A Matter of Trust

  ****

  They’d unpacked and put everything away by six that evening. The other two couples had just left, and Jake and Trish sat in the living room, relaxing on the couch.

  “Jake?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I really like the house. Thank you for renting it to me. And thank you for not charging me a deposit. It was really nice of you.”

  “Sure, honey. I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Jake?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I really appreciate you offering to sign for the furniture I need, but I’m just not comfortable with that. I think I’m going to shop used. If I find something I want, can you load it in your truck for me, so I don’t have to pay movers?”

  Jake looked at her and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “Of course, I will, honey. I’d be happy to. Just say when. I like helping you.”

  “I know. You’re really handy to have around.” He kissed the top of her head. “A girl could get used to it, even when it scares her. I know you’re nothing like Pete, and I know you don’t want to be compared to him. That’s not what I’m doing. I guess I’m comparing how I am with you and how I was with him. I had blind faith in him, and I regret that. I’ll never be that way again. If something bothers me, I’m going to tell you or ask you for some clarification. That’s not because I don’t trust you. It’s because I need to know that I’ve learned from past mistakes. It’s like a check mark showing that I’ve covered all the bases. Me, not you.”

  “Okay, Trish. I’ll try to remember that. And I’ll try not to crowd you, okay? I won’t take it personally when you don’t ask me to help, or at least I’ll try not to, okay?” She nodded.

  “Jake?”

  “Yes, honey.”

  “Are you ready to christen a couple of these rooms now?”

  He used body language, rather than words to answer her question.