“What? Why?”
&nb
sp; She bit down on her lip to hold back a sob. “Because I’m a coward.”
“You’re neither of those things,” Mel defended her. “Although that doesn’t mean you haven’t done something stupid. What happened?”
It still amazed her how her friends had stood by her. Even knowing what her father had done.
Jenna explained everything. About her inability to have a child, Curt’s excitement over the idea of a baby, and feeling homesick for Haven.
“So while he was on an out-of-town job, I left a note telling him I was going to Haven for a bit to pack my stuff and spend some time with you guys.”
“We’ve already packed up your stuff for you.”
She sniffled. “I know, that’s why I’m an idiot. I lied. Because I’m homesick, and I can’t have babies, and I don’t know how to tell him.”
“Oh, Jenna, I take it back. You are an idiot.”
“Well, thanks.”
Melody sighed. “I’m not going to sugarcoat it; you know me, I tell it like it is.”
“I know. I need to talk to him. But he’ll try to convince me that it doesn’t matter whether I can have babies or not. That he wants to be with me no matter what.”
“Of course he would have. Because he loves you. If things were reversed, and he couldn’t have kids, would you leave him?”
“No, but that’s different.”
“Why? Because he’s lost a baby? Because he’s a man? Just because you can’t carry a baby doesn’t mean you can’t have children, Jenna.” There was a disappointed note to Melody’s voice.
And it made Jenna feel all the worse.
“You’re right.”
“Was it just an excuse so you could leave?” Melody asked. “It’s okay if it was. I get it if you wanted to leave him but didn’t know how to get out.”
“No. No, it’s not like that at all. I love Curt.”
“But you also love living in Haven.”
“Yes.” She groaned. “What have I done?”
“You two really need to get your shit together.”
“I know. You’re right.” And she was. Jenna had just needed someone to lay it out. A bit of tough love. “He’s going to be so upset with me.”
“So, make it up to him,” Mel said pragmatically. “I find a blow job helps. Men will forgive anything for a blow job.”
“Mel!” she protested, even though she was smiling.
“What? It’s true. Women all over the world know this. I’m sure Curt is no different.”
“This is more than just sex, Melody. This is forever we’re talking about.”
“I know,” Melody said quietly, more gently. “And it’s understandable you reacted the way you did. The two of you barely had time to breathe, let alone talk to each other, with everything else going on. It’s been an emotional roller coaster and it’s no wonder you needed some time out to think, but you need to talk to him. Go back, Jenna. And hey, you said he’s out of town, right? So you can get back before he sees the note.”
She could. But she’d still need to tell him. She needed to come clean with him. She couldn’t play games like Amelia had.