Page 46 of The Summer We Played Pretend

Dad turns. “You probably did. It’s been a day.”

I nod. “Work was busy.”

“Not that I’m complaining.”

“Me neither.”

“That social media stuff you’ve been doing has worked a treat.” He waves a spoon at me, and I dodge a splash of tomato. Dad looks sheepish. “Sorry, kid. Guess you’re trying to stay smart looking for Chloe.”

“Uh, yeah.”

“You don’t look too thrilled about a hot date.”

I sigh and lean against the kitchen counter. "It's just...Ethan's coming home soon. And he doesn't know about me and Chloe yet."

"Ah, I see. And you're worried about how he'll react?"

"Yeah," I admit, running a hand through my hair. "I mean, it's his little sister, you know? And with their Dad’s depression, he’s always looked after her.”

Dad sets down his spoon and steps closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Listen, Jack. You're a good man. Ethan knows that. And if you and Chloe care about each other, which I can see you do, then that's what matters most."

“I hope you’re right.”

He nods, squeezing my shoulder with a grin. "I always am. Just be honest with him. That's all you can do."

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, some of the tension unwinding from inside me. I’m still not looking forward to seeing Ethan but if everyone supports us being together, surely he’ll see the light too?

"Thanks, Dad.” I straighten and thrust a thumb over my shoulder. “I’d better get going.”

“Don't keep your girl waiting."

I grab my keys and head out, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement. My heartbeat quickens as the restaurant comes into view, its weathered sign swinging gently in the breeze.

As I’m pulling in, a screech of tires snares my attention and I watch as a delivery truck crashes into a parked car with a thud and bounces up onto the sidewalk.

The people nearby spring back and I quickly jump out the car, sprinting toward the chaos, adrenaline pumping through my veins.

"Hey, you okay?" I call out, jogging toward the truck.

The delivery driver stumbles out of his vehicle, looking dazed. "I... I don't know what happened.

I reach him just as his knees buckle. "Whoa, easy there," I say, supporting his weight. "Let's get you sitting down."

"Can someone call 911?" I say to anyone nearby and a woman nods, already dialing.

I turn back to the driver and ease him down to the sidewalk. "Any pain? Dizziness?"

He shakes his head, then winces. "My neck...it's a bit sore."

"Okay, try not to move too much," I advise, kneeling beside him. "Help's on the way."

The parked car's owner approaches, an older guy with red cheeks. He thrusts a finger at the driver. “For God’s sake, are you blind?”

I stand and place myself between the man and the driver. “It was an accident. I’m sure it can be all sorted out with your insurance.”

The man paces around his car. “Look at the state of this!”

“Jackson?” I spy Chloe heading toward me. "Are you okay?

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