by Taylor Dean
“Earth to Chloe,” Jack said.
“Sorry. My thoughts were wandering.”
“Good thoughts?”
“Ghostly thoughts. Things that are dead and gone.”
He reached over and held her hand. “It’s a fresh start for us both. And I’m ready for it.”
One glance at Jack reminded her that life was filled with amazing possibilities, some that reach out and surprise you when you’re least expecting it. Jack had certainly done that for her.
“Me too, Jack. Me too.”
≈
Progress on the house escalated over the next week. Chloe quickly completed Jack’s master bedroom and bath. He was very ready to move in and feel as though he had his own decent living space. The concrete flooring had been stained and the baseboards and crown molding had been installed. The results were incredible. His room was classy and cool, filled with the desired old-world charm. Jack was extremely pleased and couldn’t wait for the rest of the house to match.
The downstairs demolition was complete. The flooring had been torn out. The designated walls had been knocked down, the edges refinished into smooth curves. The doorways and entryways had been rebuilt into archways. The bathrooms and kitchen had been gutted and shiny new fixtures, countertops, and appliances now stood in their proper places.
Presently, she and Jack were busy finishing the walls by the stairs, slowly working their way to the downstairs walls. He’d made a habit of coming home from work and immediately joining her in her efforts. Hence, the work was progressing faster than usual.
“You’re very quiet tonight, Jack.”
“Sorry, I have a lot on my mind.”
“Wanna talk about it?” Chloe asked.
“Do you realize what day it is?” Jack countered, trying to act casual.
Chloe glanced at her watch. “Thursday. Why?”
Jack continued to paint. “Do you realize it has been six weeks?”
“Oh. I hadn’t thought about that actually.” In her heart, she had known the day would come, but she’d found so much happiness with Jack, she’d pushed the unpleasant thought from her mind.
He faced her abruptly, his eyes concentrated. “Are you prepared to face him?”
They stood on the second story landing, an odd place to have a heart to heart. “More than likely, I won’t see him. He’ll come by the house to pick up the rest of his things, but that’s about it.”
“Are you feeling anxious about seeing him?”
Chloe studied Jack’s worried features. “Are you wondering if I’ll take one look at Mark and regret everything?”
“In point of fact, yes.”
He was such a lawyer. “No, Jack. That won’t happen. Please don’t worry about it.”
There was no way to convince him. He’d witnessed her tears and he knew how hard it had been on her when Mark decided to leave. Things had changed drastically in six weeks. For the better. She felt like a new woman. Her heart still ached for Christopher. She’d finally come to accept it and embrace it. Instead of mourning his loss, she now mourned what would never be. That was by far the hardest part. She’d always glance at the calendar and think: he’d be two years old right now. Or he’d be starting kindergarten today. Or he’d be graduating from high school now. Her heart would always yearn for what might have been.
Jack had entered her life like a knight in shining armor and saved the day. He’d given her a reason to get out of bed and face life. Even Renee was pleased with her lately. Although Chloe had neglected to tell her the exact nature of her relationship with Jack. That could wait.
Jack seemed hesitant to utter his next words. “You and Mark have a connection that you and I don’t have. I saw your wedding video. I saw how in love the two of you were.”
Chloe swallowed as she realized how serious Jack was about this issue. “Jack…everything ended for us after Christopher. It destroyed us. Nothing has ever been the same since then.”
“Please forgive me for saying this, but that’s the point. Extenuating circumstances interfered with your marriage. Before that, things were really good. I’m not saying that what he’s done is right, I’m just saying that there may be some people who would agree that Mark has acted rashly because of overwhelming grief. Maybe he can be forgiven for going a little crazy.”
“This isn’t a new concept or something that I haven’t thought of, Jack. As a matter of fact, I’ve thought this through over and over in my mind. Yes, I love him and I always will. But he’s crossed a line that I can’t forgive. Up till he took off with Taryn, you’re right, I could have forgiven him. What we went through was not easy and we both dealt with the situation badly. I pulled away from him and he pulled away from me. Regardless, I cannot and I will not forgive him and take him back. I can promise you that.”
