Page 47 of Puck and Prejudice

“Let’s say hypothetically that he was flirting with you—did you flirt back?”

I bite my lower lip. “Maybe? I don’t know. I didn’t think it was flirting when it happened.” I shake my head. “Forget about me. Let’s talk about getting you and Chad back together. Jackson wants to fly you to Vancouver for Tuesday’s game.”

Jane’s brows shoot to the heavens. “He does?”

“Yeah. I think you should go.”

“Oh… I don’t know. You said Chad isn’t speaking to Jackson. What if Jackson’s got it all wrong, and Chad doesn’t want anything to do with me?”

“I don’t think he has it wrong. But if that’s the case, then you’ll know for sure and can stop agonizing over it, and hopefully move on.”

She presses a hand to her stomach. “But then I’ll be alone and miserable in a foreign country. I wish you could come with me.”

“Well… Jackson invited to come too, but?—”

“No buts. You have to come!”

“I can’t. I have to work.”

“You can request time off. Come on. Paco will be fine, and I’m sure Dr. Bustamante won’t mind if you miss a couple days at the clinic. He owes you for all the times he left you alone when he should have been teaching you.”

Butterflies awake in my stomach at the idea of flying to Vancouver to watch Jackson play. I try to tell myself I’d be going for Jane, and Jane alone, but that’s a lie. “Okay. I’ll request time off.”

“Yes!” she shouts, and I wince. “Oh, I just realized I need to take time off too. I’m calling Marissa right now.” She gets out of the car and runs back to the house.

Now I have to let Jackson know I’m coming, even though I told him I couldn’t. I hope he doesn’t read too much into the change of plans. I don’t want him to think I’m coming because of him. I’m Jane’s support system. That’s all.

My phone vibrates in my purse, and when I glance at the screen, I see Jackson’s name. Speak of the devil. We exchanged digits before we parted ways this morning.

JACKSON: Did you ask Jane?

Yes, she’s onboard. But she doesn’t want to go alone. Is my invitation still open?

JACKSON: Of course. Ted will reach out to you today to make arrangements.

Who’s Ted?

JACKSON: My assistant.

Okay.

I should leave at that, but I decide to add.

What time is your flight?

JACKSON: In a couple hours.

I didn’t make you late then.

JACKSON: No

I rub my eyes to make sure I’m not seeing things. But no, the smile emoticon is still there.

Good. Have a safe flight.

JACKSON: Thanks. See you in Vancouver.

I stare at my phone without moving for a moment, but the most troublesome part isn’t my paralysis, it’s the smile on my face.

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