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“Who has done nothing but take care of me. Look, it was really good to see you, but I’m not going anywhere. I won’t leave him, and I definitely am not going to do anything to help Augustus.”

“You used to care about doing what was right,” Anna snapped. “Now, this… This place, your job, that suit. I don’t even know who you are.”

“Well.” Jimmy smiled sadly, recalling Anna’s earlier comment about Rolexes and a swanky condo. “I’m starting to think you never did.”

“Jimmy, please. I want to help you. My dad wants to help you.”

“I’m good,” Jimmy said stubbornly. “Really.”

“You’re going to get yourself killed or end up in prison like your dad,” Anna warned. “I don’t want that for you. We can still get you out of this mess. You could come stay with me or Dad. I might be able to help you find a new job.”

“Your generosity is amazing.” Jimmy laughed bitterly. “I’m just, wow, blown away. You know I almost starved one time? And oh. There was that time I nearly died because I couldn’t afford to go see a doctor. I was gonna be homeless more times than I can count. And where was your concern then? Where was Anna and Augustus wanting to save Jimmy then, huh?”

Anna was silent.

“Oh but now! Now that I’m with Cold, all of a sudden you want to come save me,” Jimmy went on, too disgusted to care how nasty he was being. “What freakin’ right do you have? You can’t just magically pop up and pretend all those years you weren’t there for me didn’t happen and decide that you and Augustus know what’s best for me!”

Jimmy was on his feet, his anger compromised by his aching heart. He had been in love with Anna once. It hurt deeply that she had only come here to do Augustus’ bidding.

“I think it’s time for you to go,” Jimmy said quietly.

Anna stood before winding her arms around Jimmy’s shoulders to pull him into a gentle hug. She sounded broken as she whispered, “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t… I wasn’t always a good friend. I know that. I can’t take it back, and I’m sorry. If you ever change your mind—”

“I won’t,” Jimmy promised her, but he couldn’t stop himself from hugging her back. “It… it really was good to see you.”

“You too.” Anna sighed, still holding him close. “Maybe I’ll come and catch your show sometime?”

“Yeah, I’m sure Augustus would love that.”

Anna pulled back to fix Jimmy with a stubborn look. “I really don’t always listen to Augustus, you know. I am my own person.”

Jimmy raised a skeptical brow. “Really?”

“In fact, I have my own dating drama. Not nearly as exciting as dating a gangster, but I’m dating a cop.”

Jimmy burst into laughter. “Wow. I bet Augustus freakin’ loves that.”

“It’s his partner too.”

“Holy crap, okay,” Jimmy conceded with a chuckle. “Anna Duplin is her own person. Got it.”

“Damn right I am. And I didn’t just come here because Dad told me to. I came because I really care, Jimmy. This is crazy.”

“I know, but I’m happy. Maybe I am crazy, but this is it for me. I really wish you all the best, Anna, I do, but I’m not going anywhere.”

“Well, you’re an idiot,” she said with a small laugh, “but you’re a grown idiot, and I can’t change your mind, so.”

Jimmy hugged her tight, closing his eyes and rubbing her back. He knew now that the distance between them would likely never be repaired, but he could hold on to this moment. He could remember the girl he loved and the friendship he mourned, but he knew that some things were just not meant to be.

“If you try to print any of what we talked about, I’ll sue you for libel,” Jimmy teased.

Anna laughed. “You’re not a lawyer yet.”

“Yeah, well, I can afford one now. So, just watch out.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Anna promised, kissing Jimmy’s cheek.

Jimmy blushed.