Page 111 of Caged

“We went through hell together. He probably just wanted to make sure I was okay before leaving.” Now that I knew what happened with Sara and Henderson, I doubted Jay would be eager to rush into a relationship. I didn’t expect him to go back to hating me, but I didn’t expect us to be more than friends either.

“Do you really believe that?”

When I put my head on the table, I had to sit back up because bending over hurt like hell. After regaining my composure, I admitted, “I’m not sure what I believe.”

Too many conflicting thoughts. Too many conflicting emotions. Too many painkillers preventing me from sorting through them all.

I explained how Jay and I fought like cats and dogs, but had formed a truce for the investigation. And how agame of twenty questions made us realize we had more in common than either of us could’ve imagined.

I didn’t share Jay’s personal stories. They were his to tell. But I shared mine, which included Jay holding and comforting me.

“He cares about you.”

“He’s a decent human and would’ve done it for anyone.”

“Catelyn, I know your mother and I didn’t set a great example of what a healthy relationship looks like, so I’m probably the last person you want advice from, but I’m giving it to you anyway.”

I barely remembered the two of them together, so they hadn’t set any example. He paused, as if waiting for permission, so I nodded.

“Don’t dismiss him so quickly.”

“Why didn’t he come back to see me?”

“I don’t know, maybe something came up, but don’t you think you should give him a chance to explain?”

Yes. No. “Maybe.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear the answer. What if I had to leave SSI after hearing what he had to say? I covered my mouth as a huge yawn escaped. All this talking and thinking and feeling was exhausting.

“Why don’t we relax in front of the TV?” It wasn’t something either of us did often, both preferring to read, but vegging out in front of the TV sounded perfect.

Maybe I can go to DC with my father for a little while. I’d ask in the morning, after a good night’s sleep.

Chapter 43

Jay

Still anxious, Ma hosted a second family dinner Tuesday night and her lasagna was just the comfort food I needed. Filled with ground beef and pork sausage, cheese, and chopped vegetables, it brought back memories of childhood. She started adding the veggies when we were kids, thinking we wouldn’t notice if they were hidden in our favorite dishes.She was right.

It was different now, we were older, and after serving in the military I’d learned to eat whatever was put in front of me.

Unless it’s in a paper bag and potentially drugged…

A chill ran up my spine before I forced my mind back to the conversation. Dad raised an eyebrow in question, so I nodded—letting him know I was okay. Ma rubbed my shoulder, offering silent comfort. Just like she had when I was a kid.

My brothers noticed too, but let it go. Which I appreciated, talking about what happened wasn’t high on my list.

I wonder what Cate’s doing?I still hadn’t seen her. Before I could leave for the hospital, Dad told me she was going home.

“She’ll need time to settle in. You can see her later.”

There’s always something. It’d been three days and the need to see her was eating me alive. Come hell or high water, I’d go see her on Wednesday.

“Have you started picking names?” Emily asked, bringing me back to the present conversation.

How much did I miss?

Meg and Jack shared a look; they had.

It hadn’t taken me long to fall under Meg’s spell. She’d been through hell, but came out on the other side stronger than ever and used her experience to greet everyone who walked through the doors of SSI with compassion.

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