Page 22

Chloe

T he clatter of plates and the murmur of conversation fill the restaurant as I weave between tables, balancing a tray of steaming clam chowders but my mind keeps drifting to Jackson's hands on my body.

"Order up for table seven," the chef’s gruff voice snaps me back to reality.

I hustle to deliver the chowders, plastering on my best waitress smile. "Enjoy your meal, folks."

As I turn back toward the kitchen, my heart skips a beat. Brendan strides purposefully toward me, his jaw set in that familiar way that always spells trouble. We’ve been successfully avoiding each other since our last disagreement.

I slip behind the swinging kitchen door, grabbing a pitcher of water and pretend I can’t see him.

He places himself directly in front of me. "If it isn't my favorite ex-girlfriend," Brendan’s voice cuts through the kitchen noise.

I roll my eyes. “What do you want, Brendan? I’m busy.”

“I just wanted to say congrats.”

I narrow my gaze. "Congrats?”

“About you and Jackson. I hear you’re the hottest couple in town now.”

I try to brush past him, but he blocks my path, his once-favorite cologne now turning my stomach.

“You’ve done a great job of making everyone think you’ve moved on.”

“I have moved on,” I say. “And so have you, remember?”

Brendan’s eyes flash with something dangerous—anger? Jealousy?

"Chloe?” One of the waitresses motions to me. “Table twelve needs refills."

"Coming!” I set the jug down and hustle to make the refills, but Brendan is still hanging around when I return with the empty glasses.

“I’ll help with that.” He flashes a smile and snatches the tray from my hands.

“Brendan, I need—”

He walks away before I can grab the tray back, forcing me to follow.

"Everyone's talking about you two." He leans closer, his breath hot on my ear as I try to reclaim the tray. "Funny, I never pegged you as the type to move on so quickly."

"People change, Brendan," I say, reaching for the tray as he twists away. "Besides, you're hardly one to talk about moving on quickly."

"At least I was honest about it. Everyone thinks you were cheating on me with Jackson.”

The accusation hits me like a slap. I grit my teeth. “Everyone?”

Brendan shrugs, waving the tray like a taunt. "Yeah, seems like you two look like you’ve been at it for a while."

I snatch the tray back. "You don’t get to judge me, Brendan. Not after what you did."

Brendan’s jaw tightens as he steps closer. "Come on, Chloe. You really expect me to believe there's nothing weird going on? You and Jackson? It just doesn't add up."

I grip the tray tighter, willing my hands not to shake. The clatter of dishes and murmur of diners suddenly feels oppressive, closing in around me. I take a deep breath, steeling myself.

"There's nothing to 'add up,' Brendan," I say, keeping my voice low. "Jackson and I are together. It's that simple."

He lets out a harsh laugh. "Simple? Please. A guy like Jackson would never be interested in someone like you." His eyes rake over me, making me feel exposed. "Face it, Chloe. He’s not going to stick around once he realizes you’re just a naive little virgin."

For a split second, I’m Brendan’s girlfriend again, worrying about whether I’m wearing the right thing or if he’s pissed off at me. But one thing is for sure—this breakup has revealed his true colors.

“You know what,” I say, snatching the tray back, “you’re right. It doesn’t add up. It’s really weird that I ignored my feelings for Jackson all this time, but thank goodness, I finally figured it all out.”

“He won’t stay,” Brendan spits. “He’ll get fed up with waiting like I did—”

“And cheat on me?” I shake my head. “Not every man is as weak and as pathetic as you, Brendan.”

My words hang in the air, a tense silence settling between us. Brendan’s face reddens, his fists clenching at his sides.

“You’re making a big mistake, Chloe,” Brendan sneers. “Jackson may play nice now, but he’ll show his true colors soon enough. You’ll regret this.”

I lift my chin. “I very much doubt that. Jackson treats me with respect and kindness—something you never understood.”

Maria’s voice cuts through the tension. “Chloe, Brendan. Office. Now.”

My stomach drops. I’d been so caught up in standing up to Brendan, I’d forgotten we were in the middle of a shift. As we follow her to her cramped office, I can feel the curious stares of coworkers burning into my back.

Maria closes the door behind us. “Whatever’s going on between you two, leave it outside. This is a workplace. Got it?”

“Yes,” we mumble in unison.

As we shuffle out, Brendan shoots me an angry look before heading to the kitchen. I grab my serving tray, determined to throw myself back into work. I can’t believe I let Brendan get under my skin.

The rest of my shift passes in a blur of forced smiles and dodging Brendan’s glares. By the time I hang up my apron, a nagging worry lingers in my stomach. What if Brendan figures out we were faking it initially?

“So what if he does?” I mutter to myself as I climb into my car. It doesn’t matter now. We’re together—officially. Whatever anyone else says can’t change that.

As I drive home, the day’s events loop endlessly in my mind. Turning onto my street, I see the familiar sight of home bathed in the warm glow of dusk and some of the tightness in my stomach eases. I let myself in, the scent of my mom’s cooking wrapping around me as I sit down at the kitchen island.

“Rough day, sweetheart?” she asks. “I just made coffee if you want one?”

I nod, taking a sip of the coffee she pushes my way. “Brendan was being a jerk at work today.”

“I know I’m not meant to express opinions about my children’s relationships, but I’m so glad things ended with him.”

“I wish you’d told me what an asshole he was.”

“Would you have listened?”

“Probably not,” I admit.

“If it’s any help, I don’t think Jackson is an asshole.”

I smile at how weird that word sounds coming from her. She always avoids swearing.

“He really isn’t,” I agree. “I just wish I didn’t have to keep dealing with Brendan.”

“Could you talk to Maria about it? Have her schedule you on different shifts?”

“She just wants us to get on with it. I don’t think she has time to worry about two kids and their dumb breakup.”

“I’m sure Maria’s not that heartless. You said she was sympathetic before.”

“That was before we had a full-blown argument in front of customers.” I grimace.

“Chloe, this won’t be the first time you clash with someone, and it won’t be the last. Not everyone will like you or be kind to you. The main thing is ensuring you feel justified in your behavior.”

I hug the coffee mug close. “Brendan was awful, and he needed to be put in his place.”

Mom squeezes my hand. “Then you did the right thing. Sometimes you have to make a bit of noise in life.”

“I’m not used to drawing attention.”

“I know, honey, but I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I lean into her with a sigh. This summer isn’t turning out to be nearly as simple as I thought, but I’m proud of myself for being more honest and not letting people walk all over me.

“Talk to Maria,” Mom says, turning back to the cooker. “It can’t hurt.”

“I will,” I promise. The worst she can say is no, and I’m realizing it won’t kill me to speak up for myself.

And I'm also realizing I have Jackson to thank for helping me finally understand that.