Hey Jude (Lennox Valley Chronicles #1)

“Shit, Nat.” I look at her, frowning.

“Yeah,” is all she says with an apologetic look on her face.

I pull out my phone to text him, then pause. I’m not ready. Not yet. I tuck it back in my pocket.

I look at Nat again, needing more reassurance. “But are we sure I’m not a gigantic red flag, though?” I ask, still feeling like one.

“I’m sure,” she says simply.

The love in her eyes soothes my self-doubt.

“And, in the spirit of calling out bullshit,” Nat says, eyeing me, “I’m going to be that friend again, and remind you to make an appointment with that therapist.” She holds my gaze with her eyebrows raised.

I let out a big, long breath, then press my lips together and nod. She’s right. I’ve been procrastinating about taking that step.

“I still really think talking to someone could help.” She quirks her mouth up in a hopeful smile.

“I know.” I lean my head on her shoulder and sniff. “I’ll call to make an appointment tomorrow.”

“Atta girl.” She gives me a squeeze.

“I love you.” I cast my eyes up at her. “Thank you.”

She smiles. “And hey, congrats. You’ve found yourself a unicorn.”

“What?” I lift my head and look at her.

“Len, you found a man who’s gorgeous, kind, and single. Do you know how rare that is?”

I raise my eyebrows. She’s not wrong.

“What can I say,” Nat sighs, looking out over the river, “they just make men better in Lennox.” She gives me a teasing grin, then raises her eyebrows seriously. “Trust me, I moved here for one.”

I smile thinking about Nat and Graham’s sweet relationship. “Speaking of which, your anniversary trip is next week, right?”

“Yeah,” she says, “I can’t wait.”

“Hold on, will you be back in time for Marchmas at my parents’ house?” I ask, a bit worried. We have this tradition where, every year on the 25th of March, we have a big dinner. It’s something to look forward to at the end of a long, cold, and rainy winter season. My friends always come to celebrate with us. My parents love them like they’re my honorary adopted siblings.

“Yup. We get back earlier that day. I made sure of it!” Nat grins at me proudly. “You know I wouldn’t miss that shit! I love your mom and dad.”

“Oh, I’m so glad,” I say. “And I’m excited for you guys. I promise not to have another major life crisis while you’re away.”

“Minor ones are allowed. You can always text,” she reassures me.

“Okay, deal.” I smile.

Nat stands and turns to me, holding out her hand. “Now, let’s get up and move before my ass falls asleep on this bench.”

26

OLENA

I take the rest of Saturday to rest and am impressed by my self-control in not texting Jude to over-explain everything. Well, self-control may be overstating things. I’ve drafted about twenty texts trying to explain my behavior and I’ve deleted them all, too nervous to actually hit send. The reality is I don’t know how to explain or where to start, so not saying anything is easier. But by late morning on Sunday, I feel like I should try. I can’t just avoid Jude indefinitely.

Once again, I type into my phone:

Hey. Sorry for running off yesterday. I will explain in person soon. I had an incredible time with you and I hope I didn’t ruin it by fleeing in tears like a drama queen. You free this afternoon?