“Yes, she did. But the crowd was still mixed. One older woman even walked over to smack him on the head and warn the girl not to trust a hooligan like that.”
“Was the girl happy?”
“Very happy.”
“That’s good.” Her voice sounded more calm, and an unfamiliar warmth washed over me. I tried to quickly think of another story to tell, anything to keep her like this.
“Do you like ice cream?” I asked instead.
“Of course. Doesn’t everyone?”
“Probably. My parents might open an ice cream shop near the beach. If they do, I’d love to take you down there with me. I think you’d make a great taste tester.”
“That sounds good.”
“Yep, you can help me and my family come up with all kinds of concoctions for sundaes. Fun flavors. Weekly specials.”
“Your family would do that together?”
My heart hurt at the wistfulness in her voice. What was her family like? Who’d hurt her so badly? Had anyone been there for her?
“Oh yeah. Chris and Emma—my brother and sister—and I used to get super competitive coming up with specials at the restaurant, especially for holidays. My idea to use jack-o’-lantern cookie cutters on cucumber slices was the best. We eventually caught on that our parents would play us against each other any time they needed fresh ideas, but that didn’t stop us.”
She huffed out a little chuckle, thank goodness. “Your family sounds amazing.”
“They are. I’d love for you to meet them.”
“I’d like that too.” She paused for a long moment. “Liam?”
“I’m right here.”
“I’m going to go to sleep now. Thank you for staying on the phone with me.”
“Anytime. I mean that. If you need anything, even if it’s just to talk about nothing, call me.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t call you earlier.”
“It’s okay. I was just worried.”
“Thank you for worrying about me,” she whispered.
Unease tightened my gut again. Was there something to worry about?
“I can’t wait to see you tomorrow, Jenna. I wish I could give you a hug right now.”
“I’d like a hug from you.”
“Tomorrow. Remember, call if you need me.”
“Thank you. I will. Have a good night, Liam. Be safe.”
We hung up just in the nick of time before the tones went off. I hurried out to the bay, glad she didn’t hear them. She didn’t need anything else to worry about. She knew I was working, obviously, but it’s different to know that someone you care about is actually out on a call.
I’d known she cared, but I felt it even more now. She’d let me see her vulnerability, and that wasn’t easy for her.
I wished I could’ve been there, comforting her in the safety of my arms. If she’d want that. It was odd to feel so connected when it was still so new between us. I didn’t know where her boundaries were, but I knew I had a big mountain to climb to get past her walls and earn her trust. And once I did that, I’d have everything.
“Jenna okay?” Ryan asked once we were on our way.