Page 11

Jackson

I can't stop staring at my phone, willing it to buzz with a message from Chloe. The diner around me hums with lunchtime chatter, but I'm lost in my own world of worry. Something feels off, and I can't shake the nagging sensation in my gut.

My sandwich sits half-eaten, forgotten as I scroll through our recent texts for the hundredth time. Did I say something wrong? Is she okay?

A shadow falls across my table, and I look up to see Tyler.

"Hey, Jackson," he says, sliding into the seat across from me. "You look like you're a million miles away."

I force a smile. "Just got a lot on my mind. What's up?"

Tyler shifts uncomfortably, his gaze darting around the diner before settling back on me. "Listen, I went for lunch with Melissa at Joe’s and I heard something that I think you should know. It's about Brendan and Chloe."

My heart rate instantly kicks up a notch. "What about them?"

"I don't want to cause any trouble, but Melissa said I should say something..." Tyler leans in closer, lowering his voice. "Brendan's been acting weird, man. Like, really weird when it comes to Chloe."

I grip my phone tighter. If he’s hurt her again, I’ll kill him.

"What do you mean, weird?" I ask, struggling to keep my voice level.

"Just...not cool, you know? I heard him talking about her, and it did not sound good."

I lean forward, my sandwich completely forgotten now. "Tell me everything."

Tyler takes a deep breath, his brow furrowed with concern. "Alright, so I overheard Brendan bragging to some of the guys at work that he’s going to get Chloe back."

My jaw tight, I silently vow to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. No matter what Brendan's up to, he's not getting anywhere near her. Not if I have anything to say about it.

"What the hell? Why did he cheat on her if he wants her back now?"

"I don't know, man. But it's bad. One of the waitresses told us the boss is pissed too because Brendan's been blowing up her phone during shifts. She said it’s more like harassment than trying to win someone back."

I grip my phone so tightly my knuckles turn white. No wonder she’s barely texted me in the last few days. She’s probably been trying to avoid her phone.

"That's messed up," I growl.

Tyler nods. "I know. That's why I had to tell you. She doesn't deserve this crap."

"Thanks for letting me know, Ty. I'm going to put a stop to this."

"What are you going to do?" Tyler asks.

"Whatever it takes to keep Chloe safe. Brendan's not going to get away with this.” I meet his gaze and grin. “Do you happen to know if he’s still at work?”

Tyler scratches his chin. "Yeah, actually."

"Thanks, man. I appreciate the heads up."

As I stand, Tyler grabs my arm. "Jackson, just... be careful, alright? Brendan might be all mouth but he can be an asshole when he wants to."

I give him a tight smile. "Don't worry. I've got this."

The short drive to Joe's feels like an eternity. My hands grip the steering wheel, knuckles white. I can't stop thinking about Chloe and how she deserves so much better than Brendan's BS.

One of the waitresses approaches me as soon as I enter the busy restaurant. "Table for one?"

"No, thanks," I say coolly. "I'm actually looking for someone."

That's when I spot him.

Brendan, weaving between tables with that cocky smile of his. I clench my fists involuntarily.

I stride across the restaurant, my attention fixed on one person and one person alone. I've gotten in trouble in the past for stupid fights but I've never felt like this before. The heat pulsing under my skin makes me feel like I could do something really dangerous.

Brendan's going to regret ever going near Chloe.

Brendan's taking an order, his back to me, that perfectly tousled hair of his catching the light. My jaw clenches. How many times had I seen Chloe run her fingers through that hair?

"Brendan," I call out, my voice low but firm.

He turns, confusion flickering across his face before recognition sets in. His blue eyes narrow, that charming smile morphing into something more guarded. "Jackson? What are you doing here?"

I keep my voice level, despite the anger bubbling beneath the surface. "We need to talk."

Brendan glances at the family whose order he was taking, then back at me. "I'm working, man. Whatever it is, it can wait."

I step closer, close enough that only he can hear me. "No, it can't."

Someone like Brendan’s not used to people standing up to him, I realize. For a moment, I see uncertainty in those blue eyes of his.

But then the cockiness slides back into place. He smirks, leaning in. "What's the matter, Whitaker? Things not going well with Chloe?"

Fists clenched at my side, I struggle to keep my control. I want nothing more than to wipe that smug look off his face, but I force myself to stay calm. This isn't about me. It's about Chloe.

