Page 43 of The Summer We Played Pretend

He fixes me with a knowing look. “Yeah, I believe you.”

As Jackson hands me a drink, I can't help but compare this to my dates with Brendan. It was fun at first, being his girlfriend. Like a novelty. But after the first few months, it grew more difficult. Was I wearing the right thing? Would I be the perfect girlfriend for him?

I can’t believe I wasted so much time with that idiot.

But at least I’m here. With Jackson. Making up for so much lost time.

"Hey, Chlo," Jackson says, waving a hand in front of my face. "You okay? You zoned out for a second there."

I smile, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Yeah, I'm good. Just thinking about how nice this is. How different..."

I trail off, not wanting to bring up Brendan, but Jackson seems to understand. He reaches out, gently squeezing my hand.

"I'm glad you're here," he says softly. "With me."

I pluck a strand of grass from the ground. “I guess my only regret is I didn’t figure this out sooner.”

Jackson nods. “I get it but I guess I kind of believe things are meant to happen for a reason.”

“Like fate?”

“I suppose. I just think maybe we weren’t ready for each other.”

“Youwerea bit of an idiot when you were younger,” I concede with laugh. "Remember that time you and Ethan tried to build a treehouse in our backyard? God, that was a disaster."

Jackson groans. "How was I supposed to know your dad's power tools were off-limits?"

"I mean maybe because they're power tools?" I bite into a sandwich.

"Hey, I didn’t chop any limbs off. That’s the main thing."

“But you did cut through my Mom’s fairy lights.”

Jackson takes a sip of his drink and laughs. “I’m pretty sure she still hasn’t forgiven me for that.”

“Oh yeah, she’s still mad about that for sure. Every summer, she tells my dad not to cut through the new onesjust like Jackson didwhen he trims the hedges.”

Jackson's expression softens. "Your mom has always been good to me.”

I nod. “She loves you really.”

“Does that mean she won’t mind me dating her daughter?”

Dating. I can’t help but love that we’re that official. “I think she’ll be thrilled actually.”

He leans in toward me, his face mere inches away. I can smell his aftershave and my whole body tingles in anticipation.

“I’m pretty thrilled myself,” he murmurs.

My heart skips a beat and I move closer but a distant rumble catches my attention. I look up, noticing for the first time the dark clouds gathering on the horizon.

"Uh, Jackson?" I gesture toward the sky. "I think we might be in for some rain."

He sits up, scanning the sky with a furrowed brow. "Crap. I checked the weather and it was meant to be fine.”

“The curse of living by the sea.”

“Don't worry, we've got time.”

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