Home is Where the Heart is(57)

Jordan watched Cassie walk out the door, determined to help her out somehow to show her how much he cared.



That night, after Jordan left Cassie’s place following his day spent with his son, he and Nick had decided to go out for a beer together and somehow wound up at the old water tower they used to hang out at as teenagers. As they climbed the rickety ladder, Jordan wondered how on earth he had managed to climb to the top, certain it could give way and break into a million pieces at any moment.

Once they made it to the top, beer in hand, they sat down near the edge so their legs could dangle off the sides.

He breathed in the lovely night air, looking up at the picturesque starry sky and suddenly remembered how good it felt to be back here again. You couldn’t see the stars at night where he lived. Too many tall buildings and apartments obstructed the sky and his view.

“I can’t believe we used to be able to climb this without even sweating,” Nick said as he brought his bottle to his lips and drank a mouthful.

“Well, we were seventeen and at the peak of our physique. We were practically invincible back then, thinking we could do anything,” Jordan said. He clanked his bottle with Nick’s, toasting their childhood antics. “Come to think of it, I think we did anything that popped into our heads.”

Nick and Jordan joined in a laugh together, reminiscing about old times.

Jordan drew in a deep breath. “So I think I’m still in love with Cassie.”

“Well, while we’re being honest about our feelings then, I think I love Gabriella Torres as more than just a friend.” Nick raised his beer to his lips and took a sip.

“Wow!” Jordan was speechless. He hadn’t expected Nick to come out and say he was in love with someone he had known his entire life. Then again, eight years ago, Jordan hadn’t expected to fall in love with Cassie either, but if Nick suddenly blurted out his feelings, then he knew they were legit. He didn’t just go around confessing his feelings to everyone. Nick looked how Jordan felt right now. His heart was obviously being pulled in a hundred different directions, and he didn’t know what to do.

“Yeah,” Nick grumbled.

“So have you told Gabby how you feel?”

“Only in so many words. She doesn’t like me back the same way. She told me so; she just wants to be friends.” And he obviously didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Instead of discussing their feelings, they liked to drown their sorrows together. “So what are you going to do about Cassie? It’s no big secret that you’re still in love with her, just like I’m sure she’s probably still in love with you.”

“I honestly don’t know. I doubt she’s open to trying the whole long distance relationship thing again, but I guess I can only try my best to make her see how much we belong together as a family. What about you? What are you going to do?”

Nick shrugged one shoulder, staring down at the green grass surrounding the old water tower. He took another sip of beer. “There’s not much I can do. She’s made her choice. She doesn’t feel the same way about me as I do for her. I’ve got no choice but to move on, find someone who does want to be with me, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

But it was easier said than done. Nick knew it, and he figured Jordan knew it too. He only hoped he didn’t luck out on meeting Mrs. Right anytime soon, because he was hung up on someone who would only ever be considered his friend.

“What happened to us? Did you ever think there would come a time when we would be crying over relationship problems?”

“Well, maybe I saw it for you. After all, you’re the one who was in a relationship basically your entire high school experience. Me, on the other hand, I never thought I would see the day.” Nick swung his legs over the edge, kicking at the air, his muscles tightening against his worn-in jeans. “Besides, it can’t be too damn hard to overcome your relationship woes. I think almost the entire town is rooting for you and Cassie to get back together. It’s probably to be expected when you’re parents together. Well, everyone except for your father.”

Ugh! One person he hadn’t wanted to talk about tonight.

“If you ever need some time out from the simple life in Yellow Valley, then you know you’re always welcome to come and hang out in Miami for a few days. My place is always open to you,” Jordan offered to his friend, obviously knowing how small town living could take its toll on your personal life.

“Thanks, man,” Nick said with gratitude before downing the last few drops of beer and letting it drop to the ground below them where it made a loud shattering sound. “I’m sure I’ll fit right in with the Miami crowd.”