by Lisa DeVore
“You promised to let me explain.”
Looking down, she folded her hands in her lap and squeezed them together, willing herself to hold her tongue. Her training had taught her that. Why was she finding it so difficult now?
“My band, back then, was bigger than you realized. You never asked and I never volunteered anything. I could be myself around you. Everyone else wanted the rock star.”
“How big?”
“Big. Sold out arenas…songs on the chart big.”
How could she have missed that?
“When we met and fell in love,” he paused as she moved uncomfortably in her chair, “we did fall in love, Jen.”
“I know. I was there.”
“We had just finished a new album and touring was set to start. I didn’t want to leave you. I bought you an engagement ring…”
“You what?” Her eyes widened and her stomach pitched at the shock. He had to be joking. Okay, she needed space. The room was closing in on her. She couldn’t listen to any more of this.
He must have noticed her eyes drifting toward the door. “Don’t go.”
“Chase, I can’t do this. Not now.”
“Please…let me explain. I’ve been carrying this with me for ten years, Jen.”
Jena turned away. She couldn’t look at him, didn’t want to feel sorry for him. She rested her hands on the kitchen counter facing the wall.
“I had it all figured out. If we were engaged, Collin and Jasmine would let you go on the road with me.”
She couldn’t get past the announcement of an engagement ring. No, that couldn’t be true. Thinking back she tried to recall what would have changed his mind. Why hadn’t he given it to her? She couldn’t remember a fight.
“I called all the guys in the band to tell them. I wanted them to know before I asked you.”
Okay. Now she understood. She didn’t care about the tears in her eyes as she turned to face him. “So, I got vetoed?”
“No. I got an angry call from our manager. A married man wasn’t rock star material.”
“You’re telling me that you were going to ask me to marry you? That you loved me? And your manager changed your mind? I’m supposed to believe that?” Her voice was rising with anger as the tears threatened to spill over.
“Am I supposed to believe you didn’t know I loved you?” The softness in his voice was disappearing.
Gripping the counter to keep steady she spat, “You know what? I can’t hear any more of this. I don’t want to hear any more! I know how the fairy tale ended now. You chose them. You didn’t love me enough. The end.”
Chase moved across the room before she could react. He held her shoulders tenderly, not allowing her to look away. He forced her to see the regret in his eyes, escape was not an option. “I won’t make excuses. I made a bad decision for what I thought was the right reasons. I’ve had to live with that.”
“Why didn’t you call me? Tell me you made a mistake? Ten years, Chase.”
“I had a responsibility to the band. That’s how I saw it. I committed to them first. I was led to believe marriage, or even a relationship, would be a death sentence to the band. They counted on me.”
“I counted on you!” she threw at him. “I loved you.”
“I was young and stupid. I have no other excuse. I ended up quitting the band. After you were gone, nothing mattered. It took me years to grow up, but I’m not that young kid anymore.”
“Don’t,” she warned him. “Don’t think your confession changes anything. You want honesty? Here’s some! You took my love and tossed me aside when I didn’t fit into your plans.” A sob caught in her throat, but she continued, “You gave me no explanation. You made me think I was nothing more than a summer fling.” The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. “I went back home and rebuilt my life, Chase. I finished law school. I’m successful. I don’t need your apologies. I’ve already moved on. So, keep your excuses, or use them on someone else.” It took every ounce of her self-control not to run from the kitchen as she headed to the safety of her room.
Stomping up the steps she angrily wiped the tears from her face. She entered her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. The wall shook with her fury and her pain. She faced the closed door with slumping shoulders and clenched fists wanting to scream. The tears she held back were burning her eyes. Collapsing on her bed, she let go. The grieving began…He had loved her.
Chapter Five
Jena opened her eyes to the sunlight dancing across the ceiling of her bedroom. Her mood didn’t reflect the brightness that forced her eyes closed in protest. She groaned and threw an arm across her face. She had a fitful night replaying the conversation with Chase. He had loved her and wanted to marry her. She had tossed and turned for most of the night tormenting herself with the what-ifs. Where would they have been now? Would she have been a lawyer? Would they have had kids of their own?
Grabbing her robe, she walked over to the window and pulled back the curtain. What was she expecting? To see his truck in the driveway? Her heart was heavy with disappointment and sadness as she let the curtain fall. Sitting on the edge of the bed she wondered, had they wasted ten years? Or was it for the best?
She hated to leave her room. The house was insanely quiet and everywhere she looked was her sister; the decorating, the pictures, her things lying around as if she’d walk through the door any minute. Jena whispered to the silence in the room, “Jasmine, how could you leave me? I need you. I don’t know what to do.” She knew this void in her heart would never go away. If only she had Jasmine to talk to. Chase’s confession had knocked her to her knees. Everything she believed was being tested. Nothing was what it seemed. The only thing she knew for sure was her sister was gone for good. If she didn’t escape, her mind would implode. She threw on shorts, t-shirt, and running shoes. Jogging always cleared her head.
Looking into the mirror she was, again, reminded of the night before. Her eyes were puffy and red. She made a half-hearted attempt to apply some makeup, grabbed her sunglasses, her cell, and started downstairs. She stopped suddenly as she noticed a picture hanging on the wall in the stairway. How long had this been here?
