The time I spent with Jace brought me to the conclusion that I can’t stay in the situation that I’m in with Richard. It also made it glaringly obvious that I haven’t once spent time with him the way I did with Jace.
I hate being the cause of hurt to anyone, and I guess I’m hoping Richard is more open to what I’m going to be telling him. It would certainly make it a lot easier for me. Something tells me that I’m going to fail miserably at this and that he isn’t going to go quietly, no
matter how much I want him to.
Sighing heavily, I head out the front door with my purse, keys, and cell in hand. I smile when I think about the visit I’m about to make to Golden Circle. The children there always brighten my day and put a smile on my face. Since Tammy has been there, it’s difficult to not take her home with me. She’s a sweet child who I adore, and I’m finally starting to make headway with her. The slight smile I now receive when she sees me is delightful. It makes me sad to think of her without parents. Golden Circle is one of the nicer homes for children and I’m so glad that Tammy and the others found their way there.
Parking my car after the very short trip, I barely glance at the landscaped gardens that a local company is responsible for. They donated shrubs, trees, and their time to create the beautiful scenery that surrounds Golden Circle.
Walking inside, I spot Karen, who must be working this morning. She’s a tall, older woman who seems ageless. Her brown eyes sparkle and her ebony hair is captured in braids that are gathered in a large ribbon. A soft sprinkling of freckles dot her dark, brown cheeks and just add to the cheerfulness that she exudes. She’s been married forever and has two grown children of her own, not to mention a serious coffee addiction.
“You had any coffee yet?” She looks at me over the top of her reading glasses, which have slipped down her nose, a steaming cup in her hand.
“Sorry. I’m distracted today.” I pour myself a coffee, adding creamer and a half spoon of sugar.
Still watching me, Karen laughs. “That’s what you call it, huh?”
“Nothing like that.” I smile. “Although that would have been nice.” I need to get a life, or rather kick the one I have in gear.
“I’m here for you,” Karen offers, “anytime that you need to talk, or just to get something off your chest.”
Walking past Karen, I squeeze her shoulder. “Thank you.” Sitting opposite her, I sip my coffee and admit, “I’m engaged to one guy, but falling in love with another.”
Her mouth hangs open in surprise.
“Yeah, that about covers it.” I sigh, and rest my chin in my hands while staring at her amused expression.
“Why are you engaged to the one man if you’re in love with another?” Karen looks confused, which sums up how I feel.
“Because I don’t want to hurt Richard, but I’m probably hurting Jace instead.”
Until this moment, I hadn’t realized just how much Jace has come to mean to me.
He’s everything.
“Wait? What? The softball guy?” Karen stumbles over her words. “I’ve only seen him once from a distance, but you’re getting it on with that sexy man?” She whistles.
I laugh at her antics, and then put her right, “Not exactly getting it on…” I offer her a secret smile. “Although, we did spend time together on his sofa last night, talking about anything and everything.”
“Mmm…oh, it does sound like he has it just as bad as you do.”
“Yeah, but what the hell am I going to do?” I rest my head on top of the table.
“Where is your heart leading you? And out of interest, this is the first time I heard of you being engaged.” She raises a brow.
I don’t usually wear my ring here, so I’m not surprised she hadn’t known. It certainly hadn’t entered my head to announce it to everyone. I sigh. “Well…that says it all, huh?”
“I think it does. But only you can make the decision, which I think your heart has already made.”
My cell dings with a text message.
Retrieving my cell from my pocket, I look at Karen. “My heart is completely involved with Jace.”
“I know that already…now tell me, which one is sending you a text.” She smirks.
I grin, and looking at the screen, my grin widens. “Jace.” Entering my passcode, I read his message.
I really enjoyed last night. J x