Wade sat there, not being able to contribute anything to their plans.
“Wade, I know you feel terrible about what happened, but you have to snap out of it and help us out here,” Stanley said.
“I know Uncle Stanley, but I don’t know where to begin.”
“She never spoke of any favorite spot, any place that she longed to see?” Stanley asked.
“I can’t remember. I don’t think so.”
“Okay then, let me call her parents.”
He dialed the number he had been given and Marion answered.
“Hello Marion, this is Stanley Wilkinson, Jenna’s boss.”
“Hello Mr. Wilkinson, how are you?” she asked, a bit perplexed.
“I’m doing fine dear. I’m sorry to bother you but I wonder if you’ve heard from Jenna.”
“No, I haven’t. Is everything okay?” she asked, alarmed by his question.
“Yes, everything’s fine. It’s just that she took a leave of absence a couple of months ago and I don’t know where to reach her. I had a question about a client and needed her input,” Stanley said. No need worrying her.
“I didn’t even know she had taken any time off. Why didn’t she tell us? It’s just like her to go off somewhere and not even think about telling her own parents.” Marion was annoyed and didn’t try to hide it.
Stanley knew that the last thing Jenna wanted was to have her parents be disappointed in her… again. It had often irked Stanley and Rose that they were so cold toward their daughter. She had been an exemplary student and had graduated with honors. When she went to work for them as an accountant she came highly recommended by members of their field. But that wasn’t enough for them. They had always dreamed that she would become a lawyer and anything less was unacceptable. It was a shame.
“I’m sorry to have bothered you Marion, I’ll try to contact some of her friends.”
“If you get in touch with her tell her to call me.”
“Will do,” Stanley said, but he would do no such thing. With everything she had been through the last thing she needed was judgmental parents to add to the mix.
“She doesn’t know where she is,” he said to Wade when he hung up.
Wade had been wracking his brain, trying to remember anything that she had said about any favorite spot.
Just then Gretchen came into the room.
“Would you like something to drink?” she asked them.
“No, thank you. Gretchen, did you and Jenna talk,” Rose asked.
“Yes, we talked all the time. She didn’t know anybody around here so she would spend a lot of time with me. She even came to my house a couple of times.”
“Did she ever mention any place that she would like to visit?” Rose asked.
“Let me think,” Gretchen said as she sat down. After she thought for a bit she snapped her fingers, “I do remember her telling me about a beach town she loved, but never mentioned its exact location. I just know that it was south of here.”
“Thanks Gretchen,” Rose said.
It wasn’t much, and maybe she hadn’t even gone there, but it was a start.
“I’ll begin doing some research.” Stanley said.
“I will to,” Wade said, finally snapping out of his grief. He would find her if it was the last thing he did.
“When we find out where she is Rose and I will go see her. She’s nursing a broken heart and seeing you again may make her want to flee,” Stanley said.
The thought of Jenna nursing a broken heart made Wade flinch. He was the source of her sorrow, how could he do this to the woman he loved?
“No Uncle Stanley, I have to go to her,” Wade said adamantly.
“She’ll be more receptive to us. If we explain what happened she’ll be more likely to listen.”
“Uncle Stanley, I have to make this right.”
Stanley thought about it. Maybe it would be best if Wade was the one to see her. “I guess you’re right.”
Chapter thirteen
Jenna walked along the beach, watching as the waves pounded the rocks. It was so beautiful out here. If only she could enjoy the beauty of it all, but her heart was too heavy.
When she’d left the ranch she had no idea where she was going. She drove aimlessly but soon found herself heading in the direction of Sunset Cove. It was a beautiful little community just off of Port Aransas. Secluded and private it was a place no one would think of looking, a perfect place to get lost in. She thought about it and felt that yes, that was where she should go. Her family had vacationed there when she was a child and it was a place where she had experienced her happiest moments. She remembered running along the beach, collecting shells and basking in the sun. That’s what she needed right now, to feel as carefree as that child again.
When Wade had said those horrible things to her he had made her feel like nothing. Yes, she had slept with him, but it wasn’t a one night stand. She felt that they were becoming close and that was the natural next step. She never imagined that in this day and age he would see that as a character flaw worthy of contempt. She had decided when she left that she would not allow him to diminish her as a human being. She had done nothing wrong.
When she’d arrived at Sunset Cove she had looked for a motel to stay in for the next couple of weeks, she would decide what she’d do in that time. She needed to stay away from everyone for a while, needed time to regroup. While at the ranch she’d been able to save the money Stanley had deposited into her account. At least she wasn’t completely destitute.
***
That evening as she sat at the local diner she pondered her future. She must have looked melancholy to the waitress because she gave her a sympathetic smile as she approached her table.
“Hi sweetie, can I get you something to drink?”
“I’ll take a cup of coffee, please.”
“One cup of coffee, coming up.”
Jenna watched as the waitress went behind the counter and spoke to the big, burly guy taking the orders. She grabbed a coffee carafe and headed back to Jenna.
