I Knew You Were Trouble: Accidents Happen by M. X. Potter Page B

changing Jessica's contact info back.
     
    "You didn't call me back," Jessica started. Not even a hello.
     
    "Nope," I answered. I knew the one-word response would piss her off. I don't know why that pleased me. I promised myself I wouldn't hate her anymore.
     
    "You with someone?" Jessica continued. I smiled at my gorgeous chef.
     
    "Yes," I responded like an asshole. Adeline smiled back to me.
     
    "The same one who screwed with me before?" Jessica asked, more softly this time.
     
    "Yes," I said, then added, "it was just a joke. Sorry."
     
    "Are you happy?" Jessica asked. It sounded contrite and very unlike her.
     
    "What's wrong, Jessica?," I asked in response. You can't live with someone for years and not know when something was off. Adeline's eyes widened when I mentioned Jessica's name.
     
    "I feel like shit," Jessica admitted, "I had so much anger and now...well...I regret most of it." I wondered what parts she didn't regret. "I want to make sure you aren't wallowing in it too." She would never come out and ask. It just wasn't her way.
     
    "I forgive you, Jessica," I said, "and I hope you feel the same." I watched Adeline shift to a puppy dog 'ah' expression which almost made me laugh. It would have been very bad timing.
     
    "I do..I have," Jessica said excitedly. "and Damon?"
     
    "Yes."
     
    "Tell her she's a lucky girl," Jessica said pleasantly, then hung up. After four years of hate, Jessica had found her humanity again. She wanted to make sure I didn't hate her. It felt good to let her off the hook. It was a bonus that there wasn't a spark of hate running around the world with my name on it. At least we were able to split that fifty-fifty.
     
    "Jessica want you back?" Adeline asked, smiling.
     
    "That ship sailed over four years ago. She just wanted to make sure I didn't hate her. I think she was feeling guilty."
     
    "You don't still have feelings for her?" Adeline queried. She was testing me, carefully. I rolled through my recent call lists on my phone and showed it to her. She covered her mouth and laughed. I guess 'Bitch Barrow' had its uses.
     
    "Don't get jealous, I'm changing it back to Jessica as a gesture of peace only." Adeline laughed and nodded. I started the correction. I always hated the little digital keyboard. It made simple things, like a name change, a chore.
     
    "If you can put up with my sister," Adeline compromised, "I'll not hold Jessica against you."
     
    "Maybe we should make peace with Cathy too," I offered. I completed the name change and put my phone away.
     
    "She'll need a few more weeks," Adeline said stubbornly, "she's convinced Rose that you're no good for me."
     
    "Rose called you?"
     
    "While you were in the bathroom," Adeline replied, "they both think I'm your sex toy." I smiled and bit my lip. I was about to say how right they were, but thought Adeline might take it the wrong way. Male humor didn't always translate well across gender boundaries.
     
    "She said she was good friends with your mother," I fed Adeline, trying to find out more about her life. I didn't want to force direct questions. Adeline didn't seem fully comfortable with her past. I certainly didn't want my curiosity to ruin things.
     
    "That's what I am told," Adeline continued, "she always seems to be there when Cathy and I need her. Cathy won't admit it, but I think Rose helped us financially for many years."
     
    "What about your dad?" I asked, then kicked myself for the direct question. My curiosity moved faster than my compassion. Luckily, Adeline didn't seem to mind.
     
    "I don't think my mother knew; I think she was a player." Adeline didn't seem to feel any shame about it. "I had some pictures, before the fire. Other than that, I know practically nothing about my history. No grandparents, aunts or uncles -- just Cathy."
     
    "Then we'll give her some time then invite her out to dinner, neutral ground," I strategized. Adeline smiled and held out her hand across the counter. I took it in