Page 47 of Isabelle & Jason
Mathew rolled his eyes. “Or maybe I’m just too busy to carve out time to sit in a diner alone.”
Jason leaned forward and rested his forearms on the table. “You’re not dating anyone? It’s been a year since the divorce. Maybe it’s time to move on.”
“What don’t you get about the whole having no time situation? Two of the doctors at the clinic retired within the last four months. I’ve been helping pick up the slack. It’s not easy.”
It wasn’t hard to hear the words that Mathew didn’t say.
But it’s worth it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Maybe you should try to carve out some time for a social life, brother. You can’t live your life at work.”
Mathew scoffed. “Says the guy who used to live at the restaurant he ran not even a few years ago.” His smile was genuine, and the two of them fell easily into the banter they always had. “Speaking of love lives. You seeing anyone?”
Jason shifted once more and avoided meeting his brother’s gaze. He hadn’t told Mathew just how close he’d gotten with Isabelle. He didn’t think his brother would be against the relationship, but he had been insistent that Jason needed to tread carefully.
“What’s that look for?” Mathew asked.
Blowing out a breath, Jason reached for the silverware before him. He unwrapped the paper binding and pulled out the cutlery. The diner had that hometown feel about it. On the walls were black and white pictures of everything from people to farm equipment. The tables, chairs, and booths were all constructed of wood. The floor was rustic. This place emulated what Copper Creek was at a glance. But there was nothing he could use to shift the focus his brother had on him.
Jason worked his jaw as he finally looked up and stared at his brother. He was happy. Mathew might be thrilled that Jason had found someone who made his life feel complete. “I’m seeing Isabelle.”
Mathew’s brows pinched. “Isabelle…theIsabelle?”
“Yes, the Isabelle. Things have gotten…” He chewed the inside of his cheek and looked off to where a waitress was bringing out another patron’s order. “Serious.”
“She’s doing well, then?”
“I think so.”
Mathew leaned forward this time. “So she’s seeing a therapist, finally?”
Jason cut his brother a sharp look. “You of all people should understand that it’s none of your business what she’s doing.”
His brother stared at him, his gaze unwavering. “That’s not good, Jason, and you know it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know what I’m talking about,” Mathew hissed. “Based on what you said before, we both understood that Isabelle is still grieving. Even after all this time, she hasn’t managed to get through whatever it is that’s holding her back. She might be acting better around you, but what about other aspects of her life? You can’t convince me that she’s suddenly made a recovery without the help?—”
“And why not? Why couldn’t she get through the demons that are plaguing her on her own? Sometimes with people, it just clicks.”
When Mathew didn’t give him an answer, Jason huffed.
“See? You know I’m right.”
Slowly, Mathew shook his head. “That’s rare, and usually those people end up burying away the most dangerous things. Healing doesn’t happen with the snap of a finger. We all react to different traumas in individual ways. Based on what you said about her, I don’t think?—”
Jason tossed down his napkin. “I shouldn’t have said anything at all.”
“Yeah, maybe not.”
They stared at each other, hardened by the turn of the conversation. Then Mathew shook his head and blew out a hard exhale. Jason looked away. “Look, I promised I’d take Isabelle and her friend to the city this afternoon. Something about her friend’s truck being out of commission and Isabelle didn’t want to drive. You think we can get this food to go?” They had enough time to eat, but suddenly Jason’s appetite wasn’t what it was. He wanted to get out of there and back to Isabelle.
Mathew was wrong. Isabelle knew her head better than anyone. If she didn’t think she needed the extra help, then he wasn’t going to push her.
“Yeah, okay,” Mathew muttered. “Fine.”
Jason glancedat Isabelle as she sighed and let her head fall against the headrest. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
