Page 59 of Life After

“J-Jen.”

“No. We’re not doing this whole jealousy thing. Lizzie was a different lifetime for me. She was part of a past Ineverwant to remember or relive. This, right now…myliferight now, is about you. Us. That’s not going to change.”

Suzanne nodded slowly as she took a step back and motioned towards the table. “Breakfast is ready.” Then she cleared her throat. “And for the record, I’m not jealous.”

Jen sighed as she followed Suzanne to the table. She wasn’t convinced that Suzanne was okay with Lizzie being around, but she also didn’t know how to show or how to promise Suzanne that there was nothing still there for Lizzie in her heart. God, she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d thought about her ex. Probably while she was in prison, and likely only because Jen was punishing herself about those she’d hurt in the process. Other than that, she rarely thought about Lizzie oranyother exes for that matter.

Silently placing different items of food onto her plate, Jen glanced up at Suzanne. “No matter what happens, I don’t plan to have a full-blown friendship with her.”

“If you believe a friendship would be beneficial, then please, don’t let me stop you.” Suzanne tucked into breakfast. “So long as I still get to spend some time with you, then you should see friends. It’s important that you reconnect with people.”

That was the thing, though. Jen didn’twantto reconnect with people from the past. As a friendly face in the street, sure, but that was the extent of those friendships. When she was ready to, Jen would find new friends. People who hadn’t seen her at her worst. “You know I love you, right?”

Suzanne looked up at Jen and frowned. “I know.”

“But do you? Because we’ve both said it, but it was saidpotentiallyin the heat of the moment.” Jen didn’t need to prove anything to anyone, but she did need Suzanne to understand what she was saying. “It was said when we weren’t even together anymore.”

“I still meant it.”

“And so did I.” Jen dipped her head and smiled back at Suzanne. “I’m finding that I mean it a whole lot more this morning, though.”

“Why?”

“Because we had the perfect night with one another. Dinner was amazing;youwere exceptional. I have everything I could need now that we’re back together, babe. Everything.”

“That means a lot to hear you say that.” Suzanne regarded Jen with the most astonishing smile. “I just want to make you happy, Jen.”

Jen shifted her seat closer and stroked the back of her hand against Suzanne’s cheek as she smiled. “You do. Believe me.” Jen turned her attention back to the delicious food on her plate. “Now, eat up. Because I’m going to spend all morning making love to you…and then I’m taking you out for a late lunch.”

“You…are?”

“Mmhmm. Today is all about us. Tonight, too.” Jen shoved a forkful of scrambled eggs into her mouth and winked. “You make the best breakfast.”

“I love you,” Suzanne said, her voice breaking as she gazed back at Jen. “And I’m going to make sure you know it every single day.”

“I love you too, babe.”

Chapter 21

Suzanne quietly exitedher car and locked it when Jen climbed from the passenger seat. She enjoyed these moments again, travelling around town with Jen. Life didn’t feel so lonely anymore. No, it felt exciting and hopeful. It felt…incredibly beautiful to be loved by Jen.

“Ready, babe?”

Suzanne smiled, feeling a little anxious about lunch. Jen had suggested a favourite restaurant of hers, then dropped the bomb that her mother worked there. “Yes. I’m ready.”

Jen quirked a brow, a slight smirk present. “You sure? You don’t look it.”

“Really, I’m sure.” Suzanne held out a hand when Jen rounded the front of her car, satisfied when she latched onto it. They’d been out together onso manyoccasions now, but this time felt different. Suzanne didn’t quite know why, but she was going to enjoy this afternoon since Jen had specifically dedicated it to them. “Does your mum know we’re coming here today?”

“Nope. Thought I’d surprise her. Although she’s likely to wring my neck the next time I see her for introducing you to one another while she’s not in her Sunday best.”

Suzanne laughed as they turned for the restaurant entrance. “Don’t worry. My mum was the same.”

“I think it’s funny, but she’ll still be mortified.” Jen winked as she tightened her grip on Suzanne’s hand. “But she’s going to love you. I know she is.”

Suzanne exhaled a deep breath. The anxiety swirling in her belly had just intensified. “Then I hope I don’t disappoint.”

“Nah. You couldn’t disappoint anyone if you tried.” Jen let go of Suzanne’s hand and instead placed her hand on the small of Suzanne’s back. “Come on. Let’s get some food. I’m starving now. Any fuel I gave myself this morning was quickly depleted.”

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