Page 165 of Shamed
“Well, we could, except we’re already here.”
Jayne pulls back with wide eyes, her gaze flinging around our surroundings until it lands on the old beachfront home that looks more like a cozy cottage.
Two rocking chairs sit on the front porch, a pink kid’s bike laying on the lawn beside a half deflated blow-up pool, like the stormy weather broke up the day’s fun.
It’s strange to see evidence of a normal life when I know there couldn’t have been much normal for him over the years. It’s more of a relief than I realized it would be.
With the way Jayne is staring at the house, and the items in front of it, I don’t think I’m the only one who’s feeling that sense of relief. Even Sheppie has his nose stuck out the window, checking it out.
Jacob’s house is tucked away on a quiet street on the outskirts of town, situated right on the water. If it weren’t for the storm about to hit, I’m sure this would be quite a peaceful, serene spot.
It was my idea to write a letter of closure to Jacob, but it was Jayne’s idea to hand-deliver it to him.
Of course, I always knew there would be a chance she couldn’t do it, but I also knew she’d always think about it if she didn’t at least try.
I gesture to the box that looks like a miniature house along the path to the front door. “I’ll just pop it in the box, then we can go, okay?”
At Jayne’s wordless nod, I pluck the envelope from the center console and push the door open. My stomach is buzzing, but I hide it with a reassuring smile to Jayne.
A few drops of water land on my face and arm when I get out, the beginning of the downpour imminent.
I’ve barely made it a few steps before I hear the car door open and my name being called.
I turn back, watching as Jayne steps out of the car, fists curled at her sides as if they’re holding in her courage. “I’ll put it in.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.” Her face scrunches. “Sorry, I’m all over the place.”
“Mmm, you can make it up to me.” I quickly duck down for a kiss and hand her the letter.
“You got it.”
Leaning against the hood, I fold my arms and watch as she rushes to the mailbox.
It would literally take less than thirty seconds to make it there and back, except, just as she slips the letter in, the front door to the house opens, and a man holding a little bundle of blue blankets steps halfway out, propping the door open with his foot.
Jayne freezes like a deer caught in headlights while my body tenses at the sight of him.
Even from here, you can make out Jacob’s bright blue eyes as they drift from Jayne to me.
I find myself standing straighter, my focus solely on the man I once called my friend.
He holds my gaze for long seconds, his expression never changing, before I give him one quick nod. Ahello, I’m so fucking sorry, I hope you’re okay, you don’t need to say anything, all rolled into one.
Jacob’s eyes travel back to Jayne, who’s still frozen in place, though she doesn’t look frightened.
If he followed any of the news, he would have already known the two of us are together. He would know how much regret we both carry. He would know that a third of the money earned teaching my self-defense classes is donated to an organization we helped create for falsely accused men and women.
None of this is about being acknowledged or thanked, though. It’s about closure, about righting wrongs.
Though no words are spoken between them, it looks like a million things are being said as they stare at one another.
Jacob shifts the blankets to his shoulder, and I realize it’s a baby. He has a family; he has people he loves, and who love him in return. He’s living his life.
Happiness for him sparks in my chest.
I think I needed this as much as Jayne did. I needed to see with my own eyes that he looks fuckinggood. He’ll be okay.