“There you go, I brought you milk but if you’d prefer creamer I’ll go fetch it.”
“Milk is fine, thank you.”
The woman lingered at the table, then finally said “Bubba tells me you’re staying at the Brown Pelican.”
“Yes, I am. How did you know?”
“This is a small town, everyone knows everyone and nothing stays secret for long,” the woman said as she laughed a deep, throaty laugh. “I’m Carol, by the way,” she said, extending a slender hand out to Jenna.
Jenna shook her hand. “I’m Jenna, nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too. When did you get here?” Carol asked.
“I moved in a couple of weeks ago. I’ve eaten here a few of times but this is the first time I’ve seen you.”
“I’ve been away. I tell you, you leave for three weeks and you’re completely out of the loop when you get back,” she said, again laughing that wonderful laugh. Jenna liked her immediately. “How long are you staying with us?”
“A few months, probably. I’m looking for a more permanent place but I just started really looking today.”
“Is it just you?”
“Yeah, just me,” Jenna answered softly, feeling so alone she wanted to cry.
“Why don’t you try George’s Bungalows by the beach? They’re really affordable and you’d have an ocean view. They’re small but cute and cozy, I rent one myself. I think you’d like it there,” Carol said excitedly.
“The only problem is that I can’t sign a long term lease, I don’t know exactly how long I’m staying.”
“George rents by the month if that’s your preference. He really is an easygoing guy.”
“That sounds really good Carol, thanks. I’ll go see him tomorrow.”
“Good. Now let me take your order and get back to work before Bubba has a cow.” She smiled as she pulled out her pad and proceeded to take Jenna’s order.
***
Jenna found the idea of a cozy bungalow very attractive and the next day went to see George.
She arrived at George’s Place and was enchanted by the view. Small blue bungalows were lined along the beach, each with a small front and rear patio. She could picture herself sitting on a rocker, enjoying the breeze as she sipped her iced tea. She approached the bungalow with the hanging sign that read ‘manager’ and knocked on the door. A jolly old man answered and gave her a huge smile. He had completely white hair and a beard, looking as close to Santa as anyone could.
“Hello little lady, I’m guessing you’re Jenna,” he said as he led her into the office.
“Yes I am. How do you do?”
“I’m fine, thanks for asking. Have a seat, would you like some iced tea?”
“I would love some iced tea,” Jenna smiled, thinking of her fantasy of just a few minutes before.
George returned with the iced tea and sat next to her.
“Carol told me you’re looking for temporary shelter. Is that right?”
“Yes it is. I’m only planning on staying a few months so I can’t sign a long term lease, I hope that’s okay,” Jenna said hopefully.
Staying here would do wonders for her, she thought. She knew that she was again running away from her problems but the idea of going back home now did not appeal to her in the least. Having to see Stanley and Rose and explain what had happened would be humiliating to her, and she’d rather give herself a little time to get her act together. She was sure that they would have her job waiting for her when she decided to go back, they would understand her reluctance to return once they learned what had transpired. She had gone to the ranch to forget about John and Heather’s betrayal and now she’d come here to forget about Wade. She felt like a coward.
“That would be fine. Let me show you the apartment.”
George picked up a set of keys and led her to one of the bungalows at the end of the street.
“This one here is just like all the others. It has one bedroom, an eat-in-kitchen, a nice size living room, and it comes furnished. The rent would be due on the first of each month and I would need one month’s security,” George said as he walked her through.
The living room and the bedroom had large windows overlooking the water. Jenna looked around, loving what she saw. This would be perfect for her.
“I’ll take it. When can I move in?”
“Whenever you want. I’ll just need a check for the first month’s rent and the security.”
Jenna wrote him a check on the spot.
“Well, that was fast,” George said as he laughed heartily, again reminding Jenna of Old Saint Nick.
Chapter fourteen
Since the moment she’d moved in Jenna had been accepted by the locals. It was a small community and everyone was warm and helpful. Carol was fast becoming a good friend, it was something Jenna needed so badly.
“Hi sweetie. I’m off tonight, why don’t you come on over and we’ll order a pizza and watch a tearjerker,” she said to Jenna that afternoon.
“That sounds like fun. At what time do you want me there?”
“How about seven?”
“Seven it is. I’m looking forward to it.”
That evening she rang the doorbell promptly at seven and Carol opened the door.
“Look who stopped by the diner today,” Carol said, signaling Corbin.
Corbin was a handsome local who owned one of the marinas and had taken a liking to Jenna.
“Hi Corbin, it’s so nice to see you.”
“Hello Jenna. You look beautiful as always,” he said appreciatively as he stood and kissed her hand.
“Thank you. Let me take this wine into the kitchen. Carol, can you find a corkscrew for me.”
“Sure hon. Corbin, will you excuse me?”
“Of course,” he said as he sat back down.
When they got into the kitchen Jenna chastised her friend.
