You swing open the door and sigh when you see Jake standing there. You lean against the doorway, his presence seeming to weigh you down. “I thought I made it clear that I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“I’m sorry.” Jake says. He looks terrible, dark circles under his eyes and scruff on his face. “I never meant to hurt you.”

You shake your head, pain filling your gut. “You kissed Jessie Parker. That’s not something you can take back.”

“I didn’t kiss her!” He insists, his voice cracking. “I promise you. She kissed me and I pushed her away, but not before Helen saw, and she decided to tell everyone. I would never kiss her. I promise, Mary Beth.”

Your heart breaks a little more with every word he says. "Jake – "

“I would do anything to prove my love for you. I would stand in the rain for you.”

“You hate rain.”

“But I love you.”

Your breath catches. It’s the first time he’s telling you. “Do you?”

“I do.” He looks so sincere that you can’t help but sigh and take a step back.

“Come in. I forgive you.”