Jennifer found herself in Maryland trying to tie up loose ends with her beloved childhood home. It was a place full of memories. Horses, art pieces, stories, all of which culminated in the life that Jennifer Edwards was fortunate to have thanks to her Pa.
She missed him dearly. Looking back, she'd had a very different life than most but it made her into the woman she was today; strong, independent, and passionate.
She walked through the house, staring into each room. The house was stripped down now, with nothing left inside, a shell of its former self, which was a warm and cozy abode. It was in need of a fresh coat of paint and new inhabitants.
The for sale sign out front did little to ease her thoughts as her mind swirled around with all of the memories before her that this house had conjured up. She lamented on the past and present of her life.
It was here in this house that she discovered her love of books, history, and horses.
She hoped that whoever was going to purchase this house would fill its walls with color and laughter and love.
She swallowed, thinking about the life that she could've had and what could have been…
Shaken from her thoughts, she heard a car pulling up outside, noticing it was a real estate agent with some potential buyers.
As much as she didn't want to leave, she had to go back to the west coast.
She was planning on returning back to California, even though the thought of staying longer at her childhood home was very tempting.
It had been a reminder of simpler times and the thought of never going back had its appeal. Nevertheless, California was calling and so was her work.
She knew she couldn't stay away forever. All of this started because of…that rat. That Jonathan Hart with the gorgeous blue eyes and the…no Jennifer, what are you thinking…fraternizing with the enemy.
She shook those thoughts from her mind.
She walked out of the house with a box of things she wanted to take. The agent, a woman she knew, was approaching.
" Hi Jennifer. I didn't know you were coming into town today." Rhonda says smiling.
" I was just in town briefly, visiting and settling the paperwork," she motioned to the small box in her hand, " and grabbing a few things I didn't want to part with."
" I see. Well, it's always a pleasure to see you. Next time you need anything, I'm a phone call away." Rhonda smiles and she waves, before escorting the couple into the house. In tow, they had their daughter with them.
Jennifer walked to her rental car and sighed as she watched the family, particularly the little girl entering the house.
…..
After a few weeks away, Jennifer returns to the office and Marica notices Jennifer looks more relaxed and happy than she has in quite some time.
She greets Jennifer and takes a seat in her office, crossing her arms and smirking at the auburn haired woman.
" You were right. It looks like a few weeks away did you some good. How was your trip?" Marcia asks as Jennifer gets settled at her desk.
" It was a bittersweet time. But I enjoyed it. I- I planned on keeping the house, but I got an offer I couldn't refuse. It's not as though I have a reason to go back there." Jennifer replies with a thoughtful smile on her face.
She looks almost pensive as she talks about the home. Marcia doesn't want to pry but journalist instinct tells her there's more there to unpack.
" Closing chapters on the past isn't always easy." Marica says softly, leaving the floor open for Jennifer to say more but she doesn't.
" What have I missed since I've been away?" Jennifer asks, tucking a loose strand of her auburn hair behind her ears, not wanting to speak anymore about the house or her past.
" What have you missed? Well let's just say I've had many requests for are one in demand lady. I have a few assignments for you that popped up while you were away. I wanted to wait until you came back until I showed them to you." Marcia took a seat across from Jennifer and began to hand her over a few pieces of paper.
Jennifer looked over each one, mulling over the details. A few of the requests had piqued her interest.
" We did get an invite to attend the opening night gala for the LA Zoo. It's in two weeks. I already responded to their reservation request. I figured you'd want to go." Marcia says, knowing Jennifer's love and passion for wildlife and conservation.
Jennifer looks up from the stack of papers on her desk and nods, a small smile forming on her face. " That sounds fantastic."
" We won't have to report on anything. It's a night of fun." Marcia replies, smiling back at Jennifer.
" I'll be looking forward to it." Jennifer says.
She and Marcia make small talk until Marcia gets called by her assistant back to her office.
As Jennifer leaves the office, she walks to her car and notices someone standing by it.
" Excuse me! That's my car!" Jennifer calls out hoping the individual will move. Something about the man seems slightly familiar but she can't place him from behind.
As she draws closer, she realizes the man is none other than Jonathan Hart. Jonathan Hart. The same Jonathan Hart that had made a fool of her a few weeks prior.
" You." Jennifer's demeanor suddenly changes. She's surprised to see him, but there's a hint of amusement on his face.
Seeing her flustered, Jonathan can't help but smirk and chuckled a bit at her response to seeing him, finding her cute when she was a little angry.
" Ms. Edwards I wanted to personally apologize for my behavior at the interview. Perhaps my judgment of journalists was a bit premature."
Jennifer raises a brow. She stands a little straighter. " I'll say it was," before crossing her arms, curious as to how he found her. " How did you find me? How did you know what car I drive? Are you spying on me?' Jennifer asks.
" I'm not spying on you Ms. Edwards. I happen to have a keen eye and an impeccable attention to detail." Jonathan says, a hint of a smile on his lips.
Jennifer wasn't amused.
" I did find your presence to be very refreshing." he says smoothly.
" Refreshing?" she questioned.
God, why was he so charming?
Jonathan nodded, a smile still on his lips. " Indeed Ms. Edwards, refreshing."
" I was wondering if maybe you'd like to join me for dinner. Friday night and I'll give you that interview you've wanted." Jonathan lays out the reason for his visit.
Did he really just invite me to dinner and an interview?
Jennifer knew a look of surprise must've crossed her features. This was the last thing she expected from him. Before now, she thought of him as the enemy, a rat. But now, he was breaking down the walls she was putting up and it scared her a bit.
" Dinner? With you?" Jennifer raised a brow.
" Yes. Is that so hard to believe?" Jonathan asks with a small smile on his face.
" Ms. Edwards, it's a simple invitation. The SunDial. It's a new place around here. It just opened last week. I thought it would be a great place to get to know you and answer any questions you may have about Hart Industries." Jonathan replies with conviction, hoping with a more solidified plan that she would accept.
" I'm sorry, but…I can't. Now if you'll excuse me." Jennifer held up her keys indicating she wanted to leave.
Stepping aside, Jonathan held up his hands in defeat. " Are all redheads really this stubborn?" he asks.
Jennifer's head snapped around. " What did you say?" she questions, knowing she heard him loud and clear.
Stepping closer to Jennifer, he closed the distance between them.
" I asked if all redheads are really as stubborn as you are?" he asks again, locking eyes with hers.
Those whisky colored eyes she had sparkled, even when she was angry.
Jennifer took a step closer. They were nearly nose to nose. She whacked him with her clutch bag before turning to walk away.
She slammed her car door and drove off, leaving Jonathan Hart in her wake.
Marcia, had seen the exchange from her office window and watched with a look of amusement on her face. She was surprised to see Jonathan Hart seemingly smitten by one of her own journalists, who clearly was not amused by him at all. She chuckled a little bit.
TBC….