Things were out of control and Jennifer hated that feeling. In all her previous relationships, she’d always decided how things would go. She had always been leading. But this time, she’d found stronger than her. Way stronger. It was a completely new level.

Jennifer knew it wasn’t about the money. Bruce could certainly do things that many other men couldn’t afford to do, but it wasn’t what made him stand out. No, it was something else: he was just so mysterious, deep, secretive, bossy, strong and at the same time, vulnerable and sensitive.

Broken.

He’s rich, that’s for sure. He’s richer than most people on this planet. But what price did he have to pay to get there? Billionaire? Yes... but a dark one.

In the back of her mind, Jennifer expected to see Bruce coming and trying to hold her back. She knew he had guests to entertain, but she liked the idea that she was much more important, and that Bruce would run after her to make her stay.

It didn’t happen. He’ll probably call me later.

Jennifer heard the noise of a loud engine behind her, but it didn’t sound familiar. Bruce’s luxury cars usually sounded strong but much smoother and his sports cars were way more powerful. She couldn’t figure out what it was and went out.

In front of her, Jack - obviously embarrassed - opened the door and invited Jennifer to get into an old rusty green minivan.

That’s a joke, right?

Jack saw Jennifer hesitating and explained. “This is Mr. Wilson’s first car. His lucky van, as he likes to call it. He started his first company with it and says he will keep it as long as he’s in business. He insists you try it.”

Jennifer thought about Bruce’s ex-wife. If it was me leaving him back when he was driving that minivan, I’d never imagine he’d become so successful either.

“Thank you, Jack.” Jennifer said with a forced smile. “I’d like to see my grandmother. Do you remember the way?”

“Absolutely, Ms. Stuart.”

***

Jennifer spent the night at Margareta’s place and told her everything. She needed to be reassured and guided, and her Grandma was the perfect person to talk to in such a case.

Even though she told Bruce not to call her, she still hoped that he would and she continually checked her cell phone until her grandmother told her to stop.

“Relax, honey. Forget about him for tonight. He’s not going to call you.”

“How do you know?”

“The way I see him... Hum. Very unlikely. I think he’s a very proud man, and he will not call you back that easily.”

“You mean he’s stubborn.”

“Not necessarily, honey. He’s not a needy man. Look at his background, his story, or even his everyday life. I’m sure he deals with a lot of conflicts and rejection - he’s used to it. Don’t expect him to come crawling to your door...”

“I know... It’s not what I imagine either. But I don’t know, just a phone call or a text message. Anything to let me know that he cares or thinks about me, even though he’s probably partying like crazy right now...”

“Don’t over think too much. Give him some space...”

“Some space? Are you serious, Grandma? I barely see him, and we never meet. If I give him more space, there won’t be anything left!”

“Honey, why are you so scared? I can understand the appeal to be with a man like him but honestly. Don’t you have other options?”

“If you mean other dates, the answer is no. And it’s more than a date with him now. It’s serious...”

“It’s been a month, honey. Just a month. I hate to tell you that, but don’t get too carried away.”

Jennifer sighed. “It’s true. But you know, there’s also the pressure.” Margareta raised her eyebrows in surprise, inviting her to continue. “The social pressure, Grandma. The biological clock. The big 3-0 approaching and everything. I don’t want to screw up and lose him. I don’t want to be that girl who accumulates failures after failures in her love life.”

Jennifer paused. “I want to start a family... or at least find the one who will be the father of my children. Even if we don’t start right away, I want to believe I can have that peace of mind...”

“Do you trust him? Do you think he’s sincere towards you?”

Jennifer took her time to answer. “Yes, I think so. I’m not 100% sure though, but I guess I do. I want to, anyway.”

“So show him your trust and let him deal with his problems. Don’t interfere.”

Jennifer was a bit shocked. It didn’t sound like good advice to her. “But isn’t it dangerous to do that? If I let him get close to his ex-wife again, who knows what can happen. Plus, there’s a child between them now. I’m afraid she’s using the kid as leverage to get him back and...”

Margareta raised her hand. “If you’re right for him, he will let you know. Not the other way around. You have to be patient. You want to be with a big guy, so expect to deal with big problems.”

Jennifer took a deep breath. She knew her Grandma was right. “Thank you, Grandma. You’re so wise.” Jennifer said, hugging her. “You want to go out tomorrow?”

“Yes, let’s go to Central Park and take a walk to clear your confused little mind.”

“Deal.”

The next morning, when Jennifer woke up, she heard a text message. She scrambled to her cell phone to check it: it was Bruce! Her heart was beating. She quickly stood up and read his message: “I won’t be at the office tomorrow. Weekly meeting postponed to Tuesday morning.”

Disappointed, she exhaled loudly and went back to bed. She wanted to reply to ask him if they would meet today, but hesitated. She thought about what her grandmother told her about giving him some space, but she couldn’t resist. “Ok. Can I see you today? I feel bad, I need to talk.”

She waited two minutes. Five minutes. Fifteen minutes. She couldn’t do anything else but wait for his reply. Thirty minutes. My God! Yes or no? She was fidgeting with her phone when he finally replied. “Already have a meeting with my lawyer.”

She started to type to ask him how long it would take but changed her mind in the middle of her sentence. Damn it! She threw her phone on the bed and sighed. She knew what he would say. Something like, “Possibly the whole day.” It was useless trying to squeeze an unplanned moment with him in his schedule.

It was early morning and Jennifer was already pissed. What a nice way to start the day! She felt frustrated and angry at Bruce. Her mind was going crazy.

Margareta was still sleeping so Jennifer couldn’t shout, scream or throw anything. Finally, she decided to meditate to calm down, fifteen or twenty minutes, as she’d learned during her yoga classes.

She set the alarm on her cellphone and sat in a crossed-legged position on the bed. She closed her eyes and rested her hands on her thighs. Then she started to breathe, concentrating on nothing else but her own breathing. Slowly, she was able to clear her mind and relax.

When she opened her eyes, her grandmother was quietly sitting in front of her.

“Good morning, Grandma.”

“Good morning, honey. You didn’t sleep well last night? Or is your mind looking for peace?”

“Something like that.” Jennifer said stretching. “You want to have brunch? I know a good place, but I should call and book a table right now because they’re pretty busy.”

“Alright.”

Jennifer booked a table for two, took a shower, and took Margareta to eat outside. It was a sunny day and after eating, they went to Central Park to take a walk.

It was crowded with families playing together, couples cuddling and kissing, women pushing their babies in strollers, and people walking their dogs.

Jennifer sighed and looked at her grandmother. “I think I should get a dog...”

Margareta looked surprised. “I didn’t know you liked dogs. Will you have time to take care of it?”

“I mean, look around, Grandma. Happy families, sweet couples, and young mothers... everything I cannot have!”