The Lawyer's Lawyer

CHAPTER Twenty-Six



Jack woke up on Sunday morning, gazed at the beautiful woman lying next to him, and felt blessed to once again have love in his life. He was happy beyond words.

He didn’t know it was all about to come crashing down.

He drove to Bass Creek that day to get some clothes and go through his mail and, in general, to check things out. Henry arrived a short time later, which Jack thought was unusual. What’s going on with Henry? His behavior is strange. He stays with friends instead of me. He shows up at odd times.

They went out on the boat for a little while that afternoon and again on Monday afternoon. Henry seemed to be his old self again although Jack could tell something was on his mind. He called Danni Sunday night and again on Monday evening and had a pleasant conversation with her both times although he sensed that she was acting strange as well. What’s going on? Is it me? he asked himself.

On Wednesday he drove back to Oakville and showed up at Danni’s house unannounced around six in the evening.

“Hi. I wasn’t expecting you to be back so soon,” she said when she opened her door and saw him standing there. She was dressed in jeans and appeared to be getting ready to go out.

“I never said when I was coming back. I just decided to come today. You look like you’re going somewhere. Do you want me to come back later?”

“No, no. I was only going to get something to eat.”

“Would you like company?”

“Sure.” She hesitated halfway down the walkway and then stopped altogether. “Come on inside for a minute, Jack. I want to talk to you.”

They both went inside and sat at the dining room table.

“I can’t do this anymore, Jack.”

“Do what?”

“Continue this relationship.”

“What relationship? We just got started.”

“You know what I mean. Time is no measure of a relationship. You and I have gotten so close so quick it scares me to death.”

“What happened between Sunday morning and today?”

“Nothing happened. I’ve just had time to think. It’s just been too much.”

“We can tone it down. We don’t have to end it.”

“We can’t tone it down, Jack. It is what it is. Hannah has gone off to college and I’m starting a new direction in my life.”

“Does that mean you don’t have time for a relationship?”

“It means I’m not ready for one right now. I need time and space to see where I’m going to land. I mean, I love the time we’ve had, but it’s too intense.”

“I’ll lighten up.”

“You can’t. I can see it in your eyes. I can’t either.”

“We don’t meet people that we have an instant connection with every day, Danni. Sometimes, we never meet them. You and I are lucky.”

“I’m just not where you’re at, Jack. It’s the wrong time for me. I’ve got to end this now before we get any closer and I won’t be able to do it.”

They were both silent for a few moments after that last statement.

“Look, Danni.” Jack finally broke the silence, speaking in a soft, low voice. “I know this has been quick, but I also know it’s real. I know what I feel and I think I know what you feel. I can’t just walk away from these feelings.”

There were tears in Danni’s eyes. “You’re going to have to, Jack, because I’m not ready for this.”

Silence again for what seemed like an eternity. Jack didn’t know what to do or what to say. He could persuade a judge or a jury of his peers in the toughest of circumstances, but he had no words for this woman who had taken his heart. Deep down, though, he knew he didn’t want to persuade her. This was a decision she would have to make on her own.

“I’m going to go,” he said softly. “I’ll be in town for at least another week. You’ve got my number. Call me whenever you have a mind to—about anything. I’ll be there.”

He stood up. Danni stood up, too, and hugged him tight. He felt from that embrace that this was just as hard for her as it was for him. Then he left.