Chapter 16 – Sharing

Friday morning, Jack was up early. He opened his laptop when he got to the kitchen table. He liked to check the morning news. He got some coffee going and sat down to see what happened in the world while he was sleeping. It was a habit that Jack had gotten into when he started being more active in business dealings. Even though Jack had only been eighteen for a few months, his father had started really involving Jack in business when he was fifteen, even though he had been a part of it since he was a small child. Jack had a number of investments and stocks that his father held for him. Jack got to pick the stocks and it was his job to track them. Jack also followed the news since so many things can affect his investments. He was proud of his investments and how he was able to do better the more that he had. Jack was glad that even though he was barely eighteen, he had made a substantial amount of money. Money that he had earned on his own with his investments. Granted the money he started with was from his trust fund, but he put the profits into a separate account and that was his money. When he turned eighteen, he had talked to his father and he agreed that whatever Jack earned from his investments was his money to do what he wanted. It wasn't that Jack needed the money, but it was nice that he was able to make money. Because Jack was able to make money through his stocks and investments, he didn't mind doing what he was to help Elizabeth. He had even told his father that if it was a problem, that he could take the money from Jack's trust fund.

As Jack was sitting reading world news, he saw something that he was concerned about. He had investments in a certain company and he didn't like what he was reading about the company overseas. In response to the news, Jack called his financial advisor and had him sell half of the stocks that he held in that company. Jack didn't want to pull out completely, but he also wanted to cover himself if the stocks tanked. When asked why he was selling, Jack told his advisor that it was just a feeling and wanted to cover himself. When asked where he wanted to reinvest the money from the sale, Jack said he just wanted to bank the money for the time being. Jack also let the advisor know that if the stock dropped to or below a certain point, he was to sell the remainder of the stocks. The advisor wasn't sure, but promised to do what Jack wanted since he was the client. The advisor questioned Jack since he was so young, but Jack had proven that he was an excellent businessman and was good with numbers. Despite being so young, Jack did better with stock then most people. Maybe it was because he trusted gut feelings and was well versed with what was going on in the world and specifically with companies that he invested in. Jack didn't invest money lightly, he did his own research and always followed up on any information that the advisors gave him.

As Jack was talking with his financial advisor, Elizabeth entered the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee and added the caramel creamer that they had picked up. Jack could tell that Elizabeth wasn't exactly a morning person until she had her coffee. He just smiled at her as she sat down and breathed in the scent of her coffee. After Elizabeth had about half her cup of coffee, she set it down and looked at Jack.

"Morning." Elizabeth said.

"Morning." Jack said. "Not a morning person, are you?"

"Not usually." Elizabeth said. "I don't mind during the school year, but summers and days off, I like to sleep. The smell of coffee woke me up."

"Sorry." Jack said. "I am used to getting up early. At the farm, I would have already had two hours of work in. It is best to work with the horses before it gets too hot. Granted we have a temperature controlled indoor arena, but I always preferred working with the horses outside. Chores are also easier in the cool of the morning, the barns can get pretty hot, no matter how much we try to keep it cool."

"Good to know." Elizabeth said.

"Don't worry." Jack said. "No one will expect you to get up and help with morning chores. If you want to go back to bed, that is fine."

"I might." Elizabeth said. "But it is also nice to get up and get things done. I want to go through things and pack so I can have the rest of the day to relax. I was also thinking of calling my best friend, Rosie. I might also send a text to my mother and sister. I just don't know what I want to say. I know that I want some time and for them to leave me alone."

"I would tell them that." Jack said. "Tell them that you are safe and just need some time before you see and/or talk to them."

"Thanks." Elizabeth said. "Any plans for food today?"

"I was just going to have what was around." Jack said. "We can stop and get coffee and something in the morning on the way to the heliport."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "So who were you talking to when I came out?"

"A financial advisor." Jack said. "I sold some stocks and banked the money."

"Not on my account, I hope." Elizabeth said.

"No." Jack said. "I just had a feeling about those stocks and wanted to cover myself. Don't worry about what you spent yesterday or the apartment. I move stocks all the time. Sometimes, I just have a feeling about certain things and want to move stuff around. I do it all the time. I just haven't researched another company to invest in at this time."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I just thought I needed to check."

"I don't want you to worry about money." Jack said. "I will make sure that you have whatever you need for as long as you need help."

"I suppose." Elizabeth said.

Jack reached over and put his hand on Elizabeth's arm. He waited until she looked at him. Granted Jack just wanted to pull his hand away because he felt the electricity coursing through him as he touched her bare skin on her arm. Little did Jack know that Elizabeth felt the same electricity and that was why it took a moment for her to look at him.

"I am not saying that you can't take care of yourself." Jack said. "But there is a time when we all need help. Right now, you need a hand up and I will be there to give it to you. Like I said, my family doesn't want or need you to repay us financially. Maybe at some point in the future, you will be in a position to help someone else. That and being the best teacher that you can will be repayment enough. I meant when I say help is with no strings attached. You can stop with all of this anytime you want, no questions asked. My father, Devin, I or any of us will not be mad at you if you don't want us to help anymore. Just remember, I just want you safe and happy."