Jack nodded, looking unconvinced. “All right. That’s all I needed to know. This has been weighing on me and I figured the best thing to do was to just bring it out in the open. There’s one thing I’ve learned, good communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Please forgive me for being so blunt.”
“I hope you’ll always be blunt with me.”
He grinned. “Deal.”
They fist bumped. “Now I have something I want to ask you.”
Jack groaned. “I walked right into that one.”
“Yes, you did.” Chloe paused, wondering how he’d respond to this question, yet needing to know the answer. “Are you still in love with Taryn?”
“In a sense, yes,” he said immediately, which was telling, but she was grateful for his honesty. “But I have no desire to be married to her anymore. I’m in love with the idea of her and frankly, she isn’t what I thought. Not at all. It was disappointing and eye-opening all at the same time. She’s a very selfish woman and I found that aspect of her personality very off-putting.”
“Disillusionment. I think we both experienced disillusionment.” Mark left her when she needed him the most and Taryn wasn’t the person Jack had thought she was.
“Yes. Disappointment crept in and once that happens, there’s no going back.”
“I appreciate your honesty, Jack. I really do. I just want to know one more thing though.” She hoped Jack wouldn’t be offended by this question. “Are we one of those ill-fated rebound relationships?”
“I’ve thought about that,” he said, exhaling deeply. “Let’s sit for a minute,” he invited and they sat on the top stair. He held her hand in his as he said, “I’m so impressed with you, Chloe. What you did for Christopher was a completely unselfish act and it says a lot about your character. It’s exactly the thing that made me fall for you.” Jack spoke so softly she could barely hear him.
“I had this concept of the ideal woman in my head. When I met Taryn, I thought she was it. As it turned out, the woman I thought I married didn’t exist. The difference was day and night. I learned my lesson the hard way.” Jack ran one hand over his face, rubbing his five-o-clock-shadow. He shifted his position and faced her, holding both hands. “But you, Chloe, you personify my idea of love. Everything I’ve imagined has suddenly come true and is sitting next to me right now. I know it’s just the beginning for us. I know we’re still getting to know each other. But I see this working out. I see the life I’ve always wanted when I look at you. I wake up every morning and look forward to being with you and I know the day will be wonderful because you’re in it.” He grinned mischievously. “And I can’t wait to kiss you.”
Chloe couldn’t help but laugh. It was exactly what she needed to hear. She found herself watching Jack at the oddest times, finding his lips especially fascinating. She couldn’t wait to experience their first kiss either.
“In answer to your question, no, I don’t think we are on the rebound.”
No, she didn’t think they were either. But she’d needed to hear him say it. “All right then, back to work before I’m tempted to kiss a married man.”
Jack guffawed. “Not for long, my dear, not for long. And when
that happens, look out, I’ll be coming for you.”
Chloe’s mouth went dry. Oh my. “I’ll be waiting.”
He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “You’ll be begging for mercy.”
There was that hidden passionate side of Jack again. Chills went up and down her spine at the thought. Their relationship was on simmer for the time being, but she knew it would soon be on a hard, rolling boil. The thought stole her breath.
She smiled to herself as they continued painting. She liked Jack’s brutally honest nature. There was no room for miscommunication or misunderstandings.
Chloe knew the endless possibilities between them had slowly changed into absolute certainties.
She knew it and it was clear he did too.
“How do you do this day in and day out?” Jack asked as they worked on the living room walls.
“Good question. I don’t have a good answer for you. I just like to make things look pretty.” Although she had to admit that trim work was the bane of her existence.
“All I have to do is look at you, and the world is pretty,” he said with a wink.
Jack was full of flirtatious compliments lately and Chloe loved it. The cheesier, the better. She soaked it all in.