A happy couple smiled at her. The picture was taken the summer she and Chase had dated. She scrutinized the photo looking for any sign of love. She studied their faces, the way his arm held her possessively around the waist. They appeared not to have a care in the world…a far cry from the present. Yes, they looked happy, but love? Every relationship she ever had always led to one thing, loss. Love was certainly over-rated. All she ever got out of it was pain. No, there would be no second chances with Chase. Returning the picture to the wall, Jena was determined to toughen up and be a grown-up. Chase would be in Andrea’s life. She had to let the rest go. She had let him explain, now they could move on.
The birds were singing as Jena closed the door behind her. The warm Florida air contrasted sharply with the cool Ohio mornings she was used to. The color of the maple trees was replaced by the rustling of the palm trees in the soft breeze. Closing her eyes and tilting her head toward the sun, sadness washed over her. Soon, custody would be settled for Andrea and the house would be put on the market. Jena would be free to return home. So, why was she dreading it? She should be happy to leave a place that reminded her of all she had lost.
With the stretching out of the way, Jena jogged through the neighborhood. She was determined not to clutter her mind with unhappy thoughts, but to enjoy the scenery.
A horn sounded behind her and she jumped to the curb—so much for a pleasant jog. She turned to find a shiny black pickup following her.
“Wanna ride?” the driver yelled at her.
“Hi, Aunt Jen!” screamed a little girl from the front seat.
Not sure if she was relieved or furious, she attempted a neutral reply directed to her niece. “Hi, Andrea. What are you doing with Uncle Chase? I thought Mrs. R. was bringing you home.”
“Since Mrs. R. has the day off, I thought I’d bring her home,�
�� Chase offered.
Every time she turned around he was in her face. Trying to hide the sarcasm she replied, “That was so nice of you.”
“I don’t mind helping out.” The grin confirmed he was challenging her.
The sudden ringing of Jena’s phone startled her away from a reply. Looking down she saw the caller ID and her mouth went dry.
“Hello,” she answered quickly.
“I’m attempting to reach a Miss Jena Shea,” the voice replied formally.
“This is Jena Shea.” Glancing at Chase she saw the concerned look on his face.
“Miss Shea, my name is Detective John Burrows with the Clearwater Police Department. I would like to ask you a few questions regarding your sister’s accident. When would be a good time to meet?”
“Do you have news?”
“No, ma’am. I’m sorry, just some routine questions before we close the case.”
Close the case? They haven’t found her yet. How could they close the case?
Jena’s eyes darted in the direction of Chase’s truck door slamming. In seconds he was at her side, concern etched in his forehead.
She attempted to keep her voice steady. “Detective, I’m on my way home now. Any time would be fine.”
“How about a half hour?”
“Sure, I’ll be there.” She pushed the end button on the phone exhaling worriedly.
“What was that about?” Chase asked immediately.
“A detective from the Clearwater Police. He wants to ask me some questions.”
“Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
Giving in to his protective ways would have been so easy, but she wouldn’t allow herself. “No, thanks, it kind of defeats the purpose of a jog.”
“It looks like your purpose has been attained,” Chase finished with a wink. “Let me be there for this.” His voice turned serious.
She considered refusing, but she was too nervous to face this alone. “Okay. I’ll meet you and Andrea back at the house.”
The jog back gave Jena plenty of time to think. She created horrible scenarios, sure the detective’s visit wouldn’t be a pleasant one. He was giving up. She would never have a body to bring home. Her mind raced. How would she convince him to keep searching?
Her mind switched to Chase. Why did she agree to let him in on the meeting? She didn’t need him there. His presence made her uncomfortable, but he had cared for her sister too. Andrea’s uncle had a right to know what was going on. That was all there was to it.
Jena approached the house and her internal argument ceased. The truck parked in the driveway was empty. He’d let himself in. Her blood boiled at the thought. While she was living here this was her home. How dare he assume he could come and go as he pleased?
She entered the kitchen to find Chase pouring himself a glass of iced tea. “Where’s Andrea?” she asked sharply.
“Upstairs, in her room. You sound mad.” He took his tea to the table and sat.
She rubbed her temples and took a deep breath. “Chase, how did you get in the house?”
“Through the door.”
The grin he threw at her only infuriated her more. “The door was locked.”
“I have a key, remember?” He paused. “What’s the big deal?”
She made every attempt to keep her voice steady. “The big deal…is that I live here right now, and I would appreciate if you didn’t let yourself in.”
“Sure. Okay.” Reaching in his pocket, he pulled out his keys and began removing the key from the ring.
“That isn’t necessary. You might need it after I go home…if the house doesn’t sell before I leave,” she added. Jena ignored the flash of anger that crossed his face. “I’m going to get a shower. Will you let the detective in if I’m not down in time?”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to be too forward.”
Ignoring the sarcasm, she escaped upstairs, silently berating herself for the onslaught of emotions he caused in her normally sensible self.
