Page 69 of Echoes of a Southern Song

“Thanks, Aggie,” I say, leaning down to give her a quick peck on the cheek. “You’re the best.”

She waves us off with a smile. Jack and I head to his truck. As we drive into town, the weight of everything that just happened starts to settle in. I stare out the window, watching the world blur past, and let out a long breath.

“You okay?” Jack asks, glancing at me.

I nod slowly. “Yeah. I think I am. It’s just... surreal. All that time I spent worrying about a divorce and the money I spent, and you, it just seems so pointless.”

“It wasn’t pointless,” Jack says. “You faced it. You stood up to him. That counts for something, Jinnie. You put him in his place. I bet he never thought someone would stand up to him.”

“I guess I did,” I say softly. “But I couldn’t have done it without you. Or Aunt Aggie. Or Mr. Langley.”

“Yeah, but you were the one who had to sit there and tell your story,” he says, his eyes flicking to me for a moment before returning to the road. “That took guts. More than most people have.”

I sigh, leaning my head back against the seat. “I’m so glad it’s over.”

We get to the restaurant and sit down. Jack orders two chocolate milkshakes. Neither of us needs to look at a menu and go with classic burgers and fries.

“I can’t believe it,” I murmur. “I thought it would be awful. I mean, it was. But then it turned into a circus. That wasn’t even necessary because I was never really married.”

He grins. “Kind of the best possible ending to a garbage situation. Seeing him dragged out of there was awesome.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Yeah, it was.”

“You know what I think?” he says, swirling his milkshake with the straw like he’s giving it deep thought.

“What?”

“I think it’s time you tell your parents.”

I groan. “Jack.”

“No, seriously. Look how well it went with Aggie. And you always said your parents are even more laid-back than she is.”

“That’s true, but...” I hesitate. “It’s still different. I didn’t tell them anything. Not about the marriage, the trial, Sam being a full-blown scam artist. Nothing. They’re gonna be pissed.”

“They’re gonna be hurt,” he says, gently. “But I think they’d rather hear it from you. And I think you’ll feel a lot better after. It’s not right to make Aggie keep the secret from her sister.”

I exhale slowly. I know he’s right. I’ve been hiding from that conversation for too long. Maybe it’s time I stop pretending they’d be better off not knowing.

“Okay,” I say finally. “But you’re coming with me.”

He grins. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

“After lunch. I’m starving.”

Jack laughs, picking up his burger. “Deal. But don’t think I’m going to let you chicken out after this shake. You’re facing it today.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help smiling. “Fine. But if my mom starts crying, you’re on damage control.”

“Deal,” he says, raising his milkshake in a mock toast.

It’s been so long since I’ve felt this kind of peace, like I can finally breathe without the weight of Sam pressing down on me.

When the check comes, Jack grabs it before I can even reach for my wallet. “My treat,” he says firmly.

“You don’t have to—”

“I know,” he interrupts, giving me a look that shuts me up. “But I want to.”