Jane laughed like her mother told her a joke. “Well, this nurse can make almost six figures here and not that I expect you to understand it, but it’s so refreshing here. It’s quiet, it’s slow-paced and I’ve enjoyed the people here.” She was throwing away cake plates.

“The people, you mean that ruffian, Callum, and his friends. Don’t mistake their kindness for anything other than them taking advantage of you,” she sneered. “Madie probably told them of the settlement you received, and they just want a cut of it.”

“Maybe she did, but it’s not like I’m not getting something out of it too.” She shrugged. “I think it’s funny you think that just because I have money now that all people want from me, including my family, is to take advantage of me.”

“Oh, don’t be snobby, Jane. You know Paul needed help,” her mother snapped.

“Just like he needed help with his cake that supposedly cost him a fortune, but when Julian talked about it, they got a steal, meaning he pocketed the rest of the money I gave him. I also gave him money for his start-up and what does he show for it? He’s still at that job, but have I once asked for it back?” She took a deep breath. “No, and I gave him more when he said he needed it.”

“Well, you know he is still mad about—”

“For fucks sake mom, that was over ten years ago and I’m still fucking paying for it. What’s it going to take for him to forgive me? At this point I think he’s just trying to take advantage of me for all I’m worth.” Jane raised her voice.

“Nathan,” Aiden whisper-growled at me.

I turned around, hating that he was interrupting me and what was probably going to be a verbal ass whooping from Jane.

“What?!” I whispered back.

“Don’t be an ass and listen.” Callum stood by Aiden.

“Fuck, fine.” As we walked, we heard yelling.

“I’m so sick of everyone thinking that! Do you know how it feels to be alienated but also constantly berated for healing the way I am?”

“Don’t you dare raise your voice to me, young lady,” her mom snapped.

“You’re the one who won’t stop. Not once since I have been out here have you called me or texted just to see how I was doing.” Jane sounded livid.

“Well, you left to get some space and I was just giving it to you, hoping you didn’t ruin yourself out here and do something incredibly stupid like dating that man. You haven’t been a widow for a year and you’re already parading yourself like a whore.”

The guys and I went completely still. I felt myself get really nervous and angry on Jane’s behalf.