Chapter Ten

Aaron listened as Jen shared what she had just learned with him. He waited patiently for her to finish speaking before he said anything.

            “Well?” Jen asked as she sat back in the chair and sipped her jack and coke.

He leaned forward and put his hands on his desk. He needed to keep his anger in check right now. Jen was an emotional drinker and if he responded the wrong way, he would end up tucking her into her bed again tonight.

            “Aaron,” Jen said. “What do you think about all this?”

Aaron smiled realizing the perfect way to protect Jen and make a point to Thomas. He got up and went around to her. He leaned down, took her drink from her with one hand and took her hand in his with other. He pulled her up out of the chair.

            “What are you doing?” Jen asked as she tried to reach for her drink.

            “I think we need to change your drink to water before we take this conversation any further.” Aaron answered.

Together, they walked back up to the bar. Aaron left her on a stool while he went around to the other side. As he dumped her drink and got her some water, he looked at her. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. She had also become one of his greatest friends. He hoped what he was about to suggest would be agreeable to her.

Once he had her water ready, he joined her.

            “Why don’t we finish this conversation outside?” Aaron suggested.

Jen gave him a confused look. “Okay.” She hopped off the stool.

            “You want to what!” Jen nearly screamed as she jumped up from the bench they had been sitting on.

            “Jen,” Aaron stood up and tried to put his hand on her arm to calm her down. “Just hear me out for a minute.”

            “Why Aaron?” Jen asked. “Just a few days ago, you said you wouldn’t date me. You said it was too late. Now, Thomas is on his way here and suddenly, dating me is a good idea!”

            “It’s not like that, Jen.” Aaron said.

Jen bore her eyes into him. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

            “How is it then, Aaron?” Jen asked. “What am I misunderstanding?”

            “I’m not saying let’s date to date per say,” he started to say, “I’m saying let’s appear to date while he’s here.”

            “Why?”

            “To show him you moved on, to show him he didn’t hurt you, to show him you’re happy.” Aaron said.

            “I am happy, Aaron. Why do I need to “date” you to show him that?” Jen asked with air quotes.

            “I know you’re happy, Jen, mostly. I just want to protect you while he is here.” Aaron reached out to try to hug her, but she pushed him away.

            “Aaron, I know you mean well, but right now,” Jen took a breath, “I don’t really like you. You’re my best friend. You’re the one that is supposed to get it because you were there and you saw what it did to me. I would hope you believed in me enough to believe I could handle this weekend on my own. I don’t need a body guard, Aaron. I need a friend.”

Jen grabbed her purse. Aaron tried to reach out to her again.

            “Jen, don’t leave like this. Let’s talk this out.”

            “No,” Jen answered. “I think it’s best that I leave now before this gets worse. I love you, Aaron, and I love that you want to take care of me, but I need to face Thomas on my own. I’ve hidden behind you and the others for long enough. I want to see what happens when he gets here. Mike might be wrong. He may never try to see me. If he doesn’t, fine. If he does, I have to know what he has to say. It’s the only way I’ll be able to move forward and that is long overdue.”

Jen stood on her toes and kissed his cheek to show him she wasn’t upset.

            “I can do this,” she whispered.

She left Aaron watching her go to her car and prayed she was right.