Falling for Danger

Jack's Concern

Tori

The vineyard was packed full, and I smiled as I entered the charming building. The vineyard always calmed me as it felt like I was stepping into a private world. However, today was a bit different. I was a bit anxious to have lunch with Jack. I found my brother sitting at one of the picnic tables near the edge of the vineyard. It had a perfect view and, while private, it wasn’t secluded.

“There she is!” Jack called out the second he spotted me. His smile was easy and relaxed. My brother was happy, and it was clear that things were going well. Which, in turn, made me happy. Jack stood up and the second I was within reach, he pulled me into his arms and hugged me. The familiar scent of the vineyard clung to his clothes. A smell I had come to love and appreciate. “I was starting to wonder if you had gotten lost in your own practice,” he remarked as we parted.

“Me? You are the one I literally had to book an appointment to see,” I said with a laugh as I rolled my eyes. We sat down and got comfortable. "Between the vineyard and…other commitments…who knows when I will get to see you again?” Jack passed me a plate filled with fresh baguette slices, cheese, and a delicious-looking salad.

“Speaking of commitments,” he said with a big grin. “Things are going really great with Corey and Hank…we are finally figuring things out…we have our own rhythm now. I mean, there were a few bumps, but we worked it out. It feels good,” the genuine happiness in his voice made me smile.

“Good, I’m really happy for you, Jack. You deserve to be happy,” I said as we started to eat. The sun was out, but the breeze was cool enough that it wasn’t unpleasant. Jack turned to me as he took a bite of his sandwich.

“And you? How are things at Chasea Counseling?” he asked curiously.

“Better than ok,” I said. I didn’t even try to hide the joy in my voice. “I mean…I’m still surprised by the number of clients we have. It’s actually been a bit overwhelming…in the best way, of course. Honestly…it feels right. It feels like this is exactly where I am supposed to be,” Jack smiled, and I could literally see how proud he was.

“I knew it!” he gushed, and I blushed at his praise. “I am not surprised that you are doing well,” I ducked my head, but in reality, I not only appreciated his praise and support, but I also loved it.

“Thanks, Jack. That means a lot,” I said. We ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, both of us enjoying the quiet sounds of the surrounding vineyard. The hum of the birds in the distance. The rustling of the leaves. And, of course, we enjoyed the delicious meal he had put together. I smiled, completely content. Sharing moments like this with my brother felt like a bonding moment. However, it was, as if, my mouth got ahead of my brain. “I really like Cole,” I blurted out. Of course, the second the words left my mouth, I regretted it. Jack’s whole expression changed, and I watched as he set down his sandwich and his jaw tightened.

“Cole? As in…the Cole? The one I warned you about? You like him? Have you been spending time with Cole?” Jack fired the questions at a fast pace, and I sighed softly.

“Yes, that Cole. We are friends, Jack. Of course, we spend time together, but it’s nothing serious,” I explained as I quickly tried to downplay my stupid mouth.

“But you like him? Did you mean…as in, I like the guy, he is pretty cool to hang out with…or…I like the guy, and I am developing a crush on him?” his gaze was hard as he waited for me to answer. When I didn’t, he sighed loudly and dramatically. “I told you, Tori. The guy is bad news,”

“I thought Erik vouched for him,” I argued.

“He did and I trust Erik. That doesn’t mean I trust Cole,”

“And you certainly don’t trust me,” I muttered. Jack’s eyes went wide, and silence fell over us like a peaceful calm.

“Look, Tori. Just because I trust Erik, that doesn’t mean I am comfortable with you being around him…Cole…he rubs me up the wrong way and I just want you to be careful,”

“And I am being careful,” I argued as I stood up. I was beyond annoyed. I took a deep breath to calm myself down before I continued. “Jack, you are my brother, and I love you…but you don’t get to decide who I spend time with. I am a grown woman, and I can make my own decisions. Cole has been supportive and kind. And…honestly, I am insulted that you don’t trust me or my decisions,” Jack’s expression softened, but I wasn’t fooled.

“I am just looking out for you, Tori,” he whispered. I gathered up my things and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

“Thank you for lunch,”

“You have been hurt in the past, Tori,” Jack suddenly whispered, and I paused. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt again,” the fact that he even mentioned my past annoyed me, but I bit my lip and looked away. He had a point. My previous relationship had left literal scars. Scars that weren’t even fully healed. “I just want you to be aware and careful,”

“I am. I will be,” I said before I hurried off. This conversation was over, and I needed to get back to work. I certainly wasn’t going to stop by the ice cream shop and enjoy a creamy strawberry soft serve in the front seat of my car while I contemplated my life’s choices. I also didn’t consider my brother’s warnings of concern. I certainly didn’t think about that as I pulled out my phone and texted Cole.

Tori: Are you busy tonight? Would you like to come over for dinner?

And it certainly didn’t make my heart flutter when Cole responded and said he would be over at six.