A Matter of Trust Read Free

without the
other. They would have for our sake, but they never would’ve gotten
over the loss. Granddad still pines for my grandmother. He makes
the best of things, but he’ll never stop missing her, and I doubt
he’ll ever remarry.”
    “ I’m with him, although
probably not for the same reasons.”
    “ What do you
mean?”
    Stupid, stupid, stupid. I
need to watch what I say . “Oh, nothing,
really. It’s just that I have my kids, and I don’t have any
intention of sharing my life with anyone else much less ever
getting married again. Been there, done that. Don’t need to do it
again.”
    Jake looked at her carefully. There
had to be more to it than that, but he didn’t press. He finished
his lunch and stood to leave.
    “ Thanks again for lunch. I
owe you one.”
    “ True. How about cooking
me dinner one of these nights? I’m not picky, but I’m also not much
of a cook outside grilling. What do you say?”
    “ I don’t know. I’d hate to
think a bunch of women might start stalking me, thinking I’m moving
in on their territory.”
    “ No need to worry about
that. I’m in between relationships at the moment. Hence, the
bumming of the meal.”
    Trish smiled. “I guess I could manage
a meal. I have girls’ night on Saturday. Would Friday or Sunday
work better for you?”
    “ Both?”
    This time, she laughed out loud.
“Sure, why not? Of course, this means I’ll expect another lunch at
some point. Fair is fair.”
    “ You’ve got yourself a
deal, lady. I’ll check you later.” He tossed his trash into the
waste basket as he stood to leave.
    As he walked away, Trish continued to
smile. Jake was such a nice, good guy. Whoever ended up with him
would be a lucky girl. Too bad she hadn’t fallen for him instead of
Pete, when she’d still believed in marriage and spending your life
with someone, trusting them to always be there for you. Life had
taught her not to believe in any fairytale endings, and it was a
lesson she’d never forget.

Chapter 2

    Before Trish knew it, another work
week had flown by, and Friday night rolled around. Jake had brought
by some Mexican food the day before for lunch, and tonight
constituted the first installment of payback. Since they’d had
Chinese and Mexican, Trish decided on Italian for the night’s meal.
She had manicotti in the oven and had started on the salad when she
heard him knock.
    “ Hey, Jake.” She unlocked
the door and let him in. “Ooo, wine. Red, perfect. Why don’t you
open it for us and keep me company while I throw together the
salad. It’s been awhile since I’ve relaxed with a glass of wine and
good company.”
    Jake followed her into the kitchen and
took the wine opener she offered him, pouring them both a
glass.
    “ So, what do you have
planned for the weekend?” Trish tore more lettuce and added it to
growing bowl of greens.
    “ I’m having dinner with
you tonight and Sunday. That’s about it, unless you want to have me
over tomorrow night, too.” Jake looked at her hopefully and
smiled.
    She smiled back. “Can’t. Callie and
Eva are making me go with them for a girls’ night out on the town.
I’m still not sure what we’re doing, but I believe margaritas will
be involved.”
    “ That’s right, you
mentioned that earlier in the week. You can even stay out late
since you’ve got the whole house to yourself, huh? Don’t go too
wild.”
    “ Ha! Like that’s going to
happen. My wild days were over a long time ago, Jake.”
    “ Jesus, Trish, you make it
sound like you’re a little old lady. You’re still in your prime,
woman.”
    “ It sure feels like I’m a
little old lady sometimes. I definitely don’t have the energy I
once had. What about you, Jake? Are you still wild?”
    “ Not so much. Oh, I like
to party every once in awhile, but believe it or not, I spend a lot
of time at home alone.”
    “ You’re joking. You always
had a bunch of girls vying for your attention. You’re still
gorgeous, and you’re charming