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Jackson
Air conditioning cools my skin in the back seat of the car, providing some relief to my anger. I can't believe I just wasted my time. Of all the therapists, why Brinn?
I don't have the energy for this. Brinn’s positivity is an assault on my carefully constructed walls of apathy. She doesn't understand some wounds run too deep to heal.
I watch the passing palm trees out my window. There's something liberating about their swaying fronds, something I envy. If life could be as carefree as their dance in the wind.
Kennedy looks at me through the rearview mirror. "Got a call from your parents while you were in therapy," he says casually. I raise an eyebrow. "They wanted me to relay how eager they are to meet the fiancée you mentioned.”
I sigh. The weight of my mistake comes crashing back. I have no idea how I’m going to pull this off.
As we turn the corner, a local cafe catches my eye. The exterior has a charming simplicity, with faded paint and a slightly wornsign swinging gently in the breeze. That’s why I love this town, so many quaint spots that provide refuge when you need it.
"Stop here," I instruct Kennedy, who glances at me with mild curiosity. He brings the car to a halt in front of the cafe. I need a moment to escape the pressure of obligations with a good cup of coffee.
Exiting the car, I become keenly aware of the downside of small towns. Everyone here knows my family, knows me. We are the biggest name in security on the West Coast because of our high-profile clients. There is no escaping the curious gazes that follow my every move.
The atmosphere shifts as we enter the cafe, heads turning in our direction. Chatter dies down momentarily, replaced by the hushed whispers of a small community sharing secrets. I’m sure rumors of my injury spread like wildfire.
We both sit, but I can't escape the feeling that eyes are still focused on me. So much for the refuge. I order black coffee, needing its bitter taste to match the feeling settling within me. My mind drifts away as I take in its warmth.
Kennedy breaks our silence. "You’ve yet to tell me about your experience in the therapy room."
"It was terrible."
"How?"
"My therapist is Greyson’s sister Brinn."
"Greyson, your friend from childhood?”
I nod. "I ignored his sister for so many years, I think she caused me pain during her exam on purpose.”
"I'm certain that’s not the case. I remember she was always such a kind girl.”
He’s right. I’m being ridiculous. But I won’t admit that to anyone, even him.
“So, about this fiancée,” Kennedy changes the subject, tapping his fingers on the rim of his cup.
I clear my throat. “What about her?”
"We both know you don't have one."
"I'm working on it."
"I don’t feel comfortable being part of your lie, Jackson."
"I know. But I have a plan. Grandfather is hosting a huge gala for his upcoming retirement. I’ll find someone to play the part just for that one night.”
“Jackson,” Kennedy cuts in.
“Hear me out. I’ll take Grandfather aside for a private talk, persuading him that my military background makes me the clear candidate to lead the company. I’ll assure him of a future marriage commitment, explaining that for now, it would only serve as a distraction."
Problem solved.
“At the end of the night, my fake fiancée and I happily go our separate ways. I can’t let Trevor get his hands on the company. If this is what it takes to protect the family name, I’ll do it."
“I really don’t like this, but I agree Shieldify will fail with Trevor at the helm. To make this believable, though, you’re going to need someone you have a history with.”
