“You-you have our relationship all wrong. Please don’t tell her I was asking about her, trying to find her. It’s best…”
“What a strange request. Who is your best friend now, Miss Adams? There in New York, who is the person you consider closest to you in the world?”
Closing her eyes, Nina admitted, “Rowan. It’s always been Rowan.”
“As I thought. Rowan regales me with stories of your childhood together and her joy is clear during those conversations. I purposely bring you up just to enjoy how animated the topic makes her.”
Gripping the edge of the kitchen bar until her knuckles were white, Nina tried to figure out how to navigate one of the biggest regrets of her life in casual conversation with a stranger.
Bennett didn’t give her the chance. “Rowan told me about your affair with the man she loved. We’ve talked about that experience extensively to help her work through the sadness and conflict. She’s changed substantially since you knew her, Miss Adams. I think you’d admire those changes.”
“I-I…” She had no clue what to say.
“As I’m sure you know, Rowan’s birthday is approaching. She’s far younger than I, with many magnificent years in front of her. I’d like you to attend her party. Make an effort to mend your friendship. It’s one my wife still prizes highly, Miss Adams.”
“You’ve made a mistake, Mr. Jefferson. She wouldn’t want me there. I won’t ruin…”
“Idareyou,” he said softly. “I dare you to attend her birthday party, look Rowan in the eye, and see what happens. Whatever you’ve built up in your mind islight yearsfrom the reality, Miss Adams. I’ll put your name on the guest list. If what Rowan has told me about you is true, you’re far too brave to turn down a direct challenge. Prove me right.”
Mind spinning, Nina considered his words. “She told you that about me? That I never turn down a dare?”
“Oh, yes. As I said, Rowan talks about you extensively and with a sparkle in her eyes. I’m more than three decades older than my wife. Do you understand what that means, Miss Adams?”
Frowning, she whispered, “Are you...alright?”
“The point is that even if I were in pristine health, I shall widow Rowan far sooner than she’ll be prepared for.” There was a long moment of silence. “She will need you.”
Swallowing hard, Nina closed her eyes to consider how Rowan might deal with such a loss. “Alright. I’ll be there.”
“I knew I could count on you. I’ve invited Miss Jeffries and Gage Chambers as well. It will be a reunion that is long overdue and one that will sooth my wife in a way she doesn’t yet admit to needing.” The room tilted and Nina gripped the countertop more firmly. “Trust me, Miss Adams.”
“I trustno one, Mr. Jefferson.”
“You’ll trustmeand I’ll make certain you never regret it. Also, call me Bennett. I think we’re going to be great friends.” She could almosthearthe smile in his voice as he added, “I took the liberty of having my assistant check your rehearsal schedule so there wasn’t a conflict. I look forward to meeting the woman Rowan speaks so eloquently about.”
“This could be a trap...but she’s earned the right to revenge.”
“Rowan?” he asked with incredulity. “You thinkRowanwants revenge?” He laughed. “No. It’s not a trap. In fact, my wife will be blindsided when you arrive.”
“I hope this doesn’t blow up in your face, Bennett.”
“See you in a couple of days, Nina. Travel safely.”
The moment the call ended, she called Kelley’s office. Sophie answered on the first ring. “I need an emergency session, Sophie. See if there’s room in the schedule.”
Her therapist’s niece laughed. “Silly woman. You should know by now that she doesn’t schedule after four in case you need to pop by. Is today good?”
“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
* * *
The following day, she tipped the car service driver who picked her up from the Dallas airport and stepped out on the gravel drive of Miss Jeffries’ home.
It was surreal to be back.
The only mother she’d ever known stood on the porch. “Nina! You get on up here, girl!”
Grinning, she made her way across the yard and up the steps to hug the woman tight. Inhaling deeply, she murmured, “Miss Jeffries. It’s so good to see you.”