“We both got into a relationship with people we couldn’t trust. What does that say about us?”
“It says more about the people we trusted. Do you think you could ever trust him again?”
Audra stabbed a blueberry with her fork. “Hiding a fiancée who’s pregnant with your child is a pretty big lie.”
Jack ate a slice of bacon as he considered Audra. “What if Wendell told you his engagement was a mistake? Would you take him back?”
Audra shook her head. “He’d be leaving more than a fiancée. I couldn’t let him walk away from his baby.”
Jack pressed her. “Suppose he agreed to
take care of his child, but he wanted to marry you? Would you take him back then?”
Audra frowned. “Why are you asking these questions? I thought we were going to keep our summer romance light?”
He didn’t understand his persistence, either. Audra wasn’t Kerry. She hadn’t cheated on her boyfriend. It was the other way around. She was the injured party. Still, he wanted to know whether Wendell was history.
Jack shrugged. “Just curious. Would you give him another chance?”
Audra met his gaze. “What would you do if your ex-wife returned? If she told you she’d made a mistake. She’s still in love with you and wants you to forgive her. Would you give her another chance?”
Jack tensed. He pushed his plate aside. “Do you think our situations are the same?”
“I didn’t say that. Your wife didn’t just leave you.”
Jack’s eyes never wavered from Audra’s. “I know. She left our daughter, too. For that, I could never forgive her. What does that make me?”
Audra leaned toward him. “Your situation doesn’t define you. Other people can’t do that, either. Only you can define you.”
Jack crossed his arms. “Is that some sort of New Age crap?”
“No, it’s not. How do you see yourself?”
Jack wanted to squirm under Audra’s intense regard. It took some effort to remain still. “You and half the people in this town say I’ve become the Beast in that fairy tale.”
“That was before I got to know you.”
“And now?” Jack steeled himself for her answer.
“I see a loving father who’s coping with his grief the best he can.”
It wasn’t pity he saw in her eyes. It was admiration. Jack didn’t want pity, but he didn’t deserve admiration. He wasn’t anybody’s hero. But Audra made him feel as though he could be.
CHAPTER 10
Audra’s afternoon trips to Books & Bakery had become her drug of choice. Trinity Falls Fudge Walnut Brownies were her addiction. After purchasing a copy of Friday’s The Trinity Falls Monitor, she lingered in the book stacks, considering the romances, mysteries, and sweeping epic fantasies. She paused when she happened across a familiar author, then moved on when she realized she’d already read that novel. The scents of sugar, chocolate, and coffee grew stronger as she neared the bakery.
How did Jack stand sequestering himself in Harmony Cabins day in and day out for months? She’d been like that in Los Angeles. But she couldn’t imagine living that way anymore. She was tired of being afraid to try new things and go to new places. She’d changed her location and her perspective.
“You’re just the woman I’d hoped to see.” Doreen greeted Audra as she finally made her way to the counter.
Audra raised a hand, palm out. “First, I owe you an apology. My name isn’t Penny. It’s Audra. I’m sorry I misled you about my identity.”
“I understand that you don’t want people to recognize you, but that’s what I wanted to talk with you about.” Doreen lowered her voice. “Rumor has it that you’re in the music industry.”
“The rumor’s true.” Audra slid onto a bar stool opposite the baker. The dining area was moderately full. Only one or two cozy tables were free. “Why are we whispering?”
“I thought your identity was a secret.” Doreen poured her a mug of coffee.