JAX: I’m serious, Sloane. You don’t have to deal with this alone.
SLOANE: I know. Thank you.
JAX: Always.
I stare at that word. Always. Like a promise.
My phone buzzes again.
JAX: The chickens say happy early Thanksgiving. They’re very grateful they’re not turkeys.
And just like that, I’m laughing in my car in a grocery store parking lot.
17
SLOANE
Wednesday night, the night before Thanksgiving, I’m lying in Riley’s guest room staring at the ceiling when my phone lights up.
JAX: Can’t sleep?
SLOANE: How did you know?
JAX: You just liked an Instagram post from 2022. Figured you were scrolling at 1am instead of sleeping.
SLOANE: Busted.
JAX: What’s got you up?
SLOANE: Thinking about tomorrow. Family stuff.
JAX: Nervous?
SLOANE: A little. Things have been weird with my parents since everything happened. Don’t know what to expect.
JAX: Whatever happens, you’ve got this. You’re stronger than you think.
SLOANE: Don’t feel strong.
JAX: You left a nine-year relationship that was killing you. You’re rebuilding your entire life. You’re doing the hard work in therapy. That’s strength, Sloane. That’s fucking courage.
Tears prick my eyes.
SLOANE: Needed to hear that.
JAX: Just the truth. And hey, if it gets overwhelming tomorrow, you know where to find me. Standing invitation.
SLOANE: Your family wouldn’t mind a stranger showing up?
JAX: You’re not a stranger. My grandmother would try to feed you until you explode, and my brothers would embarrass me, but it would be chaos in the best way.
SLOANE: That sounds nice actually.
JAX: So, come. After your family thing. Or instead of it. Whatever you need.
SLOANE: I’ll think about it.
JAX: Good. Now get some sleep. You need to be rested for battle tomorrow.
