(Complete) New Year's Day is a time for resolutions. Jack Harris, still mourning the tragic death of his wife, vows to start living again. Maddie Evans dumps her boyfriend and vows no more meaningless sex.
Jack moves to The Point to live in his pa...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Maddie was invited to the monthly girls' party that coincided with poker night. They held it across the street from the game at Kristi's house. She had joined the ladies from time to time. Usually, Steve would be over on Friday nights and since the first of the year, she'd been avoiding party food and wine. Sunday she went through her closet and removed a lot of clothes that were too big. Many of which she'd recently bought. Then she tried on others and found some that fit and others she was aspiring to fit into. She felt good wearing a pair of jeans she hadn't worn in three years.
"Maddie, you look awesome," Megan said.
"I'm getting there. Slap my hand if I eat tonight." She laughed but was serious.
The conversation circled to Jack. Megan said, "Emma's starting at the daycare on Tuesday for just two days a week. Jack wants to see how it goes."
Once the conversation turned to Jack it stayed there. She was careful not to mention she's been helping Jack grieve. The times he opened up were private. Megan also kept quiet about Rory. Maddie liked having a close relationship with both Rory and Jack. Helping them gave the purpose she needed.
Eventually, she explained her break up with Steve. Megan said, "I always thought you could do better."
Kristi said, "Like Jack."
"No! That poor man will never move on."
"He will someday," Jen said.
"You can help him along," Kristi added.
"He's my friend." Maddie protested.
Megan said, "Leave Jack and Maddie alone. Poor Jack doesn't need you ladies fantasizing about him."
"Not me. I'm happy with the man I have," Jen said.
Maddie sat back and sighed when the conversation shifted to Jen's pregnancy. Eventually, the game across the street ended, and the wives went to their husbands. As Maddie set out for home, Jack fell into step beside her.
"Did you win or lose?"
"A little of both. I ended up with a small gain."
"I heard Emma's going to daycare."
"It's time. Just two days, but I'm afraid I'll miss her."
"You'll be busy working."
"True. Are you running tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"I'll join you. Good night Mads."
"Night."
They reached Jack's street. She walked home, and as she stepped inside, she turned and saw him on the corner watching her.
"You're a nice guy, Jack Harris," she said to nobody but herself. Maddie thought of the conversation and wouldn't mind being the one to help Jack move on.
