blank as an erased chalkboard.
“Well, gotta go. So good to see you, Chloe. I miss you. We’ll have to get together some time soon. Call me,” Sue said as she wandered off.
“A friend?” Jack queried.
“Used to be one of my best friends.”
“Not anymore?”
“We grew apart. Mark and I were in a bad spot and sometimes personal problems can wear on a friendship. No one wants to hear someone’s woes day in and day out.”
Jack stroked his chin. “Isn’t that what friendship is all about?”
“I guess it’s during the bad times when you find out who your friends truly are.”
Jack had to admit, she’d piqued his curiosity. But he wouldn’t press for details. She wasn’t ready to speak about the bad times in her marriage. She couldn’t even say anything bad about Mark, and he found himself impressed with her loyalty. He’d never told anyone, not even his illustrious sisters, what he’d just told Chloe about Taryn. It felt good to let it out, but he hoped she didn’t think less of him because of it. He was tired of defending Taryn all the time, when he knew her behavior was less than praiseworthy—and now he didn’t have to. Besides, the knowledge of Taryn’s true nature had made Chloe laugh, and she’d needed to laugh. Otherwise the reality of the situation would destroy her. And he wasn’t kidding around. He seriously doubted Mark Brennan was a happy man right about now. Instead of feeling jealous, he felt glad to not be the one in the Bahamas with Taryn.
An unwanted memory filtered through his mind. He and Taryn had gone to Bermuda for their honeymoon. One of the most memorable moments for him was a long walk on the beach while it rained. They’d walked in silence, arms around each other. The surrounding scenery had been postcard beautiful, the feeling, serene. He’d kissed her and thought it was the most romantic moment of his life. When they’d returned to their hotel, Taryn had said, “That was awful. I’m freezing and my hair is ruined. No more walks in the rain, Jack. I hated every minute of it.”
How could they have looked upon that moment so very differently? It was then that the early stages of disillusionment had set in.
And never faded.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but after our soon-to-be ex-husband and ex-wife bash session, I feel one-hundred percent better. We’ll have to do this again. Keep each other smilin’.”
No living room box for you, Chloe Brennan. I’ll make sure of that.
“Thank you, Jack. This is exactly what I needed.”
Ah, exactly what I wanted to hear.
Chloe had no idea when, or even if, she’d see Jack Alexander again. Their impromptu breakfast had been therapeutic and she felt as though she had an ally. Knowing she wasn’t alone changed her attitude just enough to lift her spirits a bit.
Jack had made amends, cheered up the jilted spouse, and done his good deed for the day. Why would he want to spend any more time with Debbie Downer? Her unwillingness to be cured or feel healed chased most people away. Sue had stopped calling when Chloe had cried on her shoulder at every single visit. No one wanted to be brought down to the depths of anguish and Chloe understood that. Still her abandonment had hurt. Chloe had needed her.
When the doorbell chimed through the house at six-thirty in the evening, she figured it was a salesman. Who else would be dropping by?
A peek through the peephole, however, revealed the towheaded Jack. She hesitated, staring at his warped image like a voyeur. Should she answer? Maybe it would be best if she just ignored him. Their relationship wasn’t healthy. They were two people who’d been hurt and people in pain never make good decisions. The doorbell rang a second time, and then a third time. What did he want? Why wouldn’t he just leave her alone?
Chloe slowly opened the door feeling very unsure of the situation. “Hi Jack.”
“I come bearing gifts,” he said, grinning widely.
In his hands he held two huge chocolate chip cookies wrapped in white paper, emblazoned with the logo of a local bakery.
“Chocolate is good for the soul and a cure for most ailments,” he added.
Chloe’s mouth tugged at the corners, forming a faint smile. Jack’s cheerful demeanor was contagious. He looked different today, dressed in perfect fitting slacks, a dress shirt, and tie. Evidently, he’d just come from the office. No more beach bum. She could tell it was the end of a long day as his sleeves were rolled up and his tie was slightly loosened. “You clean up well,” she blurted, then felt embarrassed to have voiced her thoughts.
“I much prefer shorts and flip flops, but don’t tell anyone I said that or you’ll ruin my image.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” Chloe stared at the ground, feeling ill at ease. Why was he attempting to befriend her? What was his motive? Could she take the cookie, say thanks, and close the door? No, that would be rude. Could she say she was really busy at the moment?
Yes, but it would be a total lie.
“May I come in and join you?” he asked directly.
When she glanced up his eyes were trained on hers and she couldn’t ignore the sincerity veiled in the casual question. “All right, come in. Would you mind taking off your shoes? I don’t wear shoes in the house.”
“No problem.” Jack paused to look around the living room. He whistled appreciatively. “Wow. You have a beautiful home, Chloe.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you actually live here?” Jack asked, puzzled.
“Yes,” she answered without elaboration. She loved the “model home” look and Jack wasn’t the first one to ask that question, which always pleased her.
“Did you do all the decorating?”
“All by myself. I have an interior design business,” she added by way of explanation.
“Do you? You’re obviously quite talented.”
“Thanks.”
Silence.