She wasn’t sure what came over her, but she couldn’t help herself, she playfully flicked her paint brush at Jack and speckled him with golden flecks.
“Oops,” she giggled. She hadn’t meant to get so much paint on him.
Jack stood stock-still, his mouth slightly ajar. “I will get you back for that,” he said as he stabbed her in the belly with the paintbrush and she yelped. It left a huge glob of yellow on her t-shirt, as if she’d bled golden blood. He laughed loudly at the sight. “Oops,” he imitated.
Choosing to retaliate quickly, Chloe stabbed him back and a mock sword fight ensued. They circled each other, smiles huge, as they took turns swiping each other with their paintbrushes as gracefully as two fencers in a match.
“We are making such a mess,” Jack said, his smile belying his words.
“You can surrender any time, Jack.”
“Never.”
By this time, they were both dotted with splashes of paint and their mirth weakened their ability to defend themselves.
Of course, it would be at this moment that the doorbell rang. They both laughed like children at the sound.
“It’s your house, Jack. You have to answer it.”
“Thanks, Chloe. I’ll remember this the next time you need a favor.”
Chloe heard the door open and the soft sounds of conversation wafted her way. Then she heard the door close and figured whoever it was had the wrong house. Who would be stopping by at nine at night? She grabbed a towel and wiped down her face. “Jack,” she yelled. “Time for a rematch. C’mon, I know you…” her words trailed off.
Mark and Taryn stood in the foyer and the tension in the air was palpable. Jack stood rigidly, his back to her. Holding her head high, Chloe bravely walked forward and stood next to him.
Mark and Chloe. Jack and Taryn. Together at last.
Wait a minute. Strike that, reverse it.
Mark and Taryn. Jack and Chloe. That’s better.
Chloe gave no sign as to her crazy thoughts.
“Are you painting the walls or each other?” Taryn asked with a fake fluttery laugh. Then under her breath she muttered, “Hashtag: awkward.”
“A little of both,” Jack responded, his voice flat and cold, a tone she’d never heard from him before.
Insta-hate flooded Chloe like she’d never felt before. Taryn was gorgeous. Stunning in fact, with long, silky blond hair, legs that went on for days, and a tiny waist. She was tall and slim, dressed to perfection with not a hair out of place. She wore a brightly colored upper-thigh-short sundress that fit her figure as if it had been tailored just for her. Diamond studded designer sandals adorned her feet. Her nails and toenails were polished, with meticulous designs gracing each nail. Chloe could smell her perfume from where she stood. Her skin was tanned and shiny, as if she’d just rubbed cream all over herself. It was hard to believe it was the end of the day.
“It took me forever to find you, Jack. I had to call your mother. We just got in. It was a long flight and I’m tired,” she chastised. “I can’t get into our house. I don’t have my keys.”
This was how she looked after a long flight? Geez.
“Didn’t you take your keys with you?” Jack asked.
Taryn’s fluttery laugh filled the foyer and echoed off the walls. “No, silly, I packed a few bikinis and that’s it.”
Ouch. Rub it in.
Chloe glanced at Mark, his familiar face making her heart leap. The vacation and summer sun had been good for him. He looked healthy and rested.
He stood apart from Taryn, his hands in his pockets, slightly aloof, with at least three feet between them. Was there dissension amongst the ranks? Trouble in paradise?
“Hello Chloe,” he said, his voice smooth as velvet.
“Hi Mark.”
He rocked back on his heels. “You look good.”
Really? Her hair was scraped back with a jaw clip. She wore old jeans with holes at the knees and a t-shirt, and she was COVERED in paint. She felt frumpy and disgusting next to the beautiful Taryn.
“You look happy,” Mark continued. “Nice to see it.” His remarks were conversational, but he sounded as though he was whispering heartfelt emotion.
Mark’s voice could charm a snake. Or make women swoon. It was one of his greatest assets. Chloe had fallen in love with his voice first. It was as smooth as butter, as soothing as a summer breeze, and felt like the softest caress on your skin.