"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "I keep trying to tell myself that, but it is hard when you aren't used to other people taking care of everything."

"I understand." Jack said. "Having someone other than your parents take care of you is hard sometimes."

"I guess." Elizabeth said. "I had wanted to work this summer and put some money away instead of always having to go to my parents."

"If you still want to work." Jack said. "Maybe we can arrange something when we get back. I just didn't even think about something like that. I am sure we can arrange something if that is what you want."

"I will think about it." Elizabeth said. "I think with everything that is going on, it might be hard to get a job. The more that I think about things, the more that I am looking forward to getting out of the city."

"Honestly." Jack said. "If I had my way, I would spend the better part of my year at my grandparents. I love being out in the country and with the horses."

"Katie said something like that yesterday." Elizabeth said.

"Because she knows that I am at home on a horse." Jack said. "I have even tried to get security on a horse, but they don't like it. That is why I have always taken Doug with me when riding here near the city."

"So." Elizabeth asked. "I can assume that you would want to live in the country in the future."

"Yes." Jack said. "That is why I am reconsidering what I want to go into. Everyone has always assumed that I would jump for a time and become a lawyer like my father. Maybe continue equestrian events as I get older. I didn't just show jump, I also did cross country and hunter jumper, when I was younger. I also did equitation for a long time. I walked away from show jumping and pretty much competition in general and now, I don't know if I want to be a lawyer."

"So what do you want to do?" Elizabeth asked.

"I don't know." Jack said. "I have decided to get my MBA while still working the pre-law program. I have thought about going ROTC, but I know that my family has really strong feelings about me serving in the military and they aren't all positive."

"I am surprised." Elizabeth said.

Jack let out a harsh breath.

"Some of my family." Jack said. "… (sigh) I guess they feel that we have enough money that we don't need to serve. They think that military service is for those who don't have other options. I don't see it that way. I have thought that serving others meant serving others, it didn't need to be qualified."

"I agree with that part." Elizabeth said. "If you feel called to serve, it shouldn't matter where you feel called. I guess, I was lucky in that aspect. At least my family was supportive of me being a teacher. Maybe because I am the second daughter. I know that my sister did exactly what my parents wanted – marry money and someone that could help my father's business."

"That is something I don't understand." Jack said. "How can they expect you to marry someone that you don't love more than life itself. I guess there really hasn't been pressure for me to marry, I mean other than my mother. She has her ideas about who she wants me to marry, but I told her that I would never marry anyone that I didn't love. My father always told me that it shouldn't matter what that person brings to the marriage in the way of material wealth. It was more important that you loved each other and followed the Lord."

"I would agree with that." Elizabeth said. "I think that is another reason that I reacted so strongly to Charlie. I know that he doesn't love me the way he should and he was more interested in what my father could do for him. I have known Charlie for years and he always struck me as someone that was more interested in what others could do for him than what he could do for them. I found him very selfish and the more that I was around him the more it showed, especially the way that he treated women."

"I wish more people had your insight." Jack said. "Most people can know someone for years and still not see what you have seen. I think a large portion of people are too worried about their public image then actually helping people. That is why I have tried to step back from the public eye. I was getting too caught up in what other people were thinking about me. It was affecting my riding, jumping and schooling. When I stepped back, I realized that I can do things for fun again. I didn't have to be worried about what something looked like in the papers. It has taken me time to realize that what the general public thinks of me, doesn't matter and I try not to let it affect me. Yes, there are still pictures of me and articles from time to time, but I try to not let them bother me. I know who I am and I am comfortable with that."

Elizabeth was quiet for a bit, she was thinking about what Jack was saying. Elizabeth wondered if she had to worry about getting her picture in the paper.

"Do I need to worry about my picture ending up in the paper?" Elizabeth asked.

"Maybe." Jack said. "I can't stop people from taking my picture or selling them to the papers. My family will officially have no comment about you or any perceived relationship. People in Saratoga recognize me and I have seen pictures of me end up on different social media. As long as they aren't in our face or trespassing we just allow it to be. If they are telling outright lies, my father gets involved. I don't worry about it."

"Okay." Elizabeth said. "I was just thinking about what might happen if a picture of us ended up in the paper."

Jack took a moment to think about things from Elizabeth's point of view.

"Don't worry about it." Jack said. "What is the worst that can happen? They think we are dating and publish a picture. If your family has a problem with it, then that will be their problem, not yours. You have done nothing wrong and there is nothing to be ashamed of."

"I guess." Elizabeth said.

Jack could see that it was still bothering Elizabeth, so he took a deep breath and tried it from a different approach.

"Elizabeth." Jack said. "I told you I wouldn't push you and I don't mean to, but I don't care what other people think. All I care about is the truth and what you think. Have I done anything to make you question my motives?"

"No I guess not." Elizabeth said. "Although you gave me a bit of a shock when you kissed my head last night. I didn't expect you to do that."

Jack looked at Elizabeth and colored a bit, but flashed her a dimpled grin.

"Sorry about that." Jack said. "It had been an emotionally charged conversation and I did it without thinking. I have done that with my mother and Laura, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

"It is okay." Elizabeth said. "I was just a little surprised, not that I didn't like it, I was just surprised."