“It’s really quiet in here. Whatcha been doin’?” Jack queried.
“Not much.” The deathly silence in the house suddenly felt all encompassing, as if she was about to be eaten alive by tranquility.
The silence became unbearably awkward as they stood there in her foyer a little self consciously. Why was he here? Just because he wanted to eat cookies together? She decided to be blunt.
“Jack…why are you here?”
“Is that code for what do ya want?”
“Yeah, I guess it is.”
“Are you wondering if I’m here to begin a torrid affair together so we can get back at our cheating spouses?” He raised his eyebrows at her as if he was flirting. Badly.
She didn’t smile. But she wanted to. “Now that you put it into words, yes.”
He chuckled at her response. Jack had an easy laugh and a quick smile. She wasn’t used to being with someone who was so…happy. Did he plummet when he went home at night and only had his own company to deal with? Under the circumstances, maybe his cheerfulness was a façade.
He didn’t seem very broken up over his failed marriage though. Ticked off, yes. Mostly—just like he’d said—he seemed relieved. So why would he want to commiserate with her?
When he sobered, he told her, “We’ve both experienced a traumatic event in our lives, an event that is about to cause a whirlwind of change for both of us. I’d just like to be friends, that’s all. There’s no hidden agenda. I think we could both use a friend to help us get through this.”
Translation: I feel sorry for you. Of course, he probably felt a little sorry for himself too.
“Chloe,” he said softly. “Seriously, I just want to be friends. We have a common bond because we’re both experiencing the same thing right now. I like you and I like bein
g around you.” He exhaled deeply. “If you’d prefer that I leave, I will.”
Truth be told, she didn’t want him to leave—and the realization surprised her. She admitted to herself that she did indeed enjoy his company. He made her forget to feel sad, and he made her want to laugh. With Jack around, her life didn’t seem so tragic. Frankly, he made her feel happy.
“I have dinner ready. Would you like to join me?” she invited, her decision made.
A winning smile graced his features. “I’d love to. Can we eat dessert first?”
His childlike behavior was infectious and she returned his smile. “It would appear we are on the same page, Mr. Alexander.”
An evening with Jack. An evening not spent alone.
A tiny little thrill of excitement trickled through her veins. He wanted to be friends and that was okay with her.
Jack followed her to the kitchen and the first thing they did was plop down at the kitchen table and eat their ooey, gooey chocolate chip cookies.
“Chocolate alone makes life worth living,” he said as he took his last bite. “So, what did you do today?”
“I cleaned the house.”
“I can tell. Looks great and smells even better.”
“Thank you,” she said, avoiding his eyes. Regret overwhelmed her. Why did she invite him for dinner? This was a horrible idea. She hardly knew him and they had nothing to talk about. “Ready for dinner?” she asked tentatively.
“You bet. Are you sure you have enough for two?”
“I have enough for six. I like having leftovers and old habits die hard.”
Chloe meticulously wiped down the table, removing all cookie crumbs and bits of chocolate. As she prepared the food for serving, Jack’s eyes wandered around the kitchen. “This is the cleanest kitchen I’ve ever seen.”
“Thanks.”
“Can I help with anything?”
“I got it. Just relax.” And being busy relieves me of the responsibility of keeping up the conversation.
Chloe placed all the food into serving bowls, then quickly washed the excess dishes, cleaned the sink, polished the faucet, and wiped down the countertops. She turned to find Jack watching her with an inscrutable expression. He’d allowed the silence to hang in the air and she wondered what he was thinking. “You could grab the salt and pepper. It’s in the cupboard above the microwave.”
“Got it.” He whistled again as he stared into the cupboard. “This is Sleeping with the Enemy organized.”
Chloe wondered if he was going to make fun of her, but when he turned and saw her apprehensive expression, he said, “I happen to love an organized house.”
He was humoring her and she knew it.
“Mind if I wash up?” he asked.
“Not at all. Anti-bacterial soap is in the dispenser under the sink.”
“Not on the countertop?” he questioned conversationally, with no hint of teasing.
“I don’t like clutter.”
“I can tell. That’s why your house looks so good.”
After Jack washed and dried his hands, Chloe quickly dried the sink and once again wiped down the faucet. Then she straightened the towel he’d used to dry his hands till it hung evenly.
When she turned, Jack’s eyes flickered away from her as if he was trying to hide the fact that he’d been watching her.
After placing the food on the table, Jack whistled. “Slow cooker chicken and gravy, real mashed potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, and homemade biscuits? I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
Chloe smiled, pleased. While he ate, he made appreciative sounds, then declared that his food was delicious.
“You’re an amazing cook, Chloe.”
“Thanks. It’s a hobby.”
“It’s a talent,” he contradicted.
They were quiet as they made fast work of their meal.
“I heard from Taryn today.”
Chloe stilled. “Did you?”
“Yep. She received the divorce papers at the hotel they’re staying at. She’s agreed to the terms. Looks like I’ll be a free man soon.”
“Are you okay with that?”
“A fresh start sounds good. I do kinda wish she’d objected to the speed of the divorce just a little. Would’ve been nice for my ego.”
