Page 94 of Ashes of the Past
“You’re a terrible liar,” he says with a smile as he walks over and pours himself a cup of coffee.
I chuckle nervously, trying to play it cool. “What makes you think I’m lying?”
John gives me a pointed look over the rim of his coffee mug. “Son, I’ve known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. I can tell when you’re not being straight with me.”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Look, John, it’s complicated. I don’t want to cause any trouble or upset anyone.”
He sets his mug down and leans against the counter, crossing his arms. “This have anything to do with Brynn?”
My heart skips a beat at her name. “What makes you say that?”
“I’m not blind, you know,” he says with a knowing smile. “I’ve seen the way you two look at each other when you think no one’s watching. And I saw you sneaking out of her house earlier.”
My eyes go wide, and I inhale slowly. I’m half expecting him to tell me to stay away from her, but instead, he claps me on the back.
My heart races as I try to think of an explanation. “I… uh…”
“Relax, son,” John says, clapping me on the shoulder. “I’m not here to give you the third degree. You’re both adults.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “We didn’t want anyone to know yet. It’s still new and we’re trying to figure things out.”
John nods understandingly. “Your secret’s safe with me. But you might want to work on your stealth skills if you want to keep it under wraps. You’re not as sneaky as you think.”
I chuckle, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “Thanks, John. I appreciate your discretion.”
“Just be careful,” he says, his tone turning serious. “Brynn’s been through a lot. I don’t want to see her get hurt again.”
“I would never hurt her,” I say firmly. “She means everything to me.”
John studies me for a moment before nodding. “I believe you. Just remember, this is a small town. People talk. And not everyone will be as understanding as I am.”
I nod, taking his words to heart. “We’ll be more careful. I promise.”
Just then, we hear footsteps approaching. Olivia enters the kitchen, her eyes still heavy with sleep.
“Morning, Popo, Mr. Jack,” she yawns, making a beeline for the refrigerator. “What are you two whispering about?”
John and I exchange a quick glance before he smoothly replies, “Just discussing some repairs needed on the north fence. Nothing too exciting.”
She nods absently as she pours herself a cup of orange juice. “Work that neither of you should be doing.”
I laugh to myself. For twelve years old, she’s wise beyond her years. John smiles and chuckles, too.
“She reminds me of her grandma,” he says softly. “So does her mom. She’d be so proud of them both. Her grandma was smart as a whip and could figure things out before anyone else.”
As she shuffles out of the kitchen, John gives me a pointed look. I nod, understanding his warning. We’ll need to be more discreet going forward.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Brynn
“Hey, I’m headed to Joanne’s for the birthday party. Would you guys like to ride with me?” Jack offers on Sunday afternoon.
I hesitate, biting my bottom lip as I remember last night in his truck. My face heats up. As much as I want to spend more time with Jack, I also know that I need a little space. The memory of last night in his truck is still too fresh, too distracting. I can barely keep my thoughts straight when he’s around, let alone pretend everything is normal in front of Olivia.
“No, thank you. I need to stop at the flower shop first, and I don’t want to hold you up.”
It’s not a total lie but mostly an excuse.
