Page 99 of Make You Love Me
“I never would have guessed that piece would be so popular. Maybe I should paint more like that.”
“You definitely should,” I say. “It’s magnificent. I knew you were talented, Josie, but your work is truly unlike any I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you, Nora. That means a lot.” She steps around Jordan to give me a hug, then reaches for him. “And thank you both for your support and letting me have this moment. I’m so grateful…and happy. I can’t believe I sold out!”
As she returns to her fans, I help Jordan lower back to the chair. “Why didn’t you want to tell her?”
“She’ll find out soon enough. I want her to enjoy this moment without guilt.”
“She’s going to be mad at you for spending your money,” I say, pushing him toward the bar.
“That’s fine. She can be mad at me all she wants later. After seeing that look in your eyes, there was no way I was letting it go to anyone else.”
“You’re too good, Jordan Jones.” I order two glasses of wine and turn to face him. “Speaking of special moments, you were fantastic earlier.”
“So fantastic that you’re ready to go back to the hotel and do it again?”
“Yes, but there’s something I need to do first. Will you be okay here for a few minutes?” I pass him one of the full glasses of wine the bartender set on the counter.
“Sure.”
Wrapping my fingers around the stem of the second glass, I march through the expansive room, looking for Josie. I soon findher talking to an animated couple about a commission and wait nearby until she notices me.
“Hi,” I say, sounding as insecure as I feel. “Sorry to interrupt, but can we talk?”
“Gosh. I thought you’d never ask.” She hooks my arm with hers and leads me into a nearby room, flipping on the lights before closing the door behind us. It’s the same room Jordan and I escaped to earlier, making my cheeks flush.
“What happened between you and Jordan?” Her eyes glitter with intrigue, excitement, and a little too much wine.
“What?” With my thoughts focused on the last visit to this room, I’m not sure how to answer.
“This week, he said on the phone that things are better between you.”
“Oh. Well, a lot’s happened there.” Glancing around the small room, I notice for the first time that it’s set up for a banquet or dinner—round tables covered with white linens, place settings, and fresh-cut flower centerpieces in expensive crystal vases.
Josie yanks out a chair, and I follow to sit across from her. “He’s forgiven me for lying to—”
“I heard that part.”
“Oh, right. Well,” I try to begin, but her intensity is making the words jumble like a crossword puzzle in my brain. “I’m working through some past issues—and will be for a while—but Jordan has helped so much. He knows everything and has forgiven me.”
“That’s my brother. You’re his weakness.”
“And he’s mine. I’ve completely fallen for him, Josie—head over heels and with all my heart. I don’t care who knows it. In fact, I want to scream it from the rooftops.”
“Wow.” She sits back, taking me in. “That’s awesome,” she says, but I’m not sure she means it. She has residual trepidation. Anyone in her position would, but that’s why I wanted to talkto her. Her approval means so much to Jordan, and I’m here to make sure we have it.
“I’m hoping to get your blessing, Josie. You can think about it if you need to. I understand this may come as a shock. You’ve missed a lot.”
“Nora, what are you asking me?” Her eyes are wide as she surveys me.
“I’d like to ask Jordan to marry me.”
“You’re asking him?” She stands, and I mirror her, keeping a defensive distance as she paces. I’m still unsure how she’s feeling about all the changes between us in such a short timeframe.
“He won’t ask me. He’s a little traumatized, and he’s afraid I’ll freak out again.”
Josie nods, understanding.
