Page 35 of Sweet Trouble
“See you around, Vicky,” he said, heading out of the little shop before he said something he’d regret.
The cold air outside felt good in his lungs as he scanned the park across the street aimlessly, willing his temper to ease off.
Families watched their kids playing on the swing sets and monkey bars, most of them people he’d known all his life.
Why was it so easy for everyone else to just pick someone and settle down?
I don’t want to just pick someone,the voice in his head murmured.I’ve only ever wanted one woman, and I picked her a long time ago. She just didn’t pick me back.
He headed for his truck, tossing the bag in the passenger side and getting in instead of heading to Bean Counters. He could make coffee at home—there was no reason to spend more time in town. And he’d already wasted enough money for one day.
10
JILLIAN
Jillian had Tripp on her mind the rest of the weekend, so much so that she decided to leave school at the same time as the students on Monday so she could pick up her girls instead of having her grandparents get them off the bus.
She told herself it was just for fun, but honestly it was partly to get herself out of her own head.
Amberlee’s words kept swirling around in there.
People change…
Give the Lawrence boy a chance…
Jillian always followed her plan, not her heart. As a young woman, all that planning had helped her get the kind of grades that landed her a great financial aid package for nursing school.
And as a mom, careful planning was a step away from sacred. Posey and Marigold might not be able to count on their dad anymore. But they would never have to worry that their mother didn’t have their backs. Whether it was setting aside funds in the tight budget for field trips andbirthday presents, or keeping a running calendar of activities and invitations, Jillian lived by her plans.
And dating and friendships were not anywhere in that plan—there just wasn’t time.
During her adult life, her friends had mainly been the women she worked with. Nurses spent time in the trenches together, and when their shifts were done, most of them, including Jillian, just wanted to get home to their families. So her friendships at work were close, but didn’t often spill over into her outside life.
And dating was completely out of the question. At first that was because she had hoped Alan would come back. And now… well, she hardly wanted to put herself out there again.
So whatever her heart was trying to tell her about Tripp Lawrence, she was determined not to listen.
She pulled up in front of the elementary school and hopped out of the car into the cold. There was still snow on the ground, with more on the way tonight. But the fresh air felt good and the sound of the bell a moment after she arrived told her that she was right on time.
Kids began flowing out of the front doors, running to their parents and caregivers. More kids came out the side door with teacher’s aides and lined up for the bus.
“Mama,” Posey yelled, spotting her as she ran out the door.
Jillian opened her arms and Posey flew into them.
“They said you were coming and here you are,” Posey said brightly. “Why aren’t we getting on the bus?”
“I thought I would pick you up so I could hear about your day on the way home,” Jillian told her.
Posey frowned suspiciously, but before she could ask any questions, she spotted another child.
“Hey,” she said before darting off. “That’s my friend.”
Mari was outside now too, chatting with a little girl Jillian assumed must be Kayley. She waved to Mari so she would know it was fine to stay with her friend a few minutes more.
Mari smiled back gratefully.
“Jillian,” someone called out.
