“You shouldn’t have to do that. If someone loves you, truly loves you, they love everything about you. If you have to change who you are to accommodate her, then she’s not the one for you.”

“So I’ve been told, and intellectually, I agree. Emotionally, however…”

“You grieve.”

“More so than I ever have over anything, which may sound sort of melodramatic to someone who’s been through what you have.”

“A loss is a loss no matter how it happens. Does she know you’re so crushed over this?”

“I haven’t talked to her since she ended it. She’s texted a few times, but I haven’t replied.”

“Maybe if she knew how upset you are it would make a difference.”

“I’m sure she knows. She was fully aware of how totally in love with her I was. I am.”

“I’m so sorry, Jared. That’s just such an awful situation.”

“Isn’t it ironic?” he said with a small smile. “And here I thought money bought happiness.”

Jenny smiled at his attempt at levity, and her heart gave a happy leap when she heard Alex’s heavy footsteps on the metal stairs.

“Hey, baby,” he was saying as he arrived at the landing. “Are you ready?” He took one look at Jenny sitting on the sofa with Jared, and his smile became a scowl. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Nothing more than a visit with an old friend,” Jenny said with a pointed look. She wanted to say, Stand down, tiger.

“I should get going,” Jared said, probably sensing the tension pouring off Alex in nearly visible waves. “Thanks for the tour and the ear. I appreciate it.”

“We’re having a party out here later,” she said. “You should come. I’ll introduce you to some fun people and get your mind off your troubles for a little while.”

“Are you sure no one would mind?”

“Of course not. Our motto is the more the merrier.”

“That sounds like fun. I’ll stop by.”

“Great.” She walked him to the stairs, all the while ignoring Alex’s glare.

“Alex,” Jared said, extending a hand. “Nice to see you again.”

“Yeah, you, too.” He shook Jared’s hand reluctantly, or so it seemed to Jenny.

“I can see myself out,” Jared said. “Thanks again, Jenny.”

A heavy silence hung over the room until they heard the mudroom door close behind Jared.

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

As soon as the door closed, Jenny turned to face Alex. “Ready to go?”

“Was he in your bedroom?”

Stunned by the angry tone of his voice, she said, “What?”

“You heard me. Did you take him upstairs?”

“I showed him the lighthouse, which includes the upstairs. We talked about Toby and the girlfriend who dumped Jared because she couldn’t deal with his wealth. That was about the extent of it. Should I have recorded the conversation so you could hear the full playback?”