“Thanks,” she said. “It’s called Reminisce.”
“I like it, too,” Jarrett said, though he hadn’t even noticed it.
“Jarrett, is there someplace we can go to talk?” Carlie asked.
“Why don’t you come out back with me?” Jarrett said, pleased with the steadiness of his voice. “I need to get the grill going.”
Outside in the brisk April air, Jarrett busied himself with the grill, allowing Carlie the chance to have her say.
“I’m sorry I left the way I did, Jarrett,” she said in a timid voice. “I really am.”
“I’m not angry anymore.” He lit the burner and fiddled with the controls longer than necessary— any excuse to avoid eye contact. “But I would like to know why you did it.”
From the corner of his eye he saw her rubbing the chill bumps on her bare arms. Nine years earlier, he would’ve held her to keep her warm. Today, awkwardness stood between them like a murky curtain.
“Rylie told me I should be honest with you,” she said.
“I’m listening.” He closed the grill lid and stepped back, folding his arms over his chest, while performing an intense study of the patio stones beneath his feet.
“I left because you deserved someone who would put you first in their life. At the time, my career was my priority.”
At the time? Was she implying her priorities had changed? Asking for another chance? He’d longed for this moment. But now, everything felt different. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to try again.
“I know I was wrong,” she continued, with a quiver in her voice. “I should’ve talked to you about it. But I was afraid you’d try to talk me out of going to Nashville.”
“I loved you, Carlie.” As the words left his mouth, he realized that emotion was in the past. How long ago had his love faded? Was it truly dead, or was it waiting to spring to life again? “I knew Nashville was your dream. We could’ve worked things out, if you’d talked to me.”
“You’re right. I made a huge mistake. It’s the one thing I’m good at... being a screw-up.”
He heard a sniff and looked up to see the shine of tear tracks on her face. She brushed her fingers across her eyes, leaving a smear of mascara. The ice around his heart cracked a little.
“No one’s perfect,” he said.
“You had no way of knowing this, but I was kind of hoping you would come after me.” She peered at him through thick lashes.
“I thought about it, Carlie. But I couldn’t handle the possibility of more rejection. I figured you knew where I was. If you wanted me, you could’ve found me. And it didn’t take you all that long to marry someone else.”
“Anton turned out to be one of my biggest screw-ups.” She gave another loud sniff.
“You have some black under your eye…” He reached out and used his thumb to wipe away the smudge. “You made it to the top, Carlie. It hurt that you shut me out, but I’m still proud of you.”
“You’re the one who really succeeded. Founding Phantom Enterprises… that’s amazing!” She let out a nervous giggle. “And poor Rylie thought you just worked for them, until I set her straight.”
He smiled at the memory of Rylie’s mistake, until guilt smacked him in the face. He’d twisted her arm to get her to come to the party so he’d feel more comfortable. She was inside right now, and probably miserable. Once again, he’d been inconsiderate of Rylie’s feelings.
“I hope we can start over.” Carlie took a shuddery breath. “I’ll do anything to make it up to you, Jarrett. Anything.”
“Would you be willing to perform at a Limitless fundraiser?”
“Limitless?”
“That’s our non-profit branch, benefitting kids with disabilities. It’s underwritten by Phantom Enterprises, but every year, we raise a lot of money for the kids… mostly with huge fundraiser events.”
“Absolutely! I’d love to.” She smiled brightly, then her face fell. “Oh, I guess I’ll have to check with my new agent to make sure. But I doubt it will be a problem.”
“That sounds great. Later on, I’ll introduce you to Laurie and Finn Anderson. They’ll probably cover the next event without me. I usually work from New York for a few months to coordinate the Limitless events, but I’ll be tied to Denver this summer. At least, I hope I’ll be tied here.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“I’m trying to get emergency guardianship of a boy from Puerto Rico and bring him to the US for cancer treatment. But I’ve hit a snag.”
“Maybe I could help,” she said. “I could babysit or take him to the doctor. Whatever you need. I’ve got some free time right now.”
“Thanks for offering, but I don’t think you can solve this problem. You see, I really want to adopt him, instead of being a temporary guardian. But I don’t qualify because I’m not married.”
“Oh, no!” Her mouth drooped. She’d always had a soft heart. “You mean he could die because you can’t get approval?”
“I won’t let him die. If I have to, I’ll take care of him for a year while he’s getting cancer treatment and then give him up for adoption.” Jarrett spoke through gritted teeth. “But I don’t want to give him up. I’ve known him since he was twelve months old. He’s the sweetest kid I’ve ever met. I believe he was destined to be my son.”
“What’s his name?”
“Gabriel. He goes by Gabe.”
“What are you going to do?” Her tone was trembly, as if she truly cared about him. Yet nine years had gone by without a word from her. Was it all an act?
“If I can’t get approved on the adoption track, I don’t have any choice but to accept an emergency guardianship, knowing he’ll eventually have different parents. But it makes me sick to think about it.” Jarrett gave a bitter laugh. “I’m so desperate I might even consider Cole’s crazy suggestion.”
“What’s Cole’s idea?”
