C28

"You still believe in us? After the way I acted?"

Jacob sighed heavily, "Yes... Yes... Of course I do... Why else would I try to take you out on dates every single night?"

Rachel looked at him curiously as she considered his words. A small part of her wondered whether she shouldn't trust Jacob more after all since he was so insistent on treating her with kindness when she deserved none of it. "What about that other girl? Did you stop seeing her?"

"No," Jacob replied softly as he placed a reassuring hand on the side of her face. "As hard as I tried to quit her, I haven't been able to because she's always been such a great friend."