Page 66 of A Perfect Fit

A mischievous grin forms on his lips. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

My heart does somersaults as I head for the door. Jackson’s really going above and beyond for this fake-boyfriend thing. High school me would be in absolute shock if she heard me say this right now, but I’m happy that it’s him—and not anyone else—being my fake boyfriend. And like Jackson said to Patricia at the reunion, we’re not in high school anymore.

As I make my way to the elevators, I think of something I can do for him. A little token of appreciation.

Hopefully, I can get it done before the awards night in Chicago.

Chapter Eighteen

JACKSON

“This is the client contract for RS Enterprises for your review and signature,” Clarissa says, placing some papers on my office desk.

“Thanks, Clarissa,” I say. “I’ll get it signed before I head to Chicago this afternoon.”

She nods. “I’ll have three copies of the slides for your pitch with Vertical Technologies this morning printed for you shortly.”

“Don’t worry about it. I can do that myself.”

Clarissa pushes up her glasses. “It’s no trouble. It’s part of my job.”

“It’s a one-minute walk to the printer,” I say. “You’ve got enough on your to-do list already.”

“Fine.” She gives me a pensive smile. “You know, you’re just like your father. He always insisted that nothing was beneath him.”

A stinging feeling stabs my chest.

It’s been over a month since I commenced my CEO role, and I thought I would’ve transitioned seamlessly into it by now, but most of the time, I feel like I’m some kind of imposter here. Every time I glance at the city skyline outside my office windows, I wonder what it’d feel like if I were doing something else—like designing buildings instead of sitting inside this one.

Many people would love to be a CEO, so I’m probably only being ungrateful for the opportunity Dad gave me.

“I’ll leave you to it,” Clarissa says, breaking my train of thought. “Call me if you need anything else.”

“Will do.”

After she leaves, I print off my slides for my pitch, doing a final round of preparation before my meeting.

An hour later, after a successful pitch to Vertical Technologies, I return to my office and grab a folder on my desk, preparing to head outside. I’m picking Isabelle up this afternoon for our flight to Chicago, but there’s something I want to give to her before then.

It’s been raining nonstop for the past three days, and the humidity’s been crazy—I’ve been sleeping with the AC on most nights—but it’s finally stopped raining now.

When I arrive at The Daily Brew, the bell on the door jingles as I push it open, stepping inside.

“Uncle Jace!”

I turn to the source of the voice, Anna, who’s skipping over to me, her eyes glimmering with delight. I squat to give her a hug, a grin spreading across my face.

“Hey, kiddo. What are you doing here? Where’s your mom?”

“Mommy and I are having a day out.” She giggles. “She’s here, too.”

“Hey, Jackson,” Lucy says, walking up to me and Anna. “Perfect timing actually. Would you mind staying with Anna for a few minutes? I need to make a phone call outside.”

“Of course, Luce,” I say. “Take your time.”

“Thanks.” She gives me a smile and walks out the door.

Mischief scatters on Anna’s cheeks. “I’m almost finished with my drawing, Uncle Jace. Can I show you when I’m done?”