So I dropped it because it was just easier.
Luckily over the next couple of months finalizing the renovations on the property took all of our focus, so we lived in a bit of a bubble. Now that Jen and Becca lived in the guesthouse permanently, I finally met Jace’s folks, Jason Sr. and Grace along with his other sisters Jaylynn and Jordan.
Grace and I hit it off immediately, we were two birds of a feather. When she’d been in her early twenties, she had traveled extensively before settling down with Jace’s dad. Jace was Jason Sr.’s doppelganger in all ways other than age. I could see how Jace had obtained his demeanor. The layer of confidence and integrity, with no trace of arrogance.
They say you can learn a lot about a man by how he treats his mother. Well, damn. After watching Grace and Jace together? They were so in synch that it made sense that their names rhymed.
Suffice it to say, I was even more sold.
Plus, with no further contact from Cassie, Jace and I both fooled ourselves into believing the situation had resolved itself.
By the end of spring, I was ready to actively look for my first two rescues. Jace was in LA recording a few songs for a movie soundtrack. While he was gone, Becca and I road-tripped around the state figuring out criteria on how to select the horses. Turns out, choosing was the hardest part. For me, it was agony because taking one horse meant leaving another. My emotions were all over the place.
We ended up picking Gloria, a ten-year-old black mare who had been abused and left for dead and Bingo, a former racehorse who was scheduled to be euthanized. When they arrived at my barn, the feeling was unbelievable. I was so overwhelmingly happy that I set up a cot and slept by them for days to make them feel welcome and to make sure their every need was met.
The only thing missing was Jace, but he wouldn’t be back for a couple of weeks. Just in time for the show at the Space Needle for Ty’s foundation.
Jace hadn’t filled me in on the details other than knowing that he wanted me to be there. I truthfully wasn’t paying too much attention because my plate was full. One evening, when I’d been out in the barn all day tending to Gloria, I returned to the house ready to grab a peanut butter sandwich and take a bath before FaceTiming Jace at our designated time.
My BFF was waiting.
“Hey, stranger!” Zoey jumped up from her seat on the front porch, clutching a cider.
“Dude!” I gleefully ran up the steps and crushed her with a hug. When she handed me my own cider, I gratefully accepted it.
“I missed you and was sick of texting, so I thought I’d come out and crash for a night.” She clinked her bottle to mine.
“God, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” I sank into my chair. “But I’m loving my life right now, I’m so happy here with the horses.”
“I was going to come out to the barn but didn’t want to spook them. I know you’re getting them settled in.” Zoey always paid attention to my life, something I appreciated more the older I got.
“I’ll bring you out in the morning with me,” I assured her. “They’re beautiful.”
Relaxing on the porch with my best friend was just what the doctor ordered. We caught up on more of our life events before she let me know the real reason for her visit.
“So, I have an ulterior motive for being here. I got invited to Ty’s party.” Zoey showed me the gorgeous invite. “I wasn’t sure if I was going, but he encouraged me to invite you as my plus one. Please say yes, otherwise I won’t have the courage to go.”
I scanned the invite. Internally, I groaned. If I didn’t say something now, this would be just one more event where Jace and I weren’t being honest with those closest to us.
“Sure, as long as Becca can stay out here with Gloria and Bingo.” I squeezed her hand. As if I’d say no to my BFF.
“You can stay at my place in the city,” Zoey offered.
“Okay. It will be fun.” In Seattle’s hot real estate market, I’d received an all-cash offer on my condo and sold it a few weeks prior, so I’d have more money for the rescue.
“Or you’ll be at Jace’s.” She gave me a sly, knowing look.
“Maybe.” I mimicked zipping my lips.
“C’mon,” she pleaded. “His sister and her girlfriend practically live here, don’t tell me things aren’t moving into relationship territory.”
“He wishes,” It came out before I could stop it. Hiding my wince. I knew I was digging myself into a hole.
“You’re terrible at giving me Jace gossip,” she chastised me. “I’ll show you how it’s done. Ty told me he wants to talk everything out after the show.”
“Wow!” The news came as a shock, which meant Jace knew nothing about this. “About the two of you?”
“Yeah.” Zoey rubbed her temples. “I’m scared to even think about it, I hurt him so badly. I don’t know where this is going to lead.”
“I have a fair idea who he wants.” I pointed at her. “You. You. You.”
“Did Jace tell you that?”
“Look, Zoey.” It was time for me to get off the childish rollercoaster and let my friend handle her own shit. “You and Ty are now grownups. I’ve seen him here and there over the years, and he’s been miserable without you. He has always loved you. I don’t have any idea whether you guys can work it out, but it is up to you two to do that. Whatever happens, you have my support.”
“I know I do.” Zoey squeezed my hand. “I just want him back so badly. We’ve already talked a bit and discussed how