“I know what you’re doing, and it’s not going to work.”
“Why don’t you give him a chance? He’s a catch and he’s obviously smitten by you.”
“I told you I don’t want to think about men for a while. I’ve been hurt twice in a short period of time, I need time to heal.”
“I believe that dating again will help you heal better than anything else, especially with a gorgeous hunk like Corbin.”
“I know you mean well, but I can’t start anything with anybody right now.”
“Well, I can’t throw him out. Letting him watch a movie with us won’t kill you, will it?”
“I guess not. But please don’t do this again.”
“I won’t, I promise.”
Jenna wasn’t sure whether or not to believe her, but she would give her the benefit of the doubt.
They went into the living room and sat on the couch.
“What movie did you rent?” Corbin asked.
When Carol told him Jenna couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the expression on his face.
“There’s still time to flee,” she said to him.
“No, it’s fine. The movie may not be to my liking but the company is topnotch,” he said as he looked at Jenna.
Carol gave Jenna a teasing look then proceeded to play the movie. They watched as they ate the pizza that had just been delivered and Jenna couldn’t help but enjoy the evening. Corbin was a true gentleman, refraining from making derogatory comments even at the movie’s sappiest moments. Most men would moan and groan throughout the movie, making it impossible for the women to enjoy it. Corbin had scored some major brownie points.
At the end of the night they said their goodnights and Corbin offered to walk Jenna home.
“I had a great time,” he said as they slowly walked back.
She could hear the waves lapping against the rocks, it was so delightful.
“Me too. The movie was made for women and I appreciate you enduring it with us.”
“I actually enjoyed it. It put me in touch with my feminine side,” he laughed.
He tentatively reached out to hold her hand and she reluctantly allowed it. When they reached her bungalow he took both her hands in his.
“Jenna, ever since you got here I can’t seem to think of anything but you.”
“Corbin, before you go on I have to tell you that I am not in any position to start a relationship with anyone right now.” It was only fair that he know that this could go no further, at least for now.
“It’s obvious you’ve been hurt, but please don’t close yourself off. I would never hurt you.”
“I don’t think you would. But I need more time to heal.”
“I understand. I’ll be waiting, and when you feel like you’ve gotten over the hurt I want to be the first person you give a chance to. Is that fair?”
She smiled. “Yes, that’s fair.”
Jenna pulled out her key and opened the door.
“Goodnight Corbin.”
“Goodnight Jenna,” he said as he turned and walked away.
When she went inside her cozy home she felt a wave of nausea overtake her. The pizza must not be sitting well, she thought.
***
Over the next couple of days she had several bouts of nausea and vomiting and wondered if she might have a stomach bug. One day, after a particularly unpleasant episode, she sat by the toilet and began thinking back. Her period was late, but she had always been a bit irregular so she hadn’t thought anything of it. She and Wade had used protection whenever they had sex, except for that first time. There was no way she could have gotten pregnant then, could she? It was highly unlikely but she decided to go get a pregnancy test just to make sure.
When she got home from the pharmacy she went directly into the bathroom. She took the test strip out and followed the directions, all the while she kept telling herself that she couldn’t be pregnant. Please God, don’t let me be pregnant.
She waited the required five minutes, feeling like her heart would beat right out of her che
st. She nervously picked up the strip, and covered her mouth as she read the results. Pregnant!
She dropped the strip as she crumpled to the ground, sobbing convulsively. How could this have happened? What was she going to do now? A million things ran through her head in the ensuing minutes. How could she take care of a baby by herself? Never in a million years would she have envisioned herself as a single mother, but here she was, pregnant and alone.
When she finally stopped crying she slowly lifted herself off the floor and went into her bedroom. She lay there wondering what she would do now. There was no way that she would have an abortion, and Wade could never know about his child. After the things he had said to her she would never allow him anywhere near her or her baby. Of course, if she didn’t want him to know then she could never go back to working for Stanley. Stanley and Rose would never keep this big of a secret from their nephew. This meant that not only was she having a baby, but she had no job and no permanent home. As a last resort she thought she would go to her parents for help, but the idea alone made her sick to her stomach, sicker than she already was.
***
That night Carol came to see her.
“Honey, you look terrible. Do you still have that stomach bug?” Carol asked, her voice laced with concern.
“Come sit down, I have some news.” Jenna said. Carol had become her confidant in this short period of time, and she appreciated having someone to talk to about this.
“Are you okay?” Carol was growing more worried by the second.
“Brace yourself.” She took a deep breath and continued. “I just found out I’m pregnant.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she said it out loud for the first time.
“Pregnant! I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone.” Carol couldn’t hide the shock in her voice.
“It was the guy I was seeing before I came here.”
“How far along are you?”
“I’m figuring about two months.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“No, I’m not. It wouldn’t be welcome news to him.”
“But this is his baby too, don’t you think he’d want to know? And what about child support? He has to take some responsibility.”
Desiring the Enemy Page 10