Page 55 of The Comeback Road (Leaving #2)
Jace
I stepped out of Magnolia’s during daylight hours for the first time in I couldn’t even remember how long.
The morning sun warmed my skin—a weird but welcome change after the chilly weeks of uncertainty.
The familiar scents of coffee and pancakes lingered around me, a reminder of the breakfast I’d shared with Lexie.
For the first time in weeks, she had left the house, and I couldn’t help but feel elated and proud that she was coming out of it on her own, on her own terms. I just hoped that what I’d been doing helped her in some way. Still, it was hard not being within shouting distance.
I’d barely left Magnolia’s house—only to catch a quick shower or grab a change of clothes—and my place didn’t feel much like home anymore.
Just a storage space for my things. I took a deep breath, allowing the crisp air to fill my lungs as I made my way to my truck.
The weight I’d been carrying around felt lighter, buoyed by the thought of Lexie.
As I drove home, my mind wandered to the countless sleepless nights as of late.
I had stared at her window, just in case Lexie needed something, just to make sure she was safe.
I feared that the shadows of her past would consume her, if not physically, then mentally.
So, I maintained my post, keeping watch on her.
But that day was different. That day, she seemed alive again, like she was living in the present and not in her memories.
Pulling into my spot, I noticed the porch and driveway that were in desperate need of a shovel and some maintenance.
I had barely been around and didn’t want to waste my time with things like that.
I had no neighbors, as my house was tucked away, so it wasn’t doing anyone any harm—except perhaps my truck tires.
Stepping inside my house, I threw my keys on the small table at the entryway and headed to my ensuite to grab a quick shower.
After a longer shower than I had anticipated, I sank into my couch for a short nap. Just as I was drifting off, a knock at the door jolted me awake.
“Jace! Open up!” Magnolia’s voice cut through the fog of sleep. I pushed myself off the couch in a daze and opened the door, surprised to see her standing there. For a brief second, panic set in that something had happened until I saw her hands on her hips, a teasing smile on her face.
“Hey, Magnolia. What’s up? Is everything okay?” I stepped aside to let her in.
She walked into the living room, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of all the stacked wine bottles, baskets, twine, and random basket things I had purchased online. “Uh, Jace?” she questioned, not taking her eyes off the mess. At least it was an organized mess.
“Uh…” I scratched the back of my neck.
“What is this?” she asked, looking at me with wide eyes.
“I couldn’t find a way to get Lexie the wine she liked.
I tried at the grocery store, but I struck out.
The manager said they wouldn’t sell enough, so they wouldn’t stock it.
Then, I couldn’t find a wine-of-the-month club that was delivered out here, especially in the winter months… so this is what I came up with.”
“You’re literally making her a wine-of-the-month club basket. Lexie has no idea, does she?”
“Err…no. She doesn’t, and I’d like to keep it that way so she accepts the wine,” I said sheepishly.
“Why would you do this and not take credit for it?” she asked. I scoffed, offended at her question.
“I just want to see her smile, man. It takes my breath away every time,” I muttered, unable to help myself.
Magnolia tilted her chin at me in an assessing gaze. “You fooled me once, Jace. Don’t do it again. But I believe you, and I’m quite relieved that I don’t have to stage an intervention for you. Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” I said. I knew what she was going to ask before the words came tumbling out of her mouth.
“Why did you choose Jess?” Magnolia’s tone shifted to something serious.
I sighed, the weight of the past settling on my shoulders.
“Looking back, it was a moment of panic. Lexie has this incredible ability to destroy me, in the best ways. But with that, she also has the ability to destroy me in the worst ways. I was scared, and instead of being a man about it, I did the dumbest thing someone could do—I took an out, like a coward. A coward. ” Magnolia’s expression softened as she listened.
“When she was gone, I’d never felt so empty, bereft . I’d never felt that way before.”
She stood there silently again, and my anxiety at desperately wanting her approval swirled in my gut before Magnolia finally put me out of my misery and spoke. “You’re not the only one who felt that way, Jace. She needs you.”
“Not nearly as much as I need her.” I glanced away as I gathered my thoughts. “I’ll love her forever from afar, if that’s what she needs, what she wants. But I have to try. I have to try.”
Magnolia nodded, understanding settling over her features. “You have to show her that, Jace. You have to pick her first every time . Don’t let fear hold you back. Lexie needs to know she can count on you.”
“I’m trying,” I replied, feeling the weight of my own uncertainty. “But I also don’t want to overwhelm her. She’s just starting to find her way back. That’s why I want to do what I can without her knowing.”
“I think it’s time you start doing it in the light and not the shadows.” She turned to make her way back to the door, letting me know that the conversation was over. “Oh, and Jace? Don’t forget exactly what she’s capable of, and what I’d do for her. Capisce?”
“Capisce.” I crossed my heart.
Okay, Lexie, into the light it is.