Page 38 of Isabelle & Jason
Isabelle grinned, and it was like the sun shining through the clouds. “To be fair, having a child who was a chef means one should get the best food the world has to offer.”
“Careful, Isabelle, you might give me an inflated ego,” he said, feeling his face warming up in a blush.
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
He lifted a brow, a smile tugging at his lips.
“Because it’s pretty big as it is,” she added.
Jason’s jaw fell. Then he chuckled and shook his head. This was the first time Isabelle had poked fun at him like this. She was teasing him, being playful. If that wasn’t a good sign, he didn’t know what was.
Isabelle chanced a couple more glances his way, her smile growing, and all he could do was shake his head and laugh to himself. But then she put her fork down and started squirming in her seat.
He watched her for a few moments, then put his fork down as well. “Something the matter?”
She cleared her throat and stared at her plate. Then she twisted her fork around and around. “I was wondering something.” Her voice was quiet, and he didn’t know whatto say. Isabelle was finally opening up to him. She could be wondering about anything. Her eyes flicked up to meet his. “You know what you said about finding something meaningful? When you asked about what I wanted to be when I grew up?”
His lips twitched and he nodded.
“Well, my work with the dogs is important. I love it, I do. But…” She sighed. “I can’t help but think that something is missing.”
This was good, right? Isabelle was finally taking a hard look at her life and what she wanted. She was seeking out something that would make her happy. If she could see for herself that she wanted more, that was one step closer to accepting that she might need help in other facets of her life. He settled back in his seat, waiting for her to continue. He didn’t dare guide this conversation in a direction she wasn’t ready for. This was all part of the healing process. She was going to fix what was broken, and when she did, then he’d be there to celebrate it.
Isabelle forced a shy smile. “Do you think that you could help me?”
Why was it that this woman of all creatures could make the organ in his chest react like this? It expanded. It beat erratically. It practically demanded that he take note. He wanted nothing more than to be right at her side while she made these changes in her life.
Jason smiled. “Maybe we could try to figure out what you need together.” It was too soon to bring up therapy again. He knew that. But he could make suggestions about possible career choices. Maybe she’d soften to the idea of playing the piano for him. If Isabelle could get out of her comfort zone, he knew he’d be able to push her in the right direction.
Her smile melted the last bit of resolve he had in keeping his distance. “Thank you, Jason. I really appreciate it.”
Jason nodded toward her plate. “Eat up. After you’re done, we can brainstorm.”
14
Isabelle
Maybe this was a mistake.
Isabelle fiddled with the microwave popcorn packet, attempting to unwrap the plastic covering, but it slipped through her fingers. Yesterday, Jason had given her something she hadn’t thought possible.
She hadn’t even realized she needed it.
They’d talked about what she wanted—really wanted—out of this life and how she could go about it. The answers surprised her just as much as they seemed to have surprised him.
Isabelle didn’t want to change her career path. She did love working with her family. And there was something to be said about animal therapy.
The emptiness she felt had more to do with finding a better version of herself. To which Jason had suggested she get out of her comfort zone again. He’d asked so many insightful questions about her life leading up to this decision and what she did or didn’t like.
Insomnia was one thing that had changed since the incident at the bar. Along with the nightmares. Running helped to a degree, but she needed more.
And he suggested taking control again.
But she wasn’t sure she was ready for self-defense classes.
Another suggestion came in the form of going out more, spending more time with friends. That thought sent her anxieties into overdrive.
Jason was right, though. If she could grasp onto even a small percentage of that side of her, she’d be content with that.
