Page 114 of Powerless
She walks past Theo’s outstretched hand without a second glance, and he rolls with it by swiping his palm through his hair, joking like he wasn’t trying to shake her hand at all.
“Call your dog off, Eaton,” she mutters as she passes Rhett and enters the log ranch house.
“Woof!” Theo makes a deep barking sound into the snowy night air, and Rhett laughs at him as Winter disappears.
“You’re an idiot, Theo.”
“Dude. I think I’m in love with your sister-in-law. She’s so fiery.”
Rhett shakes his head as he turns to go back into the house, Theo on his heels. “Like I said, man, you’re an idiot.”
The door closes, and Jasper and I snuggle up into each other on the quiet bench again.
“Well . . .” he starts, arms swiping up over my back. “Should we go in? I don’t want to miss this dinner. It’s gonna be a good one. I can tell already.”
“Yeah.” I chuckle, kissing his bristly cheek. “Let’s go.”
I go to extricate myself from his lap, but his hands clamp down on me, keeping me where I am.
“First, can I come toThe Nutcracker? I wanna see you dance. I wanna be there. Front row. Big bouquet of roses. The whole thing.”
“You better be there, Gervais.” I grin at him, heart swelling in my chest. Having the people I love in the audience is the best part, and suddenly my heart twangs at the loss I feel where my parents are concerned.
They might not be there, and I’ll be spending Christmas without them for the first time in twenty-eight years.
My birthday is this week too. I absently wonder if I’ll miss that with them as well.
But as we stand, Jasper squeezes my hand and draws me close. And nothing in the world has ever felt more right.
I can’t have them but I have him. And the more time I spend living my own life, the more I think that’s an okay trade to make.
Jasper is worth it.
32
Jasper
Beau:Dad just told me you paid four times face value for a front row ticket to see Sloane dance. They pay y’all too much to run around on ice wearing blades.
Jasper:It’s an investment.
Beau:In what?
Jasper:Us.
Beau:Oh, dude. You’re so far gone.
Jasper:You’re such a dork.
Beau:Only you would have waited this long. I almost feel bad she had to fall for someone as slow to process as you. Do they give Olympic medals for patience? You could give her yours.
Jasper:You know what her dickhead of a dad said to me.
Beau:Yeah. But that was then. That guy ain’t shit sharp now. You’re Jasper fucking Gervais. Olympic gold medalist. Future Stanley Cup Champion. Sports Illustrated cover model material. Cousin fucker.
Jasper:I am really glad you’re alive. But I also hate you.
Beau:Hate you too, bro.
