Page 86 of Darlin'

"Oh...JP?Yougood?" Jo asks as Jesse turns his head, a pair of sunglasses masking his tears. "We could use your help in there."

"We'll be there in a few," Jesse says, clearing his throat.

"Okay," Jo hums, flicking her nails before waltzing back inside. "Don't take too long."

"You sure you want to do this?" I ask as we stand up. "We can?—"

"No." Jesse sucks in a long, deep breath. "I can do it. I need to do it."

"Okay, let's go then." I turn around and begin walking to the entrance, but I'm stopped as Jesse grabs hold of my hand, his grip tight and tender. I look up at him as he hovers by the doors. "It's okay. We can take our time."

Jesse holds my hands in silence as we stand in front of the doors for several minutes until he takes the first step inside. He holds my hand as we walk down the hallway. He holds my hand as we enter the elevator. He holds my hand the entire ride up to the fifth floor.

And when the door opens, he lets go. He joins his fellow brothers.

He rips the band-aid. And me? I have four days left, and I'm not sure I can.

CHAPTER 26

The Deep End

"Hey."Jesse fiddles with the plastic bag in his hands as I look up from the book I'm reading. "You uh—you busy?"

"Swamped," I say, closing the book and setting it off to the side. "Busiest girl on the west coast, actually."

"Cute." He clears his throat, scratching his beard. "I uh—I got you a little something." He tosses the bag in my direction. It lands on the couch beside me. "Open it."

Jesse's been awfully quiet since the hospital, popping in and out of the house, barely speaking a word to me. Marlow said Beau's been preoccupied as well. Lots of late nights and early mornings. It's been a blessing of sorts. Out of sight, out of mind. It's funny how the mind works. As he stands in front of me, sporting a baggy t-shirt and ripped jeans, it's as if he's been home the whole time.

I freaking hate that.

"Okay..." I shoot him a speculative look. "What is it?"

"Just open it," he says, a ghost of a smile curling his lips. "I think you'll like it." I pull open the plastic bag,confused as I fish out a pair of hot pink goggles and two Frozen-themed arm floaties. "Figured you'd appreciate the extra layer of protection." He claps his hands. "So,yougo put those on, andI'llmeet you by the pool, okay?"

"Uh—what?"

"My day cleared up," he says casually with a shrug. "Thought we'd get your first lesson in."

I blink at him, pulse quickening. "Lesson?"

"Yup."

I tilt my head, holding up an arm floaty as if it were anthrax. "And you expect me to wear these?"

"Yup."

"I—" Has he gone and lost his damn mind?! "Firstly, these are for children?—"

"I know." Jesse grins, stifling a chuckle. "I borrowed them from Tiny. Don't worry, I checked, and they'll fit your little noodle arms."

"Noodle arms? What?" I shake my head, gathering my wits. "Jesse, Beau and the girls are coming over later. I don't have time for?—"

"I know." He checks his watch. "But it's only eleven, princess. We've got plenty of time." Cocking his head, he gives a devastatingly disarming smile. "Well? Ready to make your mermaid dreams come true?"

With a burst of transparency, I ask, "Why are you so determined to get me in that pool?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he asks, waves of fibs rippling down his throat. He smirks, thinking I'll buy his lie. "I want to see you all nice and wet."

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