Two years after a horrible accident, Kinsley's determined to make it through vet school, but she didn't expect to meet country boy Noel McLean who's just as mysterious as he is charming.
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Kinsley Hastings suffers from PTSD. After surviving a fata...
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Kinsley
Dinner is awkward. At least, any conversation involving Jack and me is awkward. It's obvious Jack doesn't like me.
Which is why I stay silent throughout most of dinner, enjoying the banter between Jack, Cole, and Noel. They're an entertaining group to listen to. Like a bunch of farm team hockey players at a pub post-game.
Despite my silence, this somewhat social event goes better than my outing with Noel, Cole, Tristan, and Mariana did. Then again, I know Cole and Noel better now. Perhaps I'm biased. Perhaps I was too judgemental during our first outing.
Regret pinches my heart. When we return to campus, I'll have to have a discussion with Tristan and Mariana. I owe them an apology for my behaviour. I'm in charge of my reactions, which is why I need to be held accountable.
After dinner, Jack announces old age is affecting him. He decides it's time for bed. Before leaving, he presses a kiss to his grandson's forehead. It's adorable when Noel blushes. He gives Cole's shoulder a squeeze. When Jack's eyes find mine, he gives me a tight smile and curt nod.
I return the smile, despite the strange vibe.
Jack leaves without another word.
Looking at Noel, I say, "Your grandpa hates me."
Noel stares after his grandpa, running a hand through his hair. "Gramps is... complicated. He meant no harm. Don't take it personally, Kinsley."
He climbs to his feet. "I'll finish off the dishes. Then we'll watch a movie?"
Cole and I nod.
After Noel's collected the remaining plates and has exited the dinning room, Cole turns to me.
"Jack is a drunk," Cole mutters. "Just like Noel's father."
I blink in surprise. "Really? I never would've thought Jack was."
Cole glances at me. "Some alcoholics can function. Jack is one of them."
My heart breaks a little. Although alcoholics are victims of addiction, which is a mental health illness, part of me feels disgusted. It's wrong of me. I should feel empathetic for Jack. But after having a drunk driver kill my family and friends, I feel a pinch of hatred. I'm torn in two regarding Jack's habits.
I do, however, feel bad for Noel. Proud, too. Dealing with alcoholics his whole life must be difficult. He's strong.
"Noel must have a difficult time."
Cole nods. He's staring after Noel, rubbing his jaw. "Noel has difficulty accepting it. Jack has never abused Noel. Not like his dad did. Noel's quick to defend Jack. Sometimes that puts me in a vulnerable position. Jack does try, but he's still an addict. Noel wants to believe Jack is better than his father, despite his bad habits. There is a line I have to walk."
