Page 61 of Jumping In

“Alex, I need your help.” My stomach drops to my feet hearing those words from my older brother again.

By the time I hang up, I give MJ a sympathetic look. “MJ, I’m sorry. Jake needs my help out in Cedar Bend.”

“Is he okay?”

“Yes. No. I don’t really know. He got into some trouble at work, and the halfway house is kicking him out. When it rains it pours and all that. I’m gonna head out there to help him out though. See if I can get him settled somewhere new at least.”

She nods, understanding.

“You’re welcome to stay at the loft if you want, I can leave you a key,” I offer.

“No, that’s okay. I should probably head home and face my parents,” she says.

“You sure?” I reach forward and grab her waist, pulling her into me as she nods. “Okay, I’m going to head back, why don’t you still go enjoy the movie? I think Blake and Austin are going to be out there.”

“Yeah, I’ll figure something out. Be safe.” She tiptoes up and kisses me softly.

“I love you,” I whisper against her lips and then let her go, taking off back toward the shop to grab a few things and head out to help my brother, yet again.

Chapter 23

MJ

Instead of tryingto catch the Movie in the Park, I ask Blake if he can give me a ride home. I feel bad interrupting his Friday night, but he didn’t seem too into the movie anyway. Austin and Beck were laughing and throwing popcorn at him, calling him a party pooper when I approached, so maybe I was saving him.

I use the keypad out front to open the garage door and it hums open. I cringe, knowing that I just notified my parents of my arrival. It’s a Friday night, so they’re likely enjoying a movie in the living room. I push the door open, and I’m greeted by my mom standing over the sink in khaki capris and a flowy tank top.

Her eyes land on me, and she quickly turns the water off, drying her hands on her pants as she walks toward me. I can’t help the tears welling in my eyes as she pulls me in for a hug.

“Emmalynn, I’m so glad you’re home.”

“I just wasn’t ready to talk things out. Where’s Dad?” I ask. She tucks my hair behind my ears and strokes my cheeks softly and nods.

“I understand. He’s in the library but I’m not sure how much reading he’s doing.” I look at her, confused. “He’s torn up about how he left things with you but hasn’t been sure how to reach out.”

“He could’ve called or texted like you did.”

“Your father doesn’t think like that. But you’re here now. Do you want me to go get him?”

I shake my head, still needing a moment. Mom nods and returns to the dishes. Taking a seat on the bar stool across from her, I take a calming breath.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” she asks gently.

“I don’t know, Mom. Are you going to berate me for wanting to be with Mac too? You didn’t really have my back at Hal’s.” I see her wince and immediately feel bad. “Sorry, that wasn’t fair.”

“No, it was fair, Emmalynn,” she says. “You’re right, I didn’t have your back, and I’m sorry for that. Truth is, I’m a romantic at heart, you know that. While you and Mac may have only figured out that you wanted to be together, Nancy and I have known since you were just kids.” I scoff and shake my head. “Mothers know these things, Peanut.”

“But if you saw it then why doesn’t Dad?” I ask, frustration raising my voice. I cringe, hoping he didn’t hear from down the hall.

“Peanut, he’s a man. They don’t pick up on things like that. Trust me. I don’t think he would have asked me out all those years ago if I hadn’t dropped hint after hint after hint.” She gives me a soft smile and I can’t help the giggle that escapes my lips.

“That’s fair. But he used to like Mac, is he always going to hate him now that he’s a criminal?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“It’s not my story to tell. I really should go get your father.” Looking over my shoulder, she moves to head out of the kitchen.

“Please, mom. Not just yet,” I plead. She stops and leans against the counter.

“Your dad has his own experiences with criminals, not as a lawyer, but with people who were close to him. It’s really for him to tell you, but trust me when I say he only wants what’s best for you.”

---