"Okay." Jack said. "If I do something that makes you uncomfortable or you feel like it is pushing, please let me know. I might forget and get comfortable."

"I will let you know." Elizabeth said. "We have talked about feeling a connection, but I think with everything going on, we need to be careful."

"I agree." Jack said. "We do need to be careful and only because I don't want you to get hurt. I am not all that worried about what people will say. I am not being uncaring or harsh, but you have to look at it from my point of view. Because of who my parents and grandparents are, people are going to talk about me. I honestly don't care anymore what they say. I know what the truth is and those close to me know the truth and that is all that matters to me. It took me years to learn that and now that I have, I am not going to go back to worrying about what people on social media or in the press say about me.

From here on out, I am more worried about you. I don't want you to get hurt, whether by my actions or others words. I know that there is not much that we can do about other people talking or taking pictures. I just don't want to do anything to hurt you. People are going to say and do what they want. All we can control is how we react and make sure that the people close to us know the truth."

"Thank you for being so considerate of my feelings." Elizabeth said. "I agree that there will be little that we can do to stop other people from talking, other than being careful."

"I have found people are going to talk." Jack said. "As long as we know the truth, I think that is the most important. We can tell those that are close to us the truth and if they chose not to believe us, then that is on them. My family knows that you are here and I care about you. My family also knows that I will be protective of you. Whether that leads other people to assume things, we can't help that. As long as you don't tell me not to, I will keep a protective arm around you when we are out. The last thing I want is to see something happen. Yes, we have security, but they can't always catch everything. I can take care of myself, that is part of the reason that I don't have full time security unless there is a threat like right now."

"I kind of like when you have your arm around me." Elizabeth said. "I know that we have to be careful when out and you are right, people are going to talk. I guess I am just worried about my family thinking I am doing something I am not."

"Sorry." Jack said. "I know that it is not easy, but you can't control other people. All we can do is be honest with them and know that we haven't done anything wrong. I have learned, no matter how careful you are, people are going to think what they are going to think about you – right or not."

"I will try to remember that." Elizabeth said. "It sounds easier than I think it will be. If I get worked up again, please just remind me."

"I will always be there for you." Jack said. "I just hope that you know that."

Elizabeth paused and looked at Jack for a moment, because when he said that, the image of them married flashed in her head again. It scared her how deep her feelings for Jack went in such a short time. She was wondering if her father didn't think that she was already sleeping with Jack. As she thought about it, she realized that she really didn't care what her father thought, especially after the way that he had already treated her.

"I am seeing that." Elizabeth said.

"Enough of this heavy talk." Jack said. "We have a nice day, I suggest that we relax and enjoy things. I think it will be nice to get away, but things might also get a little crazy if I enter in the jumping competition. At least we won't have to worry about going to the track. The race season up there doesn't start until the end of July. We usually are up there for opening weekend, but whether I stay or come back in between hasn't been decided at this point."

"I think it would be nice to see you jump." Elizabeth said. "I saw some pictures in a book when I was in the library."

Jack rolled his eyes. He had hoped that his mother would have removed those pictures.

"I saw that." Elizabeth said. "Don't worry about it, you look good in a jumping uniform. There were only a couple of them. I saw more on the internet anyway."

"I guess I can't get away from my past." Jack said. "I guess I don't mind. Show jumping and riding was a big part of my past. I will admit that I won a lot of ribbons and there is a part of me that misses that."

"I get that." Elizabeth said. "I also understand why you walked away. It was like when I did dance recitals, you get used to the attention and miss it when you don't have it anymore."

"Dance recitals?" Jack asked with a smirk on his face.

"Yes." Elizabeth said. "I used to take ballet and tap lessons. I was actually pretty good for a time. It was fun, until I hit a growth spurt and everything changed. Suddenly, I was taller than the other girls and I didn't seem to be as coordinated. It took some time to get used to being the tall one. I quit dancing when I was about fourteen or fifteen. I missed it for a time. But then again, I quit on my terms."

"I sort of quit on my terms." Jack said. "I think the problem was that people had such high hopes for both me and Laura. I mean the words 'Olympic hopeful' were used for both of us."

"Wow." Elizabeth said.

"I don't know how much of it was talk and how much of it was truth." Jack said. "I know that Laura probably would have, but I don't know about me. It would have meant me actually learning another discipline. Don't get me wrong, I get the basics of dressage, but I find it boring and never really took to it like Laura did."

Elizabeth just smiled. Based on what she had seen, Jack was either really humble or he was selling himself short. Jack saw Elizabeth smile and just shook his head.

"I saw that." Elizabeth said.

"What?" Jack asked with a dimpled grin.

"I saw you look at me and shake your head." Elizabeth said. "Besides, I agree with you, dressage is boring. Show jumping looks a lot more interesting."

"It is." Jack said. "But if I wanted a better chance of making an Olympic team, I would have to also compete in eventing which is show jumping, cross country and dressage."

"Oh." Elizabeth said. "I guess I didn't realize that."

"No problem." Jack said. "Most people who aren't into the sport don't know all the different disciplines."