Page 94 of About that Fling
But what the hell kind of friend could revel in her own happiness while her closest pal’s marriage teetered on shaky ground?
“Did Mia make it out okay?” Gertie called, padding into the living room.
“She just left. Thanks for giving us a few minutes alone. She’s going through some rough stuff right now, and she needed someone to talk to.”
“I totally understand. She’s been here all weekend keeping an old lady company. We had a nice time together, but I know when a woman needs her best girlfriend.”
Jenna sighed and sank into the overstuffed loveseat by the door. “I feel like an awful friend. And an awful niece, come to think of it.”
Gert sat down beside her, patting her knee. “Why’s that, sweetheart?”
She nibbled her lip. “You know how I told you I was going to Seattle to see some old college roommates?”
“Ah.” Aunt Gert gave her a gentle smile. “I assumed that was just a cover story for a romantic weekend with Adam.”
Jenna blinked. “What? How did you?—”
“For one thing, you don’t have any college roommates in Seattle. For another, I overheard you on the phone with him the night before you left. My hearing’s better than you think it is, sweetheart.”
Jenna buried her face in her hands, thinking of Gramps’s hearing and Beth’s cooking and the whole tangled-up mess of love and lies and loss. “God, I’m so sorry, Gert. I didn’t want you to have to lie to Mia. I thought it would be better if I told you both the same story.”
“It’s fine, dear. I realize you’re feeling very secretive with this relationship. I know I tried to draw you out before by bringing Adam to the house, but now that I see how reluctant you are—” She gave Jenna a squeeze, forcing her to look up. “I guess I’m willing to go along with that.”
“Thank you. For everything, Gertie. Really.”
“It’s no problem, dear.” She searched Jenna’s eyes, her expression becoming a little bit melancholy. “Your mom did such an amazing job of protecting you. Looking out for your best interests. I’ve tried my best to fill her shoes, but it’s hard when we both miss her so much.”
“You’ve been amazing.” Tears stung her eyes and she blinked them back hard. “But you’re right that I miss Mom. Being with Adam’s family all weekend just hammered it home. His sister’s amazing and his grandfather loved his grandma so much.” She pulled in a long, ragged breath. “It’s hard not to notice there’s a hole in our family that won’t ever be filled.”
Kindness filled Aunt Gertie’s eyes. “I think we’re doing okay.”
“We are.” Wrapping her arms around Gert, she gave her a long, hard hug. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart.” Patting her back, Gertie pulled back. “Tell me about your weekend. How was it?”
“Incredible.” Jenna sniffed and swiped at her eyes. “Heartbreaking. Earth-shattering.”
“Sounds like a good title for a romance novel.”
She sighed and sank deeper into the loveseat. “I just had one of the most amazing weekends of my life with a man I know used to be the light of Mia’s life. Once upon a time, they were crazy in love. Now I’m finding happiness with that same man, and here’s Mia struggling and trying to hold her new marriage together. It doesn’t seem fair.”
“Life’s not fair, honey. I don’t think Mia would trade places with you. Not even now.”
With another long sigh, she leaned against her aunt’s shoulder, more comforted than she expected by feel of Gert’s arm curving around her shoulders. “I suppose not, but it might hurt Mia to see it anyway. Especially under the circumstances.”
“Maybe. Or maybe she’s stronger than you give her credit for.”
“I guess.” Jenna turned a bit so she was looking at her aunt. “I’m just not ready to tell her yet. I can’t risk hurting her like that. Maybe after the baby comes and Adam’s contract is up with the hospital?—”
“You don’t think that might make it worse in the long run? If Mia finds out you were seeing him in secret?”
“She doesn’t have to know. We’ve been careful. Besides, a lot can happen in a few weeks. I just—I don’t think it’s the right time.”
Gert looked at her and nodded. “Fair enough. I can respect that.”
“Thank you.” Jenna squeezed her aunt’s hand. “So do you want to talk about this TV appearance?”
Gert smiled. Jenna could tell she was trying not to, but she practically glowed with it. “Good Morning America. Can you imagine?”
