Page 24 of The Summer We Played Pretend

“Yes?”

“If either of us are uncomfortable with where this is going, we end it. Amicably and calmly. You don’t need anymore drama this summer, Chlo.”

I force a smile. I really don’t. The breakup with Brendan was enough drama for one summer. So why does it feel like all these ground rules haven’t contributed anything to making me feel more in control of this situation? Why do I feel like this thing with Jackson is an emotional train wreck waiting to happen?

I press my lips together and keep my focus on the ocean. More importantly, why don’t I want to put a stop to this here and now, even knowing I’m heading for disaster?

Chapter Eleven

Jackson

Ican't stop staring at my phone, willing it to buzz with a message from Chloe. The diner around me hums with lunchtime chatter, but I'm lost in my own world of worry. Something feels off, and I can't shake the nagging sensation in my gut.

My sandwich sits half-eaten, forgotten as I scroll through our recent texts for the hundredth time. Did I say something wrong? Is she okay?

A shadow falls across my table, and I look up to see Tyler.

"Hey, Jackson," he says, sliding into the seat across from me. "You look like you're a million miles away."

I force a smile. "Just got a lot on my mind. What's up?"

Tyler shifts uncomfortably, his gaze darting around the diner before settling back on me. "Listen, I went for lunch with Melissa at Joe’s and I heard something that I think you should know. It's about Brendan and Chloe."

My heart rate instantly kicks up a notch. "What about them?"

"I don't want to cause any trouble, but Melissa said I should say something..." Tyler leans in closer, lowering his voice. "Brendan's been acting weird, man. Like, really weird when it comes to Chloe."

I grip my phone tighter. If he’s hurt her again, I’ll kill him.

"What do you mean, weird?" I ask, struggling to keep my voice level.

"Just...not cool, you know? I heard him talking about her, and it did not sound good."

I lean forward, my sandwich completely forgotten now. "Tell me everything."

Tyler takes a deep breath, his brow furrowed with concern. "Alright, so I overheard Brendan bragging to some of the guys at work that he’s going to get Chloe back."

My jaw tight, I silently vow to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. No matter what Brendan's up to, he's not getting anywhere near her. Not if I have anything to say about it.

"What the hell? Why did he cheat on her if he wants her back now?"

"I don't know, man. But it's bad. One of the waitresses told us the boss is pissed too because Brendan's been blowing up her phone during shifts. She said it’s more like harassment than trying to win someone back."

I grip my phone so tightly my knuckles turn white. No wonder she’s barely texted me in the last few days. She’s probably been trying to avoid her phone.

"That's messed up," I growl.

Tyler nods. "I know. That's why I had to tell you. She doesn't deserve this crap."

"Thanks for letting me know, Ty. I'm going to put a stop to this."

"What are you going to do?" Tyler asks.

"Whatever it takes to keep Chloe safe. Brendan's not going to get away with this.” I meet his gaze and grin. “Do you happen to know if he’s still at work?”

Tyler scratches his chin. "Yeah, actually."

"Thanks, man. I appreciate the heads up."

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