Trusting Jack by Beth Hale Page B

He felt a mirror tilt of what she’d felt earlier and thought , My God.  I am completely besotted by her .
                  After leaving, they sped to the set.  Emma was lost in thought on the way.  Finally, when they were almost there, she spoke.  “Thank you,” she said quietly, honestly.  “It meant the world to watch you stand up for me.”
                  “He hurt you back then and he hurt you today.  I can still see the shadow of it in your eyes.”
                  “I didn’t know he still could,” she admitted.  “But when I saw him, all those feelings of self-doubt and insecurity came rushing back, the same ones I felt when we split up.  I’m embarrassed to know they were still there.”
                  “You shouldn’t be embarrassed.  But, Emma,
    until you overcome those feelings you won’t really be able to move on.  Not completely.”
                  Emma sighed.  “You’re right,” she agreed.  “And I’m trying hard. I promise I am.”
                  Jack smiled at her as they arrived.  He kissed her temple and walked into work.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 13
     
                  “You spoil me, baby.  You shouldn’t have done it,” Ann’s voice sounded over the telephone.
                  “I know you’ve always wanted an Alaskan cruise.  You can take three weeks and have fun with Aunt Rhodie,” she said, referring to her mother’s sister.
                  “Do you think the café will be ok with me gone that long?”
                  Emma rolled her eyes.  “Yes, Mama.  Penny is more than capable.”
                  “I know, but the café is my other baby.”  Ann laughed.  “I’m excited to go.  I can hardly wait till the first of next month.  Oh, Chris called earlier and sent a huge bouquet of roses, the love.  He also sent a magazine with a certain couple on the front.”
                  “Chris should mind his own business,” Emma muttered.
                  “Jack Brandon, talented actor, eligible bachelor, drop dead sexy.  I googled him.”
                  “Mama!” Emma laughed.
                  “Just cause I’m old, baby, don’t mean I’m blind.  Are you happy?”
                  “I am.  I feel good when I’m with him.”
                  “I can imagine,” Ann drawled and made Emma blush from thousands of miles away.
                  “Happy Birthday, Mama.  I love you.”
                  “I love you, too, Emma.  Be a good girl.”
                  Emma ended the call and made her way down the stairs to check Norah’s schedule again.  “Filming at four tomorrow, interview at eleven the day after,” she muttered to herself, making notes.
    “We need more strawberries,” she decided as
    she opened the refrigerator.  She took the last ones out
    for breakfast and sat to make a list for the store.
                  Norah’s chamomile tea and strawberries, of course she thought as she wrote.  Milk, clotted cream, and scones .  She’s developed an addiction.  Her mind wandered and she thought about the run in with Ryan.  It had given her a jolt.
                  Made her jumpy, she admitted, and made her feel insecure again.  Why did he still have that effect on her, damn it?  They’d been divorced for over a year now, and she’d realized some time ago that she’d never really loved him.  She’d been impressed with him, flattered by him.  Amazed that he could be interested in someone like her.  She’d convinced herself it was love. 
                  She knew, she knew , he’d messed with her head; knew it was past time to get over it.  But there was still