Page 28 of The Summer We Played Pretend

"Jackson is more than his job," I tell him. "He's kind, genuine... everything you're not." Even as I say it, I can feel myself growing stronger.

"Chloe, come on," Brendan tries to recover, reaching out as if to placate me with a touch. "I didn't mean—"

"Save it," I cut him off, stepping back before he can make contact. "My choices are none of your business. Not anymore.” The air between us is charged, and I stand taller, feeling an unfamiliar surge of empowerment. "And I won't listen to any BS about Jackson.”

Brendan stares at me for a few moments. He's used to the Chloe who would shrink under his criticism, who would question her worth. But that Chloe is gone now, and I’m so, so glad.

"Whatever," he mutters.

I've hit a nerve, and we both know it.

It's weird watching him walk off, his tall frame retreating, defeated. Relief washes over me. I shouldn't have to defend my choices to anyone, least of all Brendan Thompson.

Turning back to the drink station, I let out a long breath. Jackson would be proud of me.

And then a smile tugs at my lips as I think of Jackson. No one can make me feel like him.

"Chloe, table six is waiting on their drinks!" calls out my manager, snapping me back to reality.

"Got it!" I reply, balancing the tray as I weave through the tables. Each step feels lighter, each breath a little easier. I stood up for myself. I told Brendan where to go.

I wish I’d done it years ago.

Be real with me,Jackson’s voice echoes in my head, from that night we vowed to be honest with each other.

And yet, here I am, tangled in a web of half-truths, pretending not to feel things that are as real as the ache in my chest whenever I see him smile.

I deliver the drinks and head back to pour more, pausing to lean against the shelves, a box of straws digging into my back. Jackson deserves honesty; he's given me nothing but since day one. But how do I admit what I'm only just starting to acknowledge myself?

"Chloe?" My manager Maria approaches.

“Sorry.”

“Is everything okay?” Her forehead is creased in concern.

I smile brightly. “Of course.”

“I heard you and Brendan broke up. If you need a moment…”

The idea of everyone talking about us, of knowing Brendan cheated on me, sends a little shiver down my spine.

“I’m okay,” I say firmly, drawing myself straight. Because it’s the truth. This Jackson stuff might be messy, and I might even be opening myself up to heartbreak if we continue playing pretend, but Jackson is real. He’s good and kind, and maybe I can just absorb some of that for this summer and let it all go when I go off to college.

After all, there’s one thing I do know—Jackson is good for me. He’s helped me be stronger and realize what a shitty boyfriend Brendan was. Without even trying, he’s healed my broken heart and allowed me to finally stand up for myself.

No matter what this summer holds, I will always remember that.

Chapter Thirteen

Jackson

The sand crunches under my feet as I scan the beach, searching for Chloe among the cluster of friends near the water. My heart skips when I spot her standing apart from the group, her hair dancing in the breeze as she stares out at the waves. Even from here, I can sense the weight on her shoulders.

Had Brendan been harassing her again? If he has, I swear I’ll kill him.

I approach carefully. "Hey, Chloe," I say, keeping my tone light.

She turns, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she manages a small smile. "Oh, you’re here."

---