Page 42 of Jacob

Beaming down the camera, she whispers, “Night, Jay.” She blows me a kiss and then says, “Dream of me.”

My heart melts.

I’m so fucking head over heels for this girl.

Somebody pinch me.

16

SKYE

Waiting for the impending lecture and twenty questions, I scrunch my face up, worried what comes next.

“You split up? Forever?” my mom gasps.

Unable to look her in the eyes, I nod, count to ten, then pop one eye open.

I could feel the concern seeping out of my parents’ bodies when I announced that Owen and I had, once and for all, broken up.

Oh, deep joy.

They were hoping for a big wedding. A grand event that townsfolk would speak of for years to come. Now that is never going to happen.

My mom will have to put her diamond-and-sapphire-encrusted tiara back in storage. She pulled it out around six months ago. It’s the one she wore when she married my dad. It’s vintage and has been passed down through four generations of women on my mother’s side of the family.

“Oh, baby girl. It’s okay.” A secret look passes between her and my dad.

She lays her fork down on her plate, reaches across the dark wood dining table, and gives my hand a double pat. “Can we be honest?” she asks.

I bob my head.

“We just want you to be happy, and lots of times, when you were with Owen, you just weren’t yourself, Skye. He’s a nice boy.” Tucking a blonde strand of hair behind her ear, she looks nervous. “But I want someone who will literally sweep you off of your feet.”

“And look after my baby girl.” My dad pats my other hand.

Emotion builds in my throat. “I want that for me, too,” I croak, then take a sip of apple juice.

“Are you happy?” My mom picks up her fork and starts eating her roast beef again.

I swirl my apple juice around the glass, then smile. “Honestly? I am. Owen and I were no good for each other. I was never his priority.” I lift my glass to my lips again and take a huge gulp. “I have a lot of good things happening. And… I need a drum roll.” I look at them both.

Instantly, they both drop their silverware to their plates, making a clattering sound. In fake fanfare, they drum the tabletop in excitement. It’s the thing we always did as a family when I was growing up when anything significant needed a big announcement.

I pause for dramatic effect.

“I’m getting promoted at work.”

My dad cups his hands on either side of his mouth and whoops, causing my mom to join in and me to start giggling.

“That’s my girl.” My dad punches the air.

“So, you’ll be working directly under Jacob?” I almost laugh when my dad asks me that question and he picks up his cutlery to finish the last of his meal.

I hope so. I want to get under him, on top of him. Just everything with him.

“Yes. I won’t report to Robert anymore, and I will have to go away on business more often.” I trace my hands over the wooden tabletop.

“You’re keeping something from us.” My mom smirks. She knows me so well.

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