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Chapter Nineteen

IZZIE

I can hardly believe the events of the past twenty-four hours. Jackson went from my number-one enemy to my ally. He kept saying he doesn’t lie, and that I could trust him, but a part of me is still expecting to be disappointed by him.

By the time I finally arrive home, I’m in a daze. I’m tired as hell, and I’m in dire need of a nap. But I can’t rest until I speak to Jane.

Last night, I texted her to let her know I wasn’t coming home because I had a vet emergency out of town. But I didn’t tell her the emergency was at Jackson’s ranch.

He dropped me off at the clinic where I’d left my car, so when I arrive home, she’s still clueless. If I tell my family where I spent the night, there’ll be an uproar caused mainly by Mom, who’s devastated that Jane and Chad broke up. She took it even harder than my sister did. Jane didn’t tell her that Jackson was the one responsible for the breakup. That would have forced her to reveal what the PI discovered.

I park the car but don’t get out. It’s already past ten in the morning, and my entire family is no doubt already up. I grab my phone and send a message to Jane.

Hey. I’m outside. Could you please bring a pair of sweats and a shirt?

JANE: Okay.

Anyone else would ask why I need clothes, but not Jane. If I ever need help burying a body, she’s the one I’m calling.

Three minutes later, she walks out of the house and closes the door carefully. Then she slides into the passenger seat and hands over the clothes. “Here.”

“Thanks.” I set them on my lap and begin unbuttoning the PJ top.

“What’s with the sleepwear?”

“I got caught in the rain, and it was either drive back in wet clothes or wear the PJs.”

“Okay, but where did you get those? They aren’t your style.”

I put the T-shirt on first before replying. “You know I had to spend the night at the client’s ranch, right?”

“Yeah.” Her eyes widen. “Oh, they lent you those. That’s nice, but why didn’t you borrow regular clothes to drive home?”

Here goes nothing. “Okay. Don’t freak out. The client I had to help last night was Jackson Darcy.”

Jane stares at me without uttering a word for a couple beats. Then she shakes her head and blurts out, “What?”

“He came to the clinic last night, wanting to talk about helping you and Chad get back together when he got the call about his pregnant mare having trouble. He asked if I could go to his ranch and help with the foaling. I couldn’t say no.”

“Wait. He wanted to fix the mess he caused? Why?”

“Because he realized he made a mistake. Chad is miserable, Jane. He misses you.”

She looks away. “I miss him too, but if that’s true, why didn’t he call me?”

“Maybe he thinks you’re still angry with him. I don’t know. I didn’t ask Jackson, but I doubt he has the answer either. I don’t think Chad is speaking to him.”

“Oh, that’s terrible. And right in the middle of the finals.” She glances at her hands. “Do you think that’s why Chad hasn’t played so well in the last games?”

“It’s possible.”

Jane looks at me with wide eyes. “Oh, I get it now. Jackson wants to help because the team is losing.”

“I accused him of the same thing, and he swore that wasn’t the case. I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt.”

She narrows her eyes. “Why are you defending him? What happened at the ranch between you two?”

I look away, but I’m sure my face is betraying me. “Nothing.”

“Izzie… come on. It’s me. You can tell me. Did you and Jackson hook up?”

My eyes round. “No! God, why would you think that?”

“Because you’re not meeting my eyes and you’re blushing.”

I throw my hands in the air. “I didn’t sleep with him but… I think there was some flirting on his side.”

“You think, or you know?”

“I’m not sure. He’s not an easy man to read.”

“Let’s say hypothetically that he was flirting with you—did you flirt back?”

I bite my lower lip. “Maybe? I don’t know. I didn’t think it was flirting when it happened.” I shake my head. “Forget about me. Let’s talk about getting you and Chad back together. Jackson wants to fly you to Vancouver for Tuesday’s game.”

Jane’s brows shoot to the heavens. “He does?”

“Yeah. I think you should go.”

“Oh… I don’t know. You said Chad isn’t speaking to Jackson. What if Jackson’s got it all wrong, and Chad doesn’t want anything to do with me?”

“I don’t think he has it wrong. But if that’s the case, then you’ll know for sure and can stop agonizing over it, and hopefully move on.”

She presses a hand to her stomach. “But then I’ll be alone and miserable in a foreign country. I wish you could come with me.”

“Well… Jackson invited to come too, but?—”

“No buts. You have to come!”

“I can’t. I have to work.”

“You can request time off. Come on. Paco will be fine, and I’m sure Dr. Bustamante won’t mind if you miss a couple days at the clinic. He owes you for all the times he left you alone when he should have been teaching you.”

Butterflies awake in my stomach at the idea of flying to Vancouver to watch Jackson play. I try to tell myself I’d be going for Jane, and Jane alone, but that’s a lie. “Okay. I’ll request time off.”

“Yes!” she shouts, and I wince. “Oh, I just realized I need to take time off too. I’m calling Marissa right now.” She gets out of the car and runs back to the house.

Now I have to let Jackson know I’m coming, even though I told him I couldn’t. I hope he doesn’t read too much into the change of plans. I don’t want him to think I’m coming because of him. I’m Jane’s support system. That’s all.

My phone vibrates in my purse, and when I glance at the screen, I see Jackson’s name. Speak of the devil. We exchanged digits before we parted ways this morning.

JACKSON: Did you ask Jane?

Yes, she’s onboard. But she doesn’t want to go alone. Is my invitation still open?

JACKSON: Of course. Ted will reach out to you today to make arrangements.

Who’s Ted?

JACKSON: My assistant.

Okay.

I should leave at that, but I decide to add.

What time is your flight?

JACKSON: In a couple hours.

I didn’t make you late then.

JACKSON: No

I rub my eyes to make sure I’m not seeing things. But no, the smile emoticon is still there.

Good. Have a safe flight.

JACKSON: Thanks. See you in Vancouver.

I stare at my phone without moving for a moment, but the most troublesome part isn’t my paralysis, it’s the smile on my face.