From what Chloe had observed, Jack didn’t have an ego—and she liked that about him. “How did you know where they were staying?”
“Taryn called earlier in the week to let me know they’d arrived safely. Wasn’t that thoughtful?”
“In a stab-you-in-the-back kind of way.”
“She also told me where they were staying so I could forward any messages to her. She’s quite social and doesn’t want to miss anything.”
“I have a message for her,” Chloe offered with a saccharine sweet smile.
“I’ll just bet you do,” he said with a smirk. Jack sat back in his chair and groaned as he ran his hands over his flat stomach. “I’m so full, I don’t think I could eat another morsel.”
Chloe looked down at her small bulging belly, hanging over the waist of her jeans unattractively. She shifted her shirt around till the bulge no longer showed, knowing she ought to try harder to lose the darn protrusion. Jack was used to “perfect figure” Taryn. No wonder he only wanted to be friends. He must feel mortified that she’d questioned him over his intentions.
To hide her disheartening thoughts, she asked, “Would you like an after dinner mint, sir? It’s wafer thin.”
To which, Jack laughed heartily. “I know that one. The Meaning of Life.”
“It’s a truly disgusting scene. But I couldn’t resist testing your knowledge of the big screen.”
“I’m up for the challenge, my dear. Test away.”
“It’ll be when you least expect it,” she warned.
“I’ll catch it. Every time. I look forward to it.”
They smiled at each other and Chloe felt herself relax. This wasn’t so bad. She found herself feeling happy in a way she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Their conversation implied they’d be spending a lot of time together. The excitement at the thought made her realize how lonely she was. Jack was good company.
“C’mon, I’ll help you clean up,” Jack said rather suddenly.
They cleared the dishes and Jack washed as she dried. He sat down at the table when they were done as Chloe completed a few finishing touches on their clean up job; wiping down the table and chairs, disinfecting the countertops and sink, and wiping down the floor underneath the table. As she moved closer to Jack, he lifted his feet as she scrubbed under his chair.
“Did I make a mess?” Jack asked, a tad bit sarcastically.
“It’s those darn biscuit crumbs. They get everywhere and…” Chloe froze as she realized she was practically underneath Jack, cleaning the floor around him. She sat up, leaning back on her heels and biting her lip. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I get a little carried away.”
His eyebrows were deeply furrowed as he looked upon her, as if he was disturbed by her behavior.
“It’s okay. Continue until you’re satisfied.”
“You don’t mind?”
“No. It’s your home.”
“Thank you. My cleaning habits sometimes drove Mark crazy.” She knew she’d gone too far. She’d re-clean after he left. It could wait until then. “I’m done, actually.”
As she stood, he stopped her, “Chloe, a man doesn’t leave a woman because she keeps the house too clean.”
“No, I suppose not.”
“So, why did he leave, Chloe? I can’t see one single reason why any man would ever want to leave you.”
“Looks can be deceiving, Jack.”
“Sometimes a person’s character is blatantly obvious. You’re sweet and kind and no one can tell me differently.”
Feeling slightly flustered, Chloe hurriedly grabbed the bowl of cooling gravy to place it in the fridge. In her haste, however, it slipped from her fingers and tipped towards her. Not wanting to make a mess, she ca
ught it with her chest and gravy oozed down the front of her shirt.
Jack caught the bowl quickly and grabbed a towel, leading her over to the sink, where he was able to wash off most of the excess gravy.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s not too terribly hot.”
“I’m sorry, Chloe. I won’t ask again. I didn’t mean to pry.”
His words hung in the air, waiting for her to reciprocate. Instead, she said, “I’d better change. Actually, I think I need a quick shower. Do you mind?”
“Not at all.”
“You can wait in the living room,” she offered, hoping he wouldn’t leave. She no longer felt like being alone and sad tonight. “I’ll be quick.” Chloe began to clean up the drops that had landed on the floor and Jack stopped her.
“I’ll clean this up. Go get changed,” Jack insisted.
“But…”
“Go. You know you’ll re-clean it when I leave anyway, so don’t worry about it.”
He’d already deduced she was a neat freak. So far he wasn’t running out the door, so she guessed he was okay with it. “Thanks, Jack.”
Chloe rinsed out her shirt in the bathroom sink, then quickly showered, removing the slimy mess from her chest and stomach. She threw on sweats and a t-shirt, and made her way downstairs, wet hair and all. It was only then that it occurred to her that she’d showered while a man she hardly knew was in the house. And yet, she hadn’t felt nervous or threatened.
Jack was a man she could trust.
However, when she arrived downstairs, she stopped suddenly as she found Jack watching the DVD from her wedding. She’d completely forgotten that it was still in the DVD player. The image on the screen left her frozen in place, staring unseeingly. The old Chloe. A person she no longer knew. The person she no longer was and never would be again. Too much had transpired in her life. Life had changed her, tarnished her. She was twenty-seven and had grown old much before her time.
The screen was alive with images of herself and Mark on their wedding day, kissing, laughing, joking—and more kissing, the crowd of guests going wild, urging them on. Mark dipped her backwards and kissed her in a manner usually only meant for behind closed doors.