Page 47 of Heal For Me

“So, any cute boys in California.”

Janelle perks up before snatching up a bag of Teddy Grahams and turning as much as the chair will allow. “Yes, and no. Yes, they are hot, and no, I’ve not gotten with anyone because my daaaad is up my ass twenty-four seven.” Janelle has always had this thing where she sings random words in her sentences. I usually hardly notice it, but I guess it’s been a while since we have been together.

Jethro couldn’t look more out of place than he does right now. He’s typing away on his phone, but he’s brooding and seems unimpressed by our conversation.

“I’m beginning to think you are smart for going older.” She drags her eyes over to Jethro. “Are you single?”

I slap a hand to my mouth, but it does nothing to mute the gasp. For the first time ever, Jet’s mouth drops open and his ears turn a deep pink, then he snaps it shut and scoffs.

“Yes, and old enough to nearly be your grandfather. Now stop looking at me like that.”

Dad, yes, but not grandfather. He’s exaggerating. Janelle must know it too because she rolls her eyes in an overly dramatic way. Not that he is paying us any attention anymore.

“Maybe if my mom was like four when she had me you could be my grandpa, but fine, I get it. You can’t handle someone so young and full of life.” His eyebrows quirk, but he still doesn’t look up. “My bubbliness would ruin your whole broodiness persona anyway.”

I’ve missed Janelle and the lightness she brings to any situation. “What happened with Luca?”

“He’s a free bird.” She shrugs. “Not interested in commitment.”

“You had a relationship with Luca?” Jethro stops pretending to be on his phone and engages in the conversation, but he still doesn’t look happy about it.

“No,” Janelle says, and he sighs, relieved.

“Yeah, they just had sex a few times. No relationship, though.”

Sharp eyes dart between us, like he’s trying to figure out if we are lying. Eventually, he shakes his head in defeat. “What the fuck is wrong with your coaches?” It’s not a question I thankfully have to answer. “Glad I sent Olivia away.”

Janelle and I exchange glances because we are too. I wonder how this season would have gone if she had been on the team. Maybe Alyssa would have minded her business and stayed out of mine. Maybe I wouldn’t be in a brace healing from surgery. Or I could be worse off because Olivia is nastier than Alyssa. I won’t tell him that. Janelle might, though.

“Olivia is a bitch. She will be lucky to find anyone that wants to deal with all that.” She shoves a mouthful of popcorn into her mouth, a blank look on her face. “No offense, though.”

I’ve made it a point to not discuss Olivia, because even though he probably knows how she is, that’s still the little girl he cared for like his own for the last eighteen years.

“None taken.” His voice is tight, and eyes narrowed.

With enough begging, Janelle and I got Uncle Jet to take us to Janelle’s favorite coffee shop to get a light snack before we get to Blue Gate. A pleasant surprise greets us when we pull up and the word bakery rests next to coffee shop.

The smell of sugar is potent when we step inside, and I suck in a big breath because there is nothing better than the smell of freshly baked desserts. The décor is rustic but in a hip way with rough edge wood throughout, and mint green walls. I see why Janelle likes coming here, very her.

Janelle wanders up to the counter and starts chatting to the woman behind it like they are longtime friends, and for all I know, they could be, or she could have just met her. Janelle is way more sociable than me. I hang back with Jethro, trying to decide what I want from the several options of cupcakes.

“Know what you’re getting?”

“Nothing.”

“Come onnn, Uncle Jet,” I singsong, channeling my inner Janelle. “Sweets are good for you, they might sweeten you up a little.” I nudge him, trying to lighten the mood.

His usual scowl doesn’t budge, but he caves after I give him my best puppy-dog eyes. “Ash is in for a long future,” he murmurs on the way to the counter.

“What can I do for you?” The plump woman behind the counter greets us with a bright smile. Her eyes dart to Todd sitting at my feet, but she says nothing, and her smile doesn’t dwindle the slightest.

“Hi! I would like two vanilla bean cupcakes, please.”

“Of course, anything to drink?”

“I’ll just take a lemonade, and . . .” I look to Jethro, wondering what drink he would want, since he is being unusually quiet. “Black coffee, please.”

“You know your dad well.” She beams. I don’t bother correcting her, and neither does he. Honestly, I like that people might think he is my dad. I never had that sort of thing before, and he’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a dad, besides my grandpa. “Anything for the puppy?”

---