Page 92 of Shattered Melodies

Jimmy nodded, but I could see the skepticism in his eyes. He knew better than anyone how relentless the media could be, how far they would go to get a scoop or a scandal.

But before he could say anything else, the bell above the diner door jingled. I glanced up out of habit, my heart stuttering in my chest as I saw who had walked in.

Jake. Fucking Jake Thompson, in the flesh.

He looked different than the last time I had seen him, more mature and filled out. The baby fat had melted away from his face, leaving behind chiseled features and a strong jaw. His hair was shorter, neater, and he wore a crisp uniform shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders.

But his eyes were the same. That piercing blue, that hint of mischief and danger that had always made my stomach flip and my pulse race.

He caught my gaze from across the room, and I saw a flicker of recognition, of surprise. And then he was walking towards us, his steps sure and steady.

“Liam,” he said as he reached our booth, his voice low and smooth. “Fancy seeing you here.”

I felt my hackles rise, my defenses slamming into place. “Jake. What are you doing here?”

He shrugged, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Can’t a man eat at a diner anymore? I was just passing by, saw your car out front. Wanted to make sure you were okay, after last night and all.”

I gritted my teeth, feeling a flush of shame and anger wash over me. Of course he would bring that up, would throw my moment of weakness back in my face.

“I’m fine,” I said shortly, my voice clipped and cold. “Thanks for your concern, but it’s not necessary.”

Jake held up his hands, his expression turning serious. “Hey, I didn’t mean anything by it. I was just worried about you, that’s all. Those guys were out of line, and I wanted to make sure they didn’t do any lasting damage.” He turned to Jimmy, holding out his hand. “I’m Jake, by the way. Old friend of Liam’s.”

Jimmy shook his hand, but I could see the wariness in his eyes. He knew something was up.

I softened slightly, feeling a twinge of guilt. Jake had always been like that, had always had a way of getting under my skin and pushing my buttons. But he had also always been there for me, even when I didn’t want him to be.

“I appreciate that,” I said finally, my voice grudging. “But I can take care of myself, Jake. I don’t need you swooping in to save the day every time I get in a scrape.”

He nodded, his eyes searching mine. “I know that, Liam. Believe me, I know. But sometimes… sometimes it’s okay to let other people help, you know? To lean on your friends when things get tough.”

I gritted my teeth, embarrassed that he was bringing this up in front of Jimmy. “I’m fine,” I said shortly. “Thanks for your concern.”

Jake nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Well, I better get going. Enjoy your dinner.”

With that, he turned and walked away. I watched him go, my jaw clenched and my appetite gone.

Jimmy was staring at me, looking like he was ready to jump out of the booth and go after Jake. “What the hell was that about?” he demanded. “Who is that guy?”

I sighed, pushing my plate away. “That was Jake. And don’t worry about him.”

CHAPTER 26

Another Chance

CALEB

Sitting at my desk, surrounded by a sea of financial documents and receipts. The numbers swam before my eyes, a dizzying array of expenses and income that never seemed to balance out the way I needed them to.

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand over my face. I was exhausted, mentally and physically. I had been poring over these documents for hours, trying to find some way to make the math work, to keep the ranch afloat for just a little while longer.

But it was like trying to plug a leaking dam with my bare hands. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how many late nights I put in or how many corners I cut it was never enough. The bills kept piling up, the debt kept growing, and the future of the ranch - the future of my family’s legacy - seemed to slip further and further out of reach with every passing day.

I was so lost in my own thoughts, so consumed by the weight of the responsibility that had fallen on my shoulders, that I didn’t even hear my dad come in at first. It wasn’t until he cleared his throat, the sound loud and jarring in the stillness of the room, that I finally looked up.

“Hey, son,” he said, his voice soft and concerned. “How’s it going?”

I sighed, leaning forward and resting my elbows on the desk. “Not great, Dad. We only have a couple of weeks left before the deadline, and I’m worried. I don’t know how we’re going to make it.”

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