Hey Jude (Lennox Valley Chronicles #1)

“Oh, wow, well, that’s a very generous offer!” I say with gratitude. This house is beautiful. I look around the dining room, trying to imagine staying here on my own. Their home is enormous for just one person.

“Zero pressure, of course,” Charles adds. “We could always ask Wyatt and Sam to stay, but we thought it would work better for you, since you’re already driving out here every day, anyway.”

“We’d just love to help Wyatt out and give him some special time together with Sam. They remind me of when Charles and I were dating when we were younger. It was so hard to find time alone.” Carol looks wistful.

“Well, that’s because your overprotective parents never let us out of their sight whenever I came around,” Charles says with raised eyebrows.

Carol turns to me with delight shining in her eyes. “It’s true, they thought he was a…” She looks at Charles. “What was my father’s word for you? A scoundrel. Oh goodness, they were old-fashioned!” Carol laughs melodically as Charles shrugs, chuckling.

I smile, struggling to picture any version of reality in which Charles could be a scoundrel.

“Anyway, darling, let us know what you think. We leave on Wednesday, back the following Wednesday night.” Carol smiles as she and Charles observe me for any sign of my reaction to their offer.

“Wow, that’s pretty soon. Okay. Well, yeah. I mean, sure! I’d love to!” I say, feeling cautiously optimistic about the arrangement. Not having to drive here every day would be pretty convenient. I could even sleep in. I can’t think of a reason to say no.

“Oh, fabulous, well, that’s settled, then!” Carol pats my arm again. “This all worked out well, didn’t it? Come on, I’ll show you around the house.”

* * *

Leaving the Faulkners’ home, I’m feeling a little unsure about the commitment I’ve just made. Teddy has finished power washing the path and, as my feet travel along the wet cobblestones, I turn around to look up at the house, walking backwards a few steps to get the full view. It’s beautiful—ladders, scaffolding, and all.

I let my gaze drop and turn back toward the driveway, heading to my car to grab my notebook. Then I stop short. Jude stands a few feet ahead of me on the path. My contemplative smile falls from my face as I take in the concern etched into his features.

“Hey,” he says, searching my eyes.

“Hi,” I reply softly.

We stand there looking at each other for a moment. The silence between us feels heavy.

“Look,” he says, “you don’t owe me anything. You don’t owe me an explanation.”

I inhale, my brow creasing.

He goes on. “But just tell me you’re okay. Tell me I haven’t fucked this all up.”

“Jude…” I don’t know what to say. I shake my head. “It’s not… It’s not you. You were…” I look up at the sky, blinking, trying to keep my composure and find the words. How can I express how incredible this man is?

Memories of Friday night threaten to flood my mind.

My eyes lower back to his. “There are just… things from my past I’m still working through.”

He looks down at the ground, nodding gravely, and puts his hands in his pockets.

“I told you, I’m a mess.”

He snaps his head up to meet my eyes, his expression almost a warning. “Olena, listen.” He takes a step toward me, his voice low. “Take whatever time you need.”

My eyes close. When I open them again, his expression is pained.

“I’ll wait.” He says the words so simply.

“Jude,” I say in disbelief.

“I meant what I said. I’m done running. I’m not scared off by this, Olena.”

I look away.

“I may not know what happened, but I know what matters.”