I can’t deny that. “Yes, I went a week ago and there’s no change. I still have residual issues, especially with my peripheral vision. I’m not cleared to drive yet, and I won’t be playing sports anytime soon. She’s hopeful though, I’m making improvements, which is a good sign.”

“Good.”

“Can you explain to me why I haven’t gotten a bill yet?” I ask, knowing he’s already handled it. My doctor’s office wouldn’t even speak to me about it other than to say that all charges had been handled in advance.

No one else could’ve been behind it.

“Not a clue.”

“Now we’re lying to each other?”

“No, I’m merely acting, which is my job.”

I glance over at the clock and sigh. “I wish I could talk more, but I have to get ready for work and call Winnie to make sure she actually shows up since she drank her weight in champagne.”

“All right. I’ll send you all the details about the premiere.”

“Jacob?” There’s a hesitation in my voice, but it is something I need to say.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything. You saved my life that day, and I know you handled my medical expenses, which would’ve bankrupted me by now. You’ve been a great friend, and I just want you to know that there’s no one else in the world I would’ve rathered almost died with.”

He lets out a deep laugh. “Same. You saved me as much as I saved you.”

“I don’t think that’s true, but I appreciate it all the same.”

“Listen, you’ve been through hell, and you’re still dealing with it in ways that Elliot, Jose, and I aren’t, but we were given a chance, Jess. A chance to make things right and do the things we want.”

I lie back on the bed, feeling a bit dazed and lost. “It’s complicated.”

“Brenna would tell you that life is complicated.”

“Brenna is a wise woman.”

“Let’s keep that to ourselves,” Jacob says with a chuckle.

“I don’t know, Jacob, it’s like being here is being in the past, but that’s not reality. Things have stayed still since I left.”

If anyone could understand what I mean, it would be him. He left the town he’s from and vowed never to return but was forced to because of his father’s will.

“Believe me, I get it, but coming back home doesn’t mean a death sentence. My brothers and I are proof of that. If my father didn’t force our hands, we would’ve all been living very sad and lonely lives. Now look at the Arrowood brothers. We’re all in very different places.”

“But is it the place you would’ve chosen?” I ask.

“No, because I didn’t know this place existed.”