Page 65 of The Fallen Man
Jackson rubbed his head and then dug in his pocket for some gum. Instead, he found a green plastic doo-dad that Katie had given him. He’d complained that he missed smoking because he liked doing something with his hands while thinking, and the next time he’d come over, she’d presented it to him. She’d said the magnetic gizmo that folded into various shapes was a fidget toy.
He put the toy down on his desk and then, after a moment,picked it up and unfolded it. Might as well give it a try. He liked the click and tug of the magnets coming together and then pulling apart. The stupid toy was actually kind of soothing. He smiled. Leave it to Katie to come up with something good. That girl was way too smart to be stuck bartending. He would have to do something about it if he kept seeing her. Except that he knew that if he offered her money, she’d kick him to the curb faster than he could pull his gun. Shehatedanyone who used others, and she would probably rather starve to death than be one of those people.
The previous week they’d been standing in line at the coffee shop, which was one of Jackson’s least favorite activities, but Katie had pre-modeling gig needs. And he also suspected that if he didn’t buy her breakfast she wouldn’t purchase anything but coffee. Katie was checking her phone, leaving him free to check the exits and sightlines. He didn’t see anything suspicious, but he angled himself perpendicular to Katie so that he could keep an eye on the entrance and on the barista.
“I’m serious!” exclaimed the woman in front of them. She was wearing athleisure wear of a brand that he recognized from Dominique’s closet, which meant it probably cost more than he considered reasonable. He checked her head and realized she was talking on earbuds, while clutching her iPhone in one hand. “Look, I don’t want to be so mercenary, but he has been out of work for six months. He’s cut my allowance to five grand a month. What the hell am I even supposed to be able to buy with that? If he can’t get it together I’m going to have to file for divorce. I am twenty-eight. I can’t allow him to drag me down while I’m still in my best years.”
Jackson glanced at Katie, but she didn’t seem to have noticed the appalling string of entitlement coming out of the woman’s mouth.
“Yes, he’s received some job offers, but the highest one wasonly four-hundred thousand a year. He is one of the top plastic surgeons in New York. He is doing important work. I think I made it clear that he’d better not settle for something like that. I mean, I know we need the money, but that is unacceptable. Hold on—” She rattled off a complex drink order to the barista, ending with a condescending “thanks, sweetie” before moving down to the drink collection area.
“Hi,” said the barista. “What can I get you?”
Katie dropped her phone in her pocket and smiled at the girl before ordering her drink. Jackson ordered two breakfast sandwiches and a black coffee with cream and sugar. Katie glared at him when he ignored the cash in her hand and put everything on his card. But then she unexpectedly shrugged and turned back to the barista.
“Thanks, sweetie,” she said and shoved all her cash into the tip jar. The barista flashed a wide grin and nodded her acknowledgment. Jackson chuckled.
“Pro-move,” he said, wrapping an around her and squeezing. Sometimes he wanted to hug her like she was his own personal stuffie. If Katie got any sweeter she would have been made of sugar.
“Follow me for more tips on how not to be an asshole,” Katie murmured. “Honest to God, her husband would be better off if she did divorce him. Maybe he might meet someone who doesn’t think he’s a walking black card.”
Jackson laughed as they moved toward the waiting area. For all her sugar, Katie had a spicy edge that made him more than a little bit hot.
“Oh, my God, Jackson!”
Jackson froze as the entitled bitch came back their direction carrying her drink.
“It’s Marissa Shaw! Well, I say Shaw, but I’m about to go back to my maiden name. Marissa Martin.”
“Marissa,” said Jackson. He had no idea if he actually knew her.
“We met at the Friends of the Trees Fundraiser! You were with Nika! We sure do love her at the Junior League.”
“Ah,” said Jackson. “Nice to see you again.”
“Nice to see you too,” she said, playfully patting his arm.
“Excuse me,” said Jackson, “I think I see our drinks are up.”
“Are you going to the Houston Gala?” Marissa asked brightly, turning to follow them, despite that Jackson had his arm firmly around Katie.
“I really don’t know,” said Jackson.
“Well, maybe I’ll see you there,” she said.
“Maybe,” said Jackson with a shrug.
“I know. I’ll just ask Nika.” Jackson gritted his teeth as Marissa used the family nickname again. “I bet she knows your schedule,” said Marissa with a laugh.
Jackson didn’t respond and stepped forward to get his drink. He handed Katie’s to her first.
“Anyway, I’ll see you around,” said Marissa cheerfully.
“Mm,” said Jackson, taking a sip, even though he knew it would be scalding hot.
“Bye!”
Marissa walked off with a cheerful wave.
