Page 69 of Isabelle & Jason
Jason put down the knife he was holding and glanced up at Mark. He wasn’t about to blame Mark for any of this. It wasn’t his fault. Not really. And attempting to find someone to blame would only put more strain on their friendship. Jason was done having regrets when it came to the people he cared about. Eventually he’d move past these heavy feelings, and they’d get back to a good place.
“Jason,” Mark said.
He gripped the edge of the countertop. “There isn’t some big reason.”
“Bull-pucky,” Nikki said, turning to face them.
Jason froze. All he could do was stare at her.
She put her hands on her hips and shook her head with what could only be described as disappointment. “You’re leaving because you’re hurt.”
Of course he was hurt. But it was so much more than that. This loss was excruciating because witnessing Isabelle improve without him meant Mark was right.
Jason had been enabling her.
He’d prevented her from getting better simply by being himself.
That could only mean one thing.
Their relationship was toxic.
It made him sick to his stomach. He’d wanted so much to be the man she needed in her life.
“You’re leaving because you’re scared.” Nikki’s words snapped him out of his reverie. “You’re scared, and the only thing you can think of is to run.”
“No,” Jason argued, but his voice sounded weak even to him. “You saw how bad she was getting. And you can’t tell me you haven’t seen an improvement. My being here… it wasn’t…”
Nikki sighed. She tossed Mark a pointed look, but she didn’t argue. They agreed with him. Their silence was more than telling.
“Honestly, I love the work I do here with you. I came to work at the ranch because it was a nice change, but I gravitate more to what I’m good at. Cooking.”
She nodded pensively. “I would have to agree with you on that.” Nikki wiped her hands on her apron. “You’re very good at what you do. I can tell being a chef is more of a calling for you than riding horses and herding cattle.”
Jason gave her a wan smile. “Well, I’ve enjoyed learning a new trade. Honestly, it’s been fun doing both.” He reached for his knife and turned it over in his hands. “But maybe it would be best if I got a fresh start.” He didn’t look up at her when he added, “For both of us.”
Nikki glanced at Mark with curiosity, and Jason shook his head.
“I mean for Isabelle.” He nodded to Mark. “He’s got a fiancée here. I don’t think he’ll be leaving here anytime soon.”
Mark’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t correct Jason’s statement. Did he know Jason’s true motives? Likely. Thankfully he didn’t make this conversation harder than it already was.
The kitchen went eerily silent. The taste of his confession soured the air. But at least he’d said it. There was no taking it back.
“Do you think Mateo will meet with me?”
Nikki gave him a strange look.
“So I can give my two weeks’ notice.”
Understanding dawned on her face. “Of course.” Several emotions flitted across her features. “But you don’t have to?—”
“I do,” Jason said, glancing at Mark. “It’s really for the best.”
The distance Jason felt from Mark continued to grow the longer the day wore on. Unspoken words weighed him down. Their friendship was on the rocks. His relationship with Isabelle would likely never rekindle.
Yes, moving on would be for the best.
Jason stood before Mateo,his hands clasped behind his back. He’d been in this office only once before when he’d been interviewed for the position. It felt like he’d come full circle in a way. He’d known this job wasn’t going to be forever. It had been a way for him to take a reprieve from the stressors of his previous job.
