“How so?”
“He never told me he was Danny’s brother. They were estranged for some time but after Danny died he knew I was a part of his life, I was the survivor and he sought me out,” I said, taking a moment. “He let me go at my pace, revealing my story to him chapter by chapter when he knew it all.” I frowned, remembering standing in front of the mirror as he unwrapped me, stripping me of my insecurities and making me feel desired. That wasn’t a lie.
Every look, every touch, every promise to give it all if I let him, those weren’t lies. He may have never told me who he was, but there were moments where it was just us—just Jack and Reina—and those moments weren’t lies.
“I came here thinking I made a wrong turn somewhere along the way. Did I go left when I should’ve gone right?”
“Sounds like you were meant to turn left because Jack was waiting for you at that left turn,” the priest offered. “His omission of truth doesn’t erase everything else he’s brought into your life. We often believe an uncontrollable force changes the course of our life, and maybe that force nudges you but it’s us who make the final decision. Seems like you have a choice to make. No one or no higher power can make that choice for you.” He glanced at the altar and smiled slightly as he made the sign of the cross, his eyes fixed on the crucifix. “God forgives us of our sins, we should be able to forgive those we love too, don’t you think?”
He slowly turned his attention back to me and for a split second I wondered why I wasted so much money on therapy when the answers came freely to me.
“We all deserve a second chance and from what you’ve told me, Jack gave you a second chance. He restored hope in you when you had none left. He may not have been completely honest with you but he chose to tell you the truth and that should hold some merit,” he added.
I was angry, and I’d probably never understand why Jack chose not to tell me who he was but it didn’t tarnish the way I felt about him. I didn’t want to lose him and not because I feared being alone again but because I loved him with all I had. I wanted to give myself to him, to give him my heart. I wanted to be the women who loved him despite his flaws and when he succumbed to the things he couldn’t control, when his mind went against him, I wanted to bring him back. I wanted Jack Parrish—right then and there, with God as my witness—I chose Jack.
“Thank you,” I whispered to the priest.
“For what?”
“For listening,” I said softly.
“That’s what I’m here for,” he replied.
I smiled at him and when he asked me to pray with him I bowed my head and moved my lips, reciting the words I remembered and pretending like I knew the ones I didn’t. I asked him his name and bid Father Gallo farewell. I stepped outside the church and dug into my purse for my phone, dialing Jack’s number as I walked toward my apartment building that was only two blocks away.
“Please pick up,” I said aloud, frowning when I got his voicemail. “Jack, it’s me. I’m sorry I took off like I did. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain and to be honest I’m not even sure I care to know the explanation. I choose you. I choose us. I’m on my way home but I want to see you. Call me when you get this message,” I went to end the call but lifted the phone back to my ear. “I love you,” I added before disconnecting the call.
I went to shove the phone back into my purse when I was pulled against a hard body, a hand covering my mouth and a man speaking against my ear.
“You scream, or make any sudden moves I will slice your throat,” he warned. ‘Nod your head if you understand,” he hissed.
I quickly nodded my head, my phone dropping to the concrete as he dragged me away, the blade of his knife dangerously close to my neck, forcing me to do as I was told. I closed my eyes and wondered if maybe I should’ve gone right instead of left.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Well, fuck, that blows,” Riggs said, patting Blackie on the back. “Literally, like your car just blew the fuck up.”
“Yeah, I caught that, thanks for pointing it out though,” Blackie retorted, staring daggers at me. “Get him the fuck away from me.”
I shot Riggs a warning look before turning around and meeting Bianci’s gaze. “Is this what I owe your visit to?” I tipped my chin outside, referencing the fucking explosion in my parking lot.
I watched Anthony bite the inside of his cheek as he stared back at me for a minute before turning around toward his mother-in-law.