Page 26 of Revisions

“Maybe you should run her next campaign,” I offer.

“No thanks,” Jessica says. “Look, JD, I know it’s probably a little strange—Grant—me.”

“No,” I reply. “I don’t feel that way.”

I don’t. Candace’s past doesn’t threaten me. Jonathan and Jess are part ofher, just like her parents, brothers, and the kids. She wouldn’t be the Candace I love if it weren’t for the relationships she’s had. I know that.

“I’m glad Candy has you.”

It’s funny; Jessica is sincere. I don’t think she’s ever truly gotten over Candace, and neither has Jonathan—not really. Candace isn’t the type of woman you can just “get over.” They would likely still be together if Jessica hadn’t cheated on Candace. Candace will deny that, but I think it’s true. Candace doesn’t give herself to anyone easily and doesn’t do anything halfway—not in business or relationships.

“JD?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to space out on you.”

“How’s Coop?” Jessica asks.

I can hear the genuine interest in Jessica’s voice. I admit it surprised me how easily we got along from the beginning. When someone close to Candace asks how she can have Jessica or Jonathan in her life after everything that unfolded in the past, she always answers the same way: “They’re good people; they just weren’t good for me.” The last time I heard her say that to one of the kids, I told her I think she’s wrong. She was stunned.

“I thought you liked Jonathan and Jess?” Candace asked.

I laughed. “I do. You didn’t let me finish,” I said. “You always say you weren’t good for each other. I don’t think that’s true. You weren’t right for each other—not for the long haul. Those aren’t the same things.”

Candace didn’t say anything. She just kissed me.

“Coop is great. He’s got a giant crush on an older woman,” I tell Jessica. “An older blonde woman with a lot to say.”

Jessica laughs. “He is definitely your kid.”

“I guess he is.”

“Listen, I’ll give Candy a call.”

“Thanks, Jess.”

“You never need to thank me, JD.”

I don’t know how to respond. I know that’s true.

“If you need to vent about the assholes running around with Klein, feel free to call me.”

I laugh. “Be careful what you offer.”

“Take care of yourself, JD.”

“Don’t worry about me,” I say.

“Mm. Do you mind if I give you one piece of advice?”

“What might that be?”

“Take care of yourself. You’re not me. God knows you’re the person Candy has always needed. But, JD, even a saint, would struggle to live in Candy’s shadow. People think I was jealous of her success. That was never the problem between us. She fights fair, JD. She was that way when she practiced law. I want to say I always take the high ground. I like to win. I also believe in justice. Sometimes, it doesn’t come without a little muscle.”

That’s the truth if I have ever heard it.

Jessica continues. “Loving Candy is easy. Loving her life isn’t. I don’t mean the kids, and I’m not talking about the pace she’s always kept. She’s the most sensitive person I’ve ever known. She can also be stubborn to a fault—she gives until it breaks her.Thatis hard to take. Watching people come after her while she tries to play nice is infuriating. Candy isn’t attracted to wall flowers, JD. She loves you because you’re as smart and driven as she is. But itisyou who sacrifices the most to let her fly. Sheknowsthat. Don’t be afraid to let her know what you need. And please—I’ve heardallabout your love for scripture from Shell.”

That does it. I burst out laughing. Shell really should just rent a dammed billboard at this point. “Thanks,” I say.

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