and hands-on. Amy couldn't imagine her giving up any kind of control to another person when it came to her children.
Jenna didn't take offence. She grinned and dug into her plate of California sushi rolls, a hamburger and onion rings. Amy almost wanted to ask her if she was pregnant again. It was a weird combination and a ton of food. But even Amy knew it would be out of line to ask.
"I hated the idea at first, but Vince insisted I needed a nanny to help out with Lola. He wanted me to take time to pursue my own hobbies. Turns out I don't know how I ever lived without Sharon. And it's not even the extra hand when it comes to cooking and cleaning and taking care of the kids, it’s the conversation. She's a good friend."
"Sounds like it. Where did you find her?" Amy was legitimately curious about the nanny situation. Where did one find a nanny? Were they expensive? Maybe if Amy got a third job she could afford one.
“Vincent and Jared knew her from their biker days. I think she hung around the club or something. Jared even dated her for a few weeks."
It was like having a bucket of water thrown in her face. Amy sucked in a breath and told herself to calm down. Of course, a man of Jared's age and experience would have had girlfriends in the past. She just hadn't been confronted with one yet. But a biker chick? How could someone like Amy even begin to compare with that? She’d never even been on a bike until a few weeks ago.
As if reading her mind, Jenna reached out to touch the back of her hand. "Hey, it's not a big deal. Honestly. I think it was a mutual split. They tried dating but were too different to make it work. They each went their separate ways, no hard feelings. They still talk when Jared comes over to the house."
Somehow, that last bit didn't make Amy feel better. "Jared and I don't have much in common," Amy mumbled.
Jenna blushed and set her fork down, a worried expression on her face. "I'm sorry, I'm really bad at this. I shouldn’t have said anything. Honestly, there’s nothing going on between Jared and Sharon. He has no feelings for her other than friendship. Trust me. What he feels for you is way different. It's like, when he's on the job or at the house his mind is always on you and there's always this half smile on his face. Not something I've ever seen before. He adores you and dotes on your sisters. You have nothing to worry about."
Amy sighed deeply and shook her head as if trying to shake away the negative thoughts. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm not usually this insecure. But then, I've never dated anyone like Jared before. He's just so… larger-than-life, I guess."
"Yeah, that's a good way of putting it. I felt the same about Vince when I met him. Those guys are just too much."
Jenna picked up her burger and took a big bite of out of it, closing her eyes and relishing the taste. She waited to swallow the food before she started speaking again. "When I first met Vince, he seemed impossible to me. Too big, too tattooed, too grouchy."
Amy let out a giggle. Jenna's description of her own husband was very close to how Amy described him in her mind.
Jenna continued, "But he turned out to be everything I could've ever hoped for. He is the exact opposite of my ex-husband. He's kind, gentle with me and the kids, attentive and super protective."
"That's exactly how Jared is with me and my siblings," Amy said enthusiastically.
Jenna nodded knowingly. "Jared has a huge soft spot for women and children." Seeing the look on Amy's face she was quick to reassure her, "No, he doesn't go picking up women anywhere and everywhere, he just doesn't like seeing a woman in distress. Not that you're in distress." Jenna smacked herself in the forehead and grimaced. "This is probably why I don't have more friends."
Amy laughed so hard she spit out some of her Coke. "No, it's fine, I like hearing about Jared. Honestly, I'm not worried about other women, you’ve reassured me."
"Good, because he's a great guy and he's absolutely head over heels for you. I'd hate to be the one to do something to damage your relationship."
Now it was time for Amy to reassure