Page 80 of Bursting With Love
“See? You really are my angel. I’m a big boy, and you have a career to maintain. I’ll be fine. And yes, I’m really okay with all of this. I never expected life to be easy, Savannah. I just expected it not to be quite so hard. But as far as I can see, the hardest part is over. Now I have to walk over the stones I’ve tossed along the way. Some will sting more than others, but in the end, it’ll all be worth it. And, hopefully, Rush will find it in his heart to meet me halfway.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
JACK WENT THROUGH every cabinet, every drawer, and every storage container in the house, boxing up Linda’s mementos and separating the things he wanted to keep from the things he would give to Elise. He’d prepared himself for another bout of sadness, but Ralph’s forgiveness had helped him put some much-needed distance between himself and the guilt that had ruled him for so long. As that distance became real in his mind and in his heart, he was able to enjoy the fond memories instead of ruing them. The phone rang, startling him out of his thoughts.
“Well, you’re in luck,” Siena began. “Sage just got back in town from a gallery opening in Washington State, and Dex, Mom and Dad, and Kurt and I can all make it.”
“And Rush?” Jack clenched his jaw.
“He wasn’t very receptive to seeing you. I’m sorry, Jack.” Her voice faded as she said his name.
“It’s not your fault. I appreciate you trying, and at least I can talk to everyone else. That’s a start.” Jack wasn’t going to give up that easily. Maybe if he could bridge the gap with the others, Rush would feel pressure to at least see him.
“Sage leaves again on Saturday. Since it’s already Thursday, do you want to do it tonight or tomorrow?”
The last thing he wanted to do was delay seeing his family. Throughout the afternoon, he’d been thinking about them, and not only was he anxious to clear the air, but ever since he’d started deconstructing the walls he’d built around his heart, the ache of missing his family had set in.
“Tonight. Your place or Mom and Dad’s?”
“I can do it here at my loft if you want. Do you remember where it is? East Thirteenth, Greenwich Village.”
“Yeah, I remember. Thanks, Siena. This means a lot to me.”
“Me too, Jack. Does seven work for you?” she asked.
“Yes. Perfect. Want me to bring dinner?” Jack felt a surge of hope run through him. It’s my chance to start over.
“Nah. I’ll have something delivered. I gotta run, but I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me too, honey. See you soon.”
After ending the call with Siena, Jack considered reaching out to Rush again, but if Siena couldn’t get through to him, there was no way he would. Rush adored their sister. He’d just have to make it through dinner, and maybe one of his brothers or his parents would have an idea of how to deal with Rush. And if they didn’t, then he’d find a way to make it happen.
He pressed Savannah’s speed-dial number, and when it went to voicemail, he felt a pang of disappointment.
“Hey, angel. Siena set up dinner with my family at her place for seven. As much as I would love to take you with me, I think I have to do this by myself. Rush isn’t going, but the others are. Call me when you’re free. Love you.” The final two words sent a hum of happiness through him, and as he made his way up to the attic to put away the box he’d packed, he was still smiling.
SAVANNAH WAS AT her desk poring over a client’s file when Aida came into her office and sat on the edge of the desk.
“How much do you hate me?”
Savannah suppressed a smile, her eyes still trained on the document she was reading. “I don’t hate you.”
“Okay,” Aida said. “How annoyed are you?”
“Not at all. I learned a lot from your inquisition.” Savannah looked up at her and couldn’t help but chuckle at the worried expression in her eyes. “Why are you so worried? I’m not mad, but you could have told me you were coming by.”
“And then you’d have warned him. I wanted to see what he was like with absolutely no prep.”
“You’re such a lawyer,” Savannah teased, and turned her attention back to the document.
“I like him.” Aida crossed her legs and put her hand over the document.
Savannah sighed and leaned back in her chair. “I do, too.”
“I think he’s pretty straight. I didn’t get any evasive vibes from him.”
“I could have told you that.” Savannah leaned on the arm of her chair, thinking about the message he’d left while she was in a meeting. He was going to see his family tonight, and she was so nervous for him that it might as well have been her who was going.