Chapter Six
Chase stared at the wall, deep in thought. Jena was still planning to move back to Ohio. He couldn’t imagine his life without Andrea in it on a daily basis. Yes, he survived without Jena, but this little girl had him wrapped around her finger. This was his brother’s daughter and he had vowed to take care of her always. His emotions teetered from hopelessness to anger. He couldn’t lose Andrea. He didn’t want to lose either of them. The depressing thought was interrupted by the back door swinging open.
“I thought it was your day off?” he asked solemnly.
“Hello to you, too.” Mrs. R. hung her purse on the back of a chair and made her way to the sink, turning the water on to wash her hands. “Some detective called and wanted to ask questions.”
He smiled slightly at her snippy tone. “He called Jen too.”
“Did he now? Where’s she at?” she asked while joining him at the table.
“Shower.” The knock on the door drew his attention away from the conversation. “Aren’t you going to get that?” Chase asked.
“My day off,” she replied evenly as she turned in her chair to dig something out of her purse.
“Great. Don’t move. I’ll get it.”
“Wasn’t planning on it.”
He opened the door to find a suit on the other side presenting a badge. He was older than he expected. “Come on in, Detective. I’m Chase Reiss, Jasmine’s brother-in-law.”
The detective held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Reiss, I’m Detective John Burrows. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Call me Chase, and thanks. Have a seat. Jena will be down in a minute, and Mrs. Reynolds is already here.”
“Good, good,” the detective followed.
“Detective, this is Ellen Reynolds. She’s Jasmine’s housekeeper.”
“Ma’am,” the detective nodded in her direction.
“Ellen,” she corrected. “Ma’am will get you kicked in the shin.”
“Don’t want that, now.” He chuckled.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Chase offered.
“No, I’m fine.” Detective Burrows sat down and opened a spiral notebook.
Jena entered the kitchen looking like a frightened child. Chase wanted to jump up and protect her from whatever was coming. Knowing she would never allow it, he remained seated.
She approached the table and held her hand out in greeting. “Detective, I’m Jena Shea, Jasmine’s sister.”
The detective stood and gave his condolences. “I just have a few questions. This shouldn’t take long.”
Jena sat to Chase’s left. Watching out of the corner of his eye he could see the slump in her posture. If this got out of hand, he would throw the detective out. She had been through enough.
“As you all know, Mrs. Reiss’ yacht was found adrift by the Coast Guard. The boat was undamaged and there was no sign of a physical struggle.”
Jena sighed and Chase absently reached for her hand. She quickly pulled away and placed her hands in her lap.
The detective continued. “We have two eye witnesses that have stated they saw your sister leave the marina with a man. Would you know who this might be?”
Chase rested his arm on the back of her chair careful not to touch her. He wanted to send a clear message to the detective Jena was not alone in this.
“No. I have no idea. I hadn’t talked to my sister the week of her death.”
“Did she mention a boyfriend? Any name?” he pushed.
“She told me she was dating someone. I think his first name was Trevor. Maybe it was Trent. I don’t know.”
Jena’s distress was obvious. The confidence was missing in her voice. He decided to take over. “Detective, do you think this person was involved with whatever happened to Jasmine?”
“There’s no reason to believe that. There’s no physical evidence. I would say this was a swimming accident. Drowning. Sharks possibly.”
Jena drew in a sharp breath and Chase eyed her. T
he color left her face, and her eyes filled with unshed tears. He resisted the urge to take her in his arms, reassure her and erase the horrible images she must be seeing.
“So what is it you’re needin’ from us?” Mrs. R. interjected.
“We’ve been unable to contact this man’s next of kin. We have no name and nothing to go on.”
“I’m sorry,” Jena said softly, “I don’t know anything that would help you. Jasmine only mentioned him in passing during one of our conversations. I never met him.”
“Well, I can tell you I’m just the housekeeper. She didn’t go blathering to me about any boyfriend.”
“What about her daughter?”
“Sorry, Detective, you won’t be talking to our niece.” Chase’s voice turned icy.
“I understand. Would you keep your ears open? Here’s my card.” He handed one to each of them. “I appreciate your time. I wish I had more to offer you.”
“I’ll show you out,” Mrs. R. said sternly.
“Thank you. Again, I’m sorry.” He nodded in their direction as he followed Mrs. R. out of the kitchen.
“You okay?” Chase asked quietly as he watched Jena stare into her lap.
“I’ll never be okay,” she replied hoarsely. “She never mentioned anybody to you?”
“No. I never even got a name. Maybe we should ask Andrea.”
“Don’t even think about it,” she glared at him. “There’s no point in upsetting her. It won’t bring her mother back.”
“There’s a family out there, Jen, who doesn’t know where their son is…brother…Maybe he was a father.”
She stood suddenly, her face full of anger. “I can’t… I won’t concern myself with someone else. My priority is my niece. I’m sorry for their loss, but it’s not up to me to make it right. If you say one word to Andrea, I swear…” her voice trailed off and she exited the kitchen without warning.
Mrs. R. returned, her eyes wide with surprise. “Okay. I nearly got plowed over by that girl. What did you do now, Chase? She ran past me so fast her shadow couldn’t keep up.”
He held his hands up in surrender. “Nothing, I swear.”