Free Return to You by Samantha Chase Page A

reunion—something fun —was a herculean effort. If I had mentioned to you that I had seen James, talked to James, you would have bailed on me.”
    â€œNo I wouldn’t have,” Selena argued.
    Jen rolled her eyes. “Don’t even,” she snapped. “He’s the reason you haven’t come home for so damn long! You know it; I know it. I’m not saying your reasons aren’t valid, but at least be honest with yourself!”
    â€œWhy him?” Selena cried, frustrated with the entire situation. “Of all the police stations in the county, why did you have to go to his?”
    â€œHonestly? Because the whole damn situation scared the hell out of me. I had been talking to just about everyone I knew about it, and the thought of going to the police, knowing full well there wasn’t going to be much they could do, was overwhelming. When Kent suggested going to see James, I thought that maybe, based on our previous friendship, he’d be more willing to do something.”
    â€œAre you even part of his precinct?” Selena asked. Jen looked at her oddly. “I mean…in a case like this, it would seem like it would be easier and more efficient to speak to someone in your local police station.”
    â€œHe is,” Jen replied and then paused. “I was actually surprised he worked so close by and that I had never seen him around before. Weird, right?” Her attempt at humor fell flat.
    â€œYou should have told me.”
    â€œMaybe,” Jen said begrudgingly. “But I wanted you here; I wanted to see you. I had no idea things were going to go like this.”
    â€œSo you weren’t going to try and orchestrate some sort of surprise meet between me and James?”
    â€œI didn’t say that,” Jen began, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
    â€œWell, even though you didn’t plan it, seeing him was one hell of a surprise,” Selena sighed. “Not a happy one if his reaction was anything to go by.” She went on to share their conversation and subsequent kiss. “I don’t know what he’s so angry about; he was the one who walked away.” She paused. “It’s funny, but even after all these years, I still kept thinking he’d want to come and find me. After the way he reacted tonight, I’m kind of glad he never did.”
    So many things were on the tip of Jen’s tongue, things that would set the record straight, but she knew they were things that had to be hashed out between Selena and James without her getting too terribly involved. She had to be careful and not give too much away. It was important for Selena to finally talk to James, but knowing Selena, she had to do it in her own way and in her own time. Jen just needed to prompt her a little bit.
    â€œI think you need to talk to him,” she began carefully. “The awkward part is over now; you’ve seen each other, and you’ve had initial contact. It’s been a long time coming; the two of you just need to sit down, talk, and get some closure.”
    â€œI just don’t understand…”
    â€œTalk to him, Selena. Trust me.”
    Selena’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Jen. “You know something, don’t you? You know why he left, don’t you?” Her voice rose with each word.
    â€œSelena…” Jen warned, holding her hands up to defend herself.
    â€œI need you to be honest with me, Jen. We never really talked about it…except that night. Did you know more than you were telling me?”
    â€œI don’t think it really matters—”
    â€œOf course it matters! Am I wrong about what I’ve been thinking? Did something else happen that I didn’t know about?”
    â€œWhat difference is it going to make?” Jen asked with frustration.
    â€œYou were my friend, damn it, and you’re sitting here doing your best not to say anything, but I can see it in your eyes