"Why the mob? Why'd that pick that for a story?"
"My dad did a movie about organized crime. A big budget crime thriller. When he was researching it, he went to Vegas and interviewed all these guys who claim to be part of the mob. The tabloid got photos of him going to dinner with some of them and used the photos to support their story. That was all they had for proof. My dad was going to sue for defamation but decided it wasn't worth it."
"So it was all made up. I think Dante still believes it."
"He's talking to you again?"
"All the guys are. I'm back at their table."
I tell Jackson what happened at lunch and how Braden got mad and left.
Jackson laughs. "I wish I'd been there to see that."
"Braden threatened me when I got home, saying he's going to tell the police he overheard us talking about killing Kristen."
"The police would never believe him."
"I know. I told him that." I open my backpack. "Okay, let's do this. I want to get it over with."
We do homework for the next two yours. I need more like twenty hours to catch up but two is enough for today. I actually knew what I was I doing on the homework, which hasn't happened since I started at Twisted Pine. Having Jackson next to me helps me focus. My mind doesn't keep wandering to him because he's here, beside me. I love how he believes in me and wants me to do more than I think I can. Nobody's ever pushed me to do better. Even my mom didn't. She'd just tell me to have fun doing whatever I do.
"Jackson, you're not ready," Roman says, raising his voice. "I told you we're leaving at six-thirty."
Jackson checks the clock on the wall. It's six-twenty.
"Shit." Jackson sets his laptop aside and jumps up from the couch. "Give me five minutes."
"I'll see you later," I say as he races off.
He hurries back and gives me a kiss. "I'll call you when I'm home."
As I'm packing my backpack to leave, Roman comes up to me. "Has Brock dealt with the accusations against you?"
"He talked to his lawyer." I zip up the backpack. "She said I didn't need to worry about it, at least not yet." I stand up, swinging my backpack over my shoulder. "I should get going."
Roman walks me to the door. "We won't be back until late and Jackson needs his rest. He hasn't been sleeping well. I'm sure you understand."
"Yeah." I force out a smile. "Bye."
He doesn't want me coming over later. I thought he was okay with Jackson dating me but I think he changed his mind. I don't know what happened. Did I do something, or does he just not like me?
Chapter Seventeen
Later that night, around ten, Jackson calls. I tell him I'm spending the night at home, then realize I only did it because of his dad. Why am I listening to him? He can't tell me what to do. I should've just done what I wanted and stayed with Jackson.
In the morning, Jackson calls as I'm getting ready. "I know you have to leave soon but I just wanted to call and say how much I missed you last night. You should've come over."
"It was late and you sounded tired."
"Not too tired to see you."
"It feels awkward being there with your dad."
"Wait until my mom shows up. She tends to make people uncomfortable."
"Your mom's coming?"
"I don't know yet. She's thinking about it."
