“It is,” I admit quietly. “More complicated than I ever expected it to be.”
Reese eases back in his chair, and quietly asks, “Do you have feelings for him?”
The question should be easy to answer. I should be able to say no immediately, to reassure Reese that whatever happened four years ago is firmly in the past, but the words stick in my throat because all I can think about is Jamie on the floor with Ella, coloring castles. Jamie standing between me and my father, protecting us without hesitation. Jamie looking at me when he saw me in this dress and the way he kissed me after helping me with my work.
My heart skips a beat just thinking about those moments, and I don’t know what to do with that.
“I don't know,” I whisper. “I really don't know.”
Reese nods slowly, like he expected this answer. “For what it's worth, I'm not here to complicate things for you. I like you, Tiff. I like spending time with you and Ella, but if there's a chance—even a small one—that you and Jamie might work things out…” He trails off, his smile sad but understanding. “I don't want to be the guy standing in the way of that.”
“You're not—”
“I could be.” His voice is firm but kind. “And I don't want that for any of us. You deserve to figure out what you want without feeling guilty about it.”
I stare at him for a long moment, feeling completely unworthy. He’s being kind. Too kind, which only makes me feel a little queasy.
I shake my head, swallowing down the lump in my throat. “I’m sorry if I made this messy,” My voice is barely audible above the music. “You’ve been nothing but good to me. To Ella. You didn’t deserve to walk into all of this.”
Reese reaches over the table, placing his hand over mine. “Tiff,” he says my name gently, and somehow that hurts more. “You don’t owe me an apology for feeling something for the father of your child. You deserve to be happy. That’s all I want for you.”
Happy? I still don’t really know what that feels like.
Tears prick at my eyes, and I do my best to hold them back. “You’re a really good person, you know that?”
“So are you.” He squeezes my palm gently before moving away. “Now, I’m going to put a song request in and I think we should have one final dance, then I’ll take you home. Sound good?”
“Yeah.”
I watch him walk away, feeling completely unworthy of him. Reese has never pushed me into anything. Even now, he’s just being the supportive friend he’s always been.
My head is telling me I should be with a guy like him, but my heart won’t let me do that, knowing there could be a chance I’d break his.
All because of Jamie…
Digging my phone out of my purse, I click the screen on.
“Fuck,” I whisper under my breath.
Three missed calls: Jamie
Two voicemails
Two unread messages.
My heart is racing as I unlock my phone.
Jamie:Hey Tiff. I’m sorry to bother you on your date, but Ella mentioned her stomach hurts. I’m giving her small sips of water, but don’t want to give her any medication without your permission.
Jamie:I found the thermometer, and I think she might have a fever. Should I be worried?
“Shit.” The word comes out strangled as I'm already standing, already grabbing my purse. “Shit, shit.Shit.”
When Reese returns, his brow immediately furrows. “What's wrong?”
“It's Ella. She's sick. I have to go.” I'm moving toward the door, my hands shaking as I pull up my recent calls.
“Whoa, hey—” Reese catches my elbow gently, steadying me. “I drove, remember? Come on, let's get you home.”