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Chapter 13
Brooke's face went pale and she shuddered. She felt horrible for attacking him like that before giving him time to explain first. – Oh my God… I'm so sorry… I had no idea. –she said with difficulty.
Jack's look softened, but his voice was still scathing. – Look… I'm sorry you had to find out this way, I was going to tell you… I just didn't have time… Just know that I've never lied to you and if I were married, I would've never asked you out in the first place, trust me… –he told her flatly, with a set look.
– Of course. –Brooke replied feebly. She wanted to ask him million questions, she wanted to know everything, so she ventured further. – What happened to…
– A car crash. –he snapped.
– When did it…
– Two years ago.
– I'm sorry. –she said looking down. She felt like a stupid.
– Don't be.
Brooke gave him a hesitant look. – Who's Margo?
– My mother, she and Claire help me with the kids…
– Your kids… how old are they?
– Jackie's 8 and Brett's 4. –he answered flatly.
– Your wife… what's her name?
Jack threw her a burning gaze. – Kate, her name was Kate…
After he mentioned her name, Brooke looked at Jack and knew he wasn't saying anything else about her. She wanted to break the tense moment, but didn't know how. Her line of thoughts went short went Jack spoke.
– Listen… I understand if this is too much to deal with and you don't want to see me anymore… –he said scathingly.
– But I do want to see you… –she said unhesitant, and flushed after she heard herself. – I'm sorry, I shouldn't have popped up at your office like that, I just wanted to surprise you… and I didn't know you have children, it was unexpected, that's all… –she told him softly, giving him a longing look.
Then Jack realized he was being very hard on Brooke. After all, he was the one keeping secrets from her, and he felt like shit for making her feel like she was the one to blame. – No, I'm sorry… I should have mentioned it before, I didn't mean to hide my situation to you…
Brooke finally found the moment to end the argument. – Your son's beautiful. He's cuter than you, though… –she said playfully, managing a shy smile.
Jack finally smiled. – Well, that's a relieve… So, you're seeing Patrick tomorrow, huh?
– Yeah, I didn't even call him to let him know I am here, I feel horrible.
– Don't worry, I'm sure he understands…
– You think?
– Absolutely.
They had the rest of their lunch talking placidly. They never went back to talk about Jack's life and Brooke didn't ask any questions about his sister, his mother or children. She didn't want to upset Jack and thought he would tell her everything about his life when he felt like it.
Then Jack drove her back to the hotel. Brooke tried to kiss him again, but Jack didn't let her and turned his head. Brooke flushed and he realized that had been a clumsy move, so he gave her a long hug right away. – Bye Brooke, I'll call you later…
Brooke felt totally shaken. – Yeah… bye Jack…
Brooke walked away from him and Jack left the hotel. Why am I rejecting her? God, what the hell is wrong with me? First I shock her by telling her about my family and now I'm pushing her away… damn it! he thought.
That night Brooke called Ilana as usual and told her everything that just happened.
– He's a widower? God, that's so sad…
– I know… and it was so inconvenient of me to show at the hospital…
– You didn't know… he could have told you before…
– Well, now I know it… you should see his children, they're so beautiful… especially his little boy…
Ilana was furious. Brooke didn't seem to be getting the big picture, but she wouldn't tell her on the phone. She would wait for her to come back to New York. – Okay sweetie, I think you should go to bed now, you could use some sleep…–she told Brooke.
– You're right. It's been enough adrenaline for the day… good night Ilana…
Brooke hung up and prepared to go to bed.