Bobby handed her the teddy bear, giving her back her bag.
âYou mustâve noticed Jett has feelings for you, right?â
Fannie froze, staring at him.
His words werenât so much a shock as a sudden clarity.
So it was affection. She had sensed Jettâs extra attention, his lingering gaze on her, for some time now.
Even though Dulce was his sister, he seemed to care for her a bit more.
âI donât have feelings for Jett,â she said.
âNo need to tell me. Itâs got nothing to do with me anyway.â
Just then, Leah came over, announcing that dinner was ready. Bobby stood up, walked to the dresser, and sprayed himself with air freshener.
Find your imagination at galn ovels ; con Fannie followed him, and he gave her a couple of spritzes too.
He was removing the smoke smell, no doubtâKatherine was pregnant. Bobby was clearly a good person. It made Fannie realize he wasnât meant to be cast as the bad guy in her story.
Some people made great friends but werenât meant to be lovers.
After dinner, the evening wound down with light conversation until everyone eventually started heading home.
Fannie stood by the street corner, waiting for a car, when Bobby pulled up in his.
âNeed a ride?â
âNo, thanks.â
Just then, a car honked across the street.
The window rolled down, and Jett was watching with a blank expression.
Bobby shrugged, rolled up his window, and drove off.
In his rearview mirror, he saw Jett get out and approach Fannie as she crossed the street.
Jett still wore his suit, his hair meticulously styled, his shirt collar open just enough to catch the cool night air. His face had a slight flush, as if heâd just come from a business dinner. He hadnât anticipated that Fannie would reach out to him.
Neither of them had expected this.
âHome?â Jett asked.
Fannie absently shook her head.
âJust drive around for a bit.â
Jettâs fingers tightened on the wheel, his unease palpable. But he kept his face neutral, simply slowing down as he drove to a quieter place.
âHave you been drinking?â Fannie asked, catching a faint whiff of alcohol.
He kept his eyes on the road.
âJust one drink. The second you called, I left.â
Jett chuckled.
âDonât worry. Iâll drive slowly. Weâll get you home safe.â
Fannie flashed a grateful smile.
âHave you eaten yet? Let me treat you. I need to thank you for your help with the paint.â
Just then, the car rolled to a stop at a red light. The glow lit up Jettâs profile.
There was a brief pause before he spoke.
âYou donât have to thank me. I did it because I wanted to.â
Fannie didnât know how to respond, completely caught off guard by the implication behind his words.
She felt fortunate to be cared forâand lovedâby someone like him.
Gripping the strap of her bag tightly, Fannie tried to remain calm as she replied, âJett, youâre one of my closest friends. Youâre like a brother to me.â
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