A Second Chance

Chapter 6 * Jamie

Jordan and I began working together nearly every day. I learned that he had taken a transfer of his job as a police dispatcher, but was only working part time. When he and his wife separated, they sold their house and split the money. She bought a new house and he bought a small investment property down there in Florida. It brought in enough money to sustain him so he would be able to do this move.

He kept his word. He never touched me inappropriately, or said anything more than playful. I never caught him looking at my body. He behaved completely platonically. The only hint I had that he was even still interested was when a woman at an open house practically threw herself at him, he politely turned her down, stating that his heart belonged to someone else. I peeked at him out of the corner of my eye and he winked at me. I blushed, both because I got caught eavesdropping and because of what he had said. We never spoke of it, though.

I helped him find a good rental nearby and a new gym so he could continue his personal habits that made him feel like himself. During the winter, he’d come to my house half the time, instead of the office, because I didn’t want to go out in the cold.

We got to know each other again. We talked about our marriages, our kids, and also little things like how we like our coffee and our exercise habits. He got to know Becca and her husband Matt really well, too. They both liked him a lot. It meant a lot to me that Matt liked him. He knew a little bit about the situation and he approved.

When March rolled around, the housing market started to pick up and I gave Jordan his first solo client. I was incredibly impressed with his competency. He was under contract quickly and we celebrated with the whole office. It was a tradition in my brokerage for a new agent’s first contract. We pop champagne and I toast the person’s success and wish them luck going forward. We do a bigger celebration when that contract closes, but I like to celebrate whenever we can. It’s encouraging for people to feel noticed and appreciated.

Jordan smiled warmly across the room at me while Becca congratulated him. I returned his smile and felt my insides flutter.

“How long are you going to make the man wait?” Matt asked from behind me, making me jump. I turned to face him.

“What do you mean?” I asked him.

“Come on, Jamie. I know you care about him.”

“Of course I do. I always have. I just….” I trailed off, not sure how to put my feelings into words.

“Tony wouldn’t want you to be alone.” Matt said quietly. “He would want you to be happy and taken care of.”

He looked at me with a serious expression. I placed my hand on his arm.

“I’m ok, Matt.” I told him, unconvincingly.

“I know you are. But I can also see the way you two look at each other. He moved his whole life here for you and has worked beside you for 6 months. He clearly loves you. I know you feel guilty moving on, but I know Tony would want you to. He would tell you that if he could.” Matt was typically a man of few words. He must’ve felt really strongly about this. I gave him a hug as Becca walked over and told him it was time for them to go. I watched them leave, lost in thought.