Page 119 of About that Fling
She didn’t look good. She looked frazzled and tired, and Jenna suspected it had something to do with this morning’s headlines. Allie’s father lost his latest bid to get his prison sentence overturned. It happened the same exact day that his mother—Allie’s grandma—had passed away unexpectedly.
The papers had made a big deal of it. That was the reason Jenna had chosen to stay and help Allie set up, rather than passing it off to an admin. A lifetime of struggling to control the whole world gave Jenna a sense of when someone else started to buckle under that pressure.
She just wasn’t sure how to broach the subject, or even if she should. “What else can I help with?”
“I’m probably okay.” Allie nibbled her lip. “The guest speaker texted ten minutes ago to say she’s already on site. The caterer should be here any minute, so we’re set there.” She practically vibrated with tension. “Hopefully the food is good.”
“Who’s catering?”
“Meg Delaney.”
“You’re in amazing hands with Meg. She revamped our food service menu and caters tons of our events.”
“Good. That’s good. I’ve used Meg before, so I trust her.” Allie surveyed the space, her shoulders relaxing an almost imperceptible amount.
Jenna glanced at her watch. She had ten minutes to meet Adam, but didn’t want to leave Allie hanging. “You doing okay?”
“Hmm?” Allie looked up from scanning the agenda. “Yes, everything’s coming together.”
“I don’t mean the event. I meant you. How are you doing?
“I’m great.” The tick of a tiny muscle beside her eye suggested otherwise.
“I saw the news this morning,” Jenna began, and watched Allie stiffen. “I’m so sorry about your grandmother.”
“Thank you.” Allie bit her lip. “She was an amazing woman.”
Jenna drew a deep breath. “I’ve never brought this up, and now may not be the time or maybe you don’t want to discuss it, but I just wanted to say I’m aware of the situation with your parents and I think you’re really brave. Holding it together like you do can’t be easy.”
“Oh.” Allie blinked and set down the basket of pens she’d just grabbed. “That’s—thank you. Wow, that means a lot.”
“I can only imagine the toll it’s taken on you. If you ever need someone to talk to, you can trust me for discretion.”
“Thank you.” Tears filled Allie’s green eyes as she pulled in a shuddery breath. “No one ever asks how I’m doing. They just pretend they don’t know I’m the daughter of the people who orchestrated Portland’s big, scandalous Ponzi scheme.”
“I’m sorry.” Sympathy flooded her system. “That sounds lonely.”
“It can be.” Allie straightened her shoulders. “I need to get my game face on right now, but maybe we could grab a drink sometime?”
“I’d like that.” Jenna took a chance on hugging her, even though that’s not how their professional relationship normally went. As Allie sagged in her arms, Jenna knew she’d done the right thing. “For what it’s worth, I know the toll it can take when you try to control everything. It’ll break you, eventually. I’m here for you if you ever want to talk.”
“Thanks, Jenna. I really appreciate it.”
With one last squeeze, she let go of Allie and stepped back. “Text me if anything comes up. I’m sure your seminar will go off without a hitch.”
“Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your night.”
With one last encouraging smile, Jenna turned and walked out of the conference room. She hustled out the doors of the hospital and into her car, texting Adam to let him know she’d be a little bit late.
By the time she rushed through the door of The Corkscrew, he’d already staked out their usual table. The same one they’d sat at the very first day they’d met. As soon as he saw her, his face broke into a grin.
Man, she’d never get tired of seeing that smile. Or his chiseled arms flexing as he pushed himself up to stand and greet her.
“What’s a pretty lady like you doing in a place like this?”
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, kissing his cheek before sliding into the chair right across from him. “Had to help Allison Ross with the setup for an event we’re hosting.”
Adam sat down and tilted his head. “Who?”