“What is this place, Jack? It’s awful. Did you really buy it with our money?”
Taryn’s voice, on the other hand, was like nails running down a chalkboard.
“Yes, this is my new home. Chloe is designing it for me and she’s amazing.”
“She’ll do a great job,” Mark commented silkily.
Jack turned his attention on Mark, a barely disguised look of distaste on his features. “She’s very talented.” Then to Taryn he said, “I don’t have your keys. I remember you packing them.”
Taryn opened up her designer handbag and began to ruffle with the contents. One strap fell forward and her arm strained from the weight. She glared at Mark. “A little help, please,” she snarled.
Mark didn’t react immediately. Slowly he approached and held her bag while she searched. He didn’t look happy.
“No, I don’t have them. I told you so,” she snapped.
Jack pulled his keys out of his pocket. “I’ll give you my key. I don’t need it anymore.”
Once again, she whispered under her breath. “Hashtag: finally.” Then out loud, she puffed, “About time. What about your things?”
“I’ve already moved out of the house.”
“Why the rush, Jack?” Taryn questioned.
“Are you serious?” he countered. His tone dripped with sarcasm.
Taryn may be beautiful, but the words that escaped her mouth made her ugly. Chloe now knew exactly what Jack had meant. And she’d only met her two seconds ago.
After handing the key to Taryn, Jack stood next to Chloe and when his arm brushed hers, his fingers reached out and grabbed her hand in a reassuring grip. He did it quietly, not trying to make a show of the affection.
But of course, Taryn noticed.
“What’s this? The rebound relationship? Are you two trying to make us jealous? Pathetic, Jack,” Taryn said nastily, and Chloe was surprised at her venom. After all, she was the one who’d left Jack.
Dumb move.
“I can think of things that are even more pathetic,” Jack returned.
Chloe was distracted by Mark. His eyes landed on their clasped hands for a moment, then he looked up at her and gave her a slight encouraging nod, as if he approved.
She didn’t respond.
“Let’s go,” Taryn demanded.
She opene
d the door and was halfway down the sidewalk when she yelled, “Mark!”
Mark actually jumped, as if startled, and Chloe felt sorry for him. He nodded at Jack and Jack nodded back at him. Silent guy talk.
When the door closed behind them, she and Jack stood there staring for a few moments. Jack turned and faced her and she faced him, their expressions grave.
They’d made it through the first awkward greeting with their former spouses and it hadn’t been as bad as she’d thought it would be. As a matter of fact, Chloe found herself feeling thankful to be at Jack’s side. The sight of Mark wasn’t easy, but she’d survived. He was her past, and Jack was her future. If anything, the experience had magnified her feelings.
Jack’s eyebrows were deeply furrowed, his expression strained. They observed each other through somber eyes.
Then suddenly, his lips began to curve into a smile. All at once, they both burst into laughter, not just laughter, but crazed hilarity as if they’d just heard an amazingly funny joke. They held their stomachs as tears poured down their faces. They collapsed onto the floor, hardly able to stand. Their backs rested against the wall, their knees to their chests and they laughed until they couldn’t breathe.
“They’re miserable together,” Jack said in between breaths.
“Completely unhappy,” Chloe managed.
“It’s such a shame,” Jack barely uttered.
“So, so sad,” Chloe agreed, her voice high and breathy.
Their laughter died down as Chloe said, “I wonder what six weeks of that was like.”
That set them off again. Covered in paint, sitting on the floor of a partially finished house, they laughed until their sides ached.
“Does Taryn always speak in hashtag?”
“All the time. It’s so annoying.”
“Agreed.”
“Chloe,” Jack said in a forced whisper, as if he was deliberately trying to sound seductive, but failing miserably, “You look good. You look happy. Nice to see it.” Jack guffawed. “Besides Clint Eastwood, who talks like that?”
“Mark does. He doesn’t even have to try. It just happens naturally.”
“I thought he was kidding around at first.”