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“You’re sure you want to go there today, after... you know.”
“Yep. I need to look forward.” Besides, Tim is gone. James has reassured everyone he won’t be a problem anymore. Part of me wants to ask what exactly that means, but the other part isn’t sure I want to know.
If I thought Cole was an enigma, he has nothing on his father. James Jagger is a man full of secrets and mystery that would seemingly do anything to protect his sons and the girls they care about.
I still can’t believe he has offered to pay the remainder of my boarding fees. It’s too much, but I know there’s no use in arguing. He’s a Jagger, after all, and I know just how stubborn they can be.
“Whatever you say, Hadley, baby.” Conner opens the car door, and Remi climbs in.
“Thank you,” I say. “For everything.”
“Always.” Understanding passes between us. “Listen, I know you said you didn’t want to come, but I did a thing. I got you a ticket for tomorrow’s game.” He pulls it out and passes it to me. “You should be there. Regardless of what happens with Cole, you should be there.”
Tears burn the backs of my eyes. “I’ll think about it,” I choke out.
It would seem I have a lot to think about.
“Hey, Hilary,” I say gingerly when I arrive at the coffee shop. “How’s Jeb?”
“He’ll be okay. Your friends took good care of him, but I told him to take the day off. I would have preferred you do as well.” She gives me a pointed look.
“I’m okay.”
“Do we need to talk about what happened?”
“Tim won’t be a problem anymore.”
“Oh, I know he won’t. I had an interesting chat with Mr. Jagger earlier.”
“You did?” My body tingles.
“He stopped by to offer to pay for the repairs.” She glances to the busted door. “He also wanted to personally reassure me that it won’t happen again.”
“I can’t believe he did that.”
“You know, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him before, but I’ve heard of him. He’s a real charmer. You take help where it’s offered, sweetheart. It was clear from how Mr. Jagger spoke of you that his family clearly cares about you. And from the little Valerie told me, I know you need this job.”
“I do.” I nod.
“You’re a good kid, Hadley. Smart and helpful. But I see the sadness in your eyes. It’s impossible to miss.”
“I—”
“It’s okay, we all have our story to tell. I just wanted you to know, I’m here. If you ever want to talk, I’m here. And if you need to pick up some extra hours to save for college, I’m sure we can figure something out.”
“Wow, thank you. That’s...” Tears prick the corners of my eyes. I don’t know if James planted the seed or Miss Jones, but it feels like Hilary is on my side. After everything, it means a lot.
It means the world.
“Hey,” her eyes light up as something catches her attention over my shoulder, “isn’t that your super-hot friend?”
“Hilary!”
“What?” she shrugs, moving over to the door. “I can appreciate a good-looking guy.”
“He’s in high school.”
“He won’t be forever though.”
