Page 25 of Redemption

She didn’t mince words, did she?

Before I could answer, the waitress delivered our food, and Sloan dug into her pancakes. I didn’t have much of an appetite, so I pushed my food around my plate.

“I was discharged from the Navy.”

“Are you okay?” She scanned my face. “Were you injured?”

I shook my head. That would’ve been almost preferable. At least then, I would’ve left with honor not in disgrace. “I got into a fight.”

Sloan arched an eyebrow. “About what?”

“Doesn’t matter.” I shouldn’t have let that asshole get in my head.

“Jackson,” Sloan chided. “Clearly, it matters if it’s the reason you were discharged from the Navy.”

I sighed, sensing she wasn’t going to drop it. I’d already told her more than I’d intended, and despite not knowing her very well, I trusted her.

Before I could stop myself, I said, “Long story short, while we were out one night, this asshole said something…derogatory to my buddy. And—” I curled my hands into fists beneath the table, remembering those hurtful, ignorant words. Remembering the way my friend had told me to let it go. To pretend it didn’t matter. “—I punched him.”

Sloan nodded, seemingly not surprised. “Sounds like he deserved it. You’re a good friend.”

It was so nice to have someone take my side. I hadn’t expected that. I hadn’t expected her to understand. But she had.

“The asshole filed assault charges, and the Navy was forced to discharge me.” I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “I’m lucky I had such a good rapport with my chain of command. They gave me only a general discharge and the chance to earn an honorable discharge if I keep my nose clean.”

She stayed close, and I realized that her eyes weren’t just green. Gold flecks danced in them. They were captivating, and I found it difficult to look away.

“Is that what you’re doing at the club? ‘Keeping your nose clean’?” She used air quotes.

“I’m trying to,” I admitted. “And I needed a job.”

“As a bouncer?” Her expression was incredulous.

“Look,” I huffed, annoyed that she would look down on me for my job. Perhaps she was like those rich girls she’d been hanging out with. “You don’t have to understand it, but it works for now.”

“Jackson.” She opened her mouth as if to speak then closed it. Opened it again. “I’m not judging you for your choices, but even I know that you don’t belong there.”

“Oh yeah?” I scoffed. “You know that? Because you know me?”

She rested her forearms on the table. “I know enough about you to know that being a bouncer is a respectable job, but it’s not the job for you.”

“What would you have me do? Huh? Do you know how hard it’s been to find work? My buddy pulled some strings for me to get this job.” I hadn’t meant to admit that. I hadn’t meant to admit any of it.

“My…” She paused. Swallowed. “I know someone who works at a luxury hotel. Maybe they’re looking to hire someone in their security department.”

“Thanks.” I sipped my drink, annoyed with myself more than anything. “But no thanks.”

“If you change your mind,” she said, “the offer stands.”

“I appreciate it.”

“What about Greer?” she asked. “When are you going to tell her?”

“I’m not.”

She choked on her drink. “What?”

“You heard me.” No way in hell was I telling my family. My dad was one of the most decorated SEALs of all time, and I was a disgrace. Worse than a disgrace, I was pathetic. I couldn’t even control my temper.

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