"I know what you've been doing," I say, my voice low and steady. "The calls, the texts. It stops now."

Brendan's eyebrows shoot up. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

I can feel the eyes of nearby diners on us now. The last thing I want is to make a scene, but I'm not backing down. Not when it comes to Chloe.

"Cut the crap, Brendan," I growl. "Leave her alone. I mean it."

Brendan's eyes narrow, his smirk turning into a sneer. "Oh, I get it. Playing the hero for Chloe, are we? How cute." He leans in closer, his voice dripping with disdain. "You really think she'd want someone like you? A guy from the wrong side of town with no future?"

"This isn't about me," I say, fighting to keep my voice low. "It's about Chloe. She deserves better than your harassment."

Brendan laughs, a sharp, cruel sound that grates on my nerves. "Harassment? Please. She wants my texts. Why else would she make such a show of being with you? She’s trying to make me jealous."

I can feel my nails digging into my palms as I struggle to maintain control. The urge to grab him by his crisp white shirt and shake some sense into him is almost overwhelming. But I can't. I won't stoop to his level.

"Just because you can't accept that she's moved on doesn't give you the right to torment her," I tell him. "Back off, or we'll have a real problem."

Brendan’s smile wavers briefly. "Whatever, man," he scoffs, taking a step back. "You're wasting your time. Chloe and I have history. You're just...temporary."

The words strike. Hard. They’re too close to the truth for my liking. I’m only here to play pretend and Chloe did love Brendan once.

What if she still has feelings for him?

I suck in a breath and fix Brendan with my steeliest look, drawing myself up to my full height.

"History is exactly what you are," I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

"You don't call her. You don't text her.

You don't even think about her. Because if I hear you've so much as breathed in Chloe's direction again, I promise you'll regret it. "

Brendan's Adam's apple bobs as he swallows hard. "You can't—"

"I can, and I will," I cut him off, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm not some high school kid you can push around. Test me on this, and you'll find out exactly how serious I am."

A nearby waiter drops a plate, the crash momentarily breaking the tension. When I look back at Brendan, I see it—real fear flashing across his face. Good.

"We done here?" I ask, not really expecting an answer.

Brendan takes a step back, his earlier bravado completely evaporated. "Yeah... we're done," he mutters, unable to meet my gaze.

As I turn to leave, a small part of me feels guilty for the intensity of the threat. But then I think of Chloe putting up with that crap and I know I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I push through the swinging doors of the restaurant, taking in the fresh air and trying to still my racing pulse.

A couple walks by, hand in hand, reminding me of all the times I've wanted to reach for Chloe's hand but stopped myself. She's Jake's little sister. Off-limits. But after everything that's happened...

I pull out my phone, thumb hovering over Chloe's name in my contacts. I should check on her, make sure she's alright. But what would I even say?

Hey, Chlo. Just threatened your ex. Hope that's cool.

Yeah, that'd go over well. Just what she needs. Some macho shit on top of Brendan’s harassment.

Instead, I type out a simple message: You free to talk later?

As I hit send, I make a silent promise. No matter what happens between us, I'll always be there for her. To protect her, support her, and make her laugh when she needs it most.

Because that's what you do for the people you...care about. Right?

I shove my phone back in my pocket and head back to work.

"About time you showed up," Dad calls out as I push through the door. He's bent over the engine of Mrs. Grayson's ancient Volvo, grease smeared across his forehead. “That was a long lunch."

"Sorry," I mutter, grabbing my work shirt from the hook. "Had to take care of something."

Dad eyes me suspiciously. "Everything all right, son?"

I hesitate, wrestling with how much to tell him. "Yeah, just...Chloe stuff."

His expression softens. "Ah. She doing okay?"

"She will be," I say firmly, more to convince myself than him. "I'll make sure of it."

As I slide under a car, I can't shake the image of Brendan's smug face. The guy's a total jerk, but he had one thing right—I'm just a grease monkey from the wrong side of town with a bad history. She’s a smart, beautiful girl ready to take on the world. What could I possibly offer Chloe?

I stare at the underside of the car and try not to picture anything other than what exists, right here, right now. I guess all I can offer for now is whatever Chloe needs— friend, protector, or something more—I'll be there. No matter the cost to myself.