“That’s what matters,” A.J. said. “You’ll have to let me know how it works. I’ll be pulling for you.”
“Thank you, A.J.” July’s heart overflowed with emotion, thankful she had such a good friend. “I’m also supposed to start sharing things about my childhood, easy things first. I thought I’d start with you.”
“Me? There’s nothing I don’t know about you.”
“Yes, there is.” July tightened her fingers around the phone and reminded herself that this was A.J. and he was safe. “You, Adam Soto, are the reason I made it to adulthood. There were many, many times I didn’t want to go on, that I wanted to hang it up, but you were always there rooting me on. I’m grateful.”
“Yeah, well…”
She’d made him uncomfortable and she was feeling a bit awkward too. It was definitely change-the-subject time. “How’s Selena? Are you two still hot and heavy?”
He took a moment to respond. “You know how it is after you’ve been together awhile.”
“I’m not sure I do.”
“Chicks want the words,” he said, exhaling a frustrated breath.
“Are you saying she wants to hear you say you love her?”
“I don’t get into that stuff. You know that.”
The disgust in his voice made her smile. “Do you? Love her, I mean?”
Just when she’d given up hope of him admitting anything, he answered. “Yeah, I guess.”
“You guess? Or you know?”#p#分页标题#e#
A.J. expelled a harsh breath. “I know. Okay?”
“Far be it for me to give advice.” July chose her words carefully. “But maybe you could use the same technique the counselor gave me.”
“I ain’t tellin’ a damned stuffed toy that I love it, if that’s what you’re suggesting,” A.J. said. “No way.”
“Just consider it.” The clock in the living room began to chime. “I’d better go. Morning will be here all too soon. I love you.”
“Yeah, well, later.”
July smiled. Regardless of his initial resistance, she knew A.J. would consider her suggestion. She hoped he’d not only consider it but give it a try. Because it was time both of them got rid of their unwanted baggage.
David reached the gate leading out of the Elk Refuge and stopped to stretch. He hadn’t seen July in three days. Not since the morning he’d kissed her right where he stood now. Instead of returning to his normal route, he’d continued to come to the Refuge in the morning, hoping their paths would cross. But so far, no July.
He wasn’t sure if she’d quit walking or had changed locations. Maybe after talking with A.J. she’d regretted the kiss and was attempting to keep her distance.
David tightened his lips. The guy called himself her friend. Yet he hadn’t come to Jackson to see her or Adam. At first he’d wondered if A.J. was Adam’s father. But now it seemed doubtful. Wouldn’t a dad at least want to see his offspring?
July’s little boy deserved better. He was an amazing baby. Alert and intelligent yet easygoing. Any man would be proud to call him son.
Of course, David had to admit he might be a little prejudiced. He’d known Adam was special from the moment the baby had struggled to take his first breath. And July…she was something special, too. He wanted to stop over and see her and Adam but he didn’t want to wear out his welcome.
Besides, July’s comment had scored a direct hit. He’d been spending too much time at Mary Karen’s. He did have his own home and his own life. If it wasn’t as robust and full as he’d like, well, that was his fault. In the meantime, he and Travis would be bringing pizza over to Mary Karen’s on Friday night. For now the knowledge that he’d get to see July and Adam then would sustain him.
Granny was just leaving for a card party with her friends when July got back from Yellowstone on Friday. It had been a frustrating, nonproductive day. The last thing she wanted was to participate in a young mother’s book club. But when Mary Karen had heard about July’s plans to get together with Lexi, she’d come up with another idea. She’d suggested the three of them form their own book club and include Kayla Simpson, a new mom with a child born with a congenital heart defect.
They planned to meet monthly and the first meeting was tonight. July saw no need to mention that by the time the next meeting rolled around she’d be gone.
She pushed open the door and stepped inside wondering when David would be stopping by. Last night Mary Karen had told her he’d agreed to take his nephews for the evening.