Page 76 of Faking It With My Pucking Protector

“Brad,” I manage. “He showed up.”

Jenna’s expression hardens instantly. “What? Are you okay?”

I nod before I can think better of it but then shake my head.

“He said his firm is pulling funding.”

The words feel like stones in my mouth.

Jenna’s whole body stills. “Wait.What?”

“He said he’s recommending they don’t renew their donation next month.”

Her breath hisses through her teeth. “Unbelievable.”

I laugh, but it’s a bitter, unraveling sound. “It’s fifteen percent of our budget, Jen. I counted on that money. We all did.”

“I know,” she says immediately. “He’s using his influence to punish you.”

“Exactly,” I whisper. “He knows how much it matters. That grant program, the bookmobiles. The vans are already scheduled through next spring.”

Jenna steps in closer and squeezes my arm. “Hey. Look at me.”

I meet her steady gaze, even though my chest knots.

“This isnotthe end,” she says fiercely. “We’ll find other donors. We’ll make this work.”

Hot tears press behind my eyes again, but I blink them back.

I swallow against the lump in my throat. “I just hate that he can still do this. That he knows exactly where to hit.”

Jenna softens, her grip gentler now. “You’re allowed to be rattled, Ava. But we are not defeated.”

I let her words settle over me, like armor.

Then I straighten, just a little.

“I need to finish the event,” I say. “I need to get through today before I fall apart.”

Jenna nods. “Then let’s get through today. But when it’s over, we regroup, and we make a plan.”

I exhale slowly. “Deal.”

She opens the door for me, and the sounds of the event spill back in. Laughter, footsteps, someone calling for more juice boxes.

I step through it, shoulders squaring, my eyes scanning the room.

When I spot Jackson, he’s kneeling next to Liam, handing him some glitter, Noah bouncing beside them, mid-dragon growl. His head turns slightly, and our eyes meet across the space.

There’s no question in his face, just quiet readiness.

Like if I so much as lift my hand, he’ll come.

And I almost want to.

Not because I can’t handle this.

But because for the first time in a long time, I won’t have to do it alone.