My Darling Jane (The Darlings)

While I’m walking out of the training facility, my phone buzzes with a call from Graham—Emmy’s husband and Jane’s brother-in-law.

“How’s that baby girl doing?” I ask him. Emmy and Graham have a one-year-old named Hazel. They’ve been in Greece for a few months staying at a villa he bought.

Graham’s voice is all laid back. “Good. She’s taking a nap at the moment.”

I picture them there, the ideal little family under the sun in Santorini.

“Magic’s turned into the local star. He roams around and makes friends with the neighbors,” he adds, chuckling as he mentions their cat. “How are things with the team?”

I slide into my car, thankful for the blast of AC. “I’m sure you’re keeping up with the news. Dalton Talley arrived for training. He’s got potential but needs to adjust to the switch from college.”

“You showing him the ropes?”

I laugh, shaking my head even though he can’t see. “Trying to. Kid’s a bit cocky, but he’s not hopeless. We’ve been working out together and going through tape.”

“Good, good. Hey, so . . . Emmy says you and Jane have been getting close. You took them to the park?”

I pause, my head adjusting to the change in topic. Emmy and Jane talk, so he knows about us, obviously. “Yeah, we’ve been hanging out.”

Hanging out. Or more specifically, I’ve spent most nights at her place since Andrew moved out. I usually show up after Londyn goes to bed, and we end up sleeping on the couch. I then slip out around five, before Londyn wakes up. Tonight she is getting a sitter and coming to my place.

He clears his throat, as if gearing up for a hard convo. “Look, Jane’s solid, you know? After the hand she’s been dealt, she doesn’t need anyone stirring up trouble in her personal life.”

“It’s not some game for me,” I say, my grip tightening on the steering wheel. “I like her a lot.”

Graham hesitates, then hits where it hurts. “I’m sure you do, but it’s just your history. You tend to just let things fizzle out when it comes to relationships. Or am I wrong?”

His comment reminds me of my own fear, the one where I’ll end up hurting Jane.

And I can’t think of one thing to say to defend myself.

He clears his throat. “She has more than just herself to think about.”

“I know.”

“She needs someone who’s all in.”

Defensiveness rears its head. “Wow. I thought you were calling just to chat, but this feels like an interrogation. And my relationship with Jane isn’t really your business.”

He tsks. “She’s my sister-in-law, so yeah, I have a say, and if you’re not ready for what she needs, you’ve got to own that. Dating someone so close to my family changes things.”

“It’s not something I entered into lightly. I’ve known her for a long time.”

“I know, but if things don’t work out, it could put everyone in an awkward spot. Not just you and Jane.”

Fine, that thought has crossed my mind, but hearing it from Graham makes me even more anxious.

“What about your friendship with me?” he asks.

“I value our friendship, you know that.”

“Yeah, but if things end badly? If you end up hurting her, I’m not sure how to handle that.”

My throat feels dry. “Believe me, I’m trying to navigate this as carefully as I can.”

“This whole situation could get messy.”

“Yeah, I get it,” I say sharply. “You keep repeating yourself.”

Graham exhales, the sound heavy with frustration. “I didn’t call you up to pick a fight. I’m worried about Jane, but I’m worried about you too.” His voice softens. “I called because I care, not to lecture.”

I hear Emmy’s voice in the background, and Graham says something to her. “Hey, I gotta go. I’m here if you wanna chat.”

Then he’s gone, and I exhale, his words swirling around in my head.

Being with Jane isn’t simple. Not when every moment with her feels like I’m walking a tightrope between wanting more and fearing just how much I could cause her to lose.

Graham’s call is a reminder, illuminating the fears I’ve been shoving into the corners of my mind. Jane and I started this with a clear agreement, but lines are starting to blur. After we have sex, all I want to do is hold her close. I want to make her smile. I want her to need me.

And the idea of hurting her, of being the reason there is pain in her life, knots my stomach.

Then there’s Londyn.

Jane deserves someone who won’t retreat when the going gets tough.

Can I be that person?