Page 98 of I Just Want to be Yours

“He’s going to win her back,” Mya says with a rueful smile.

A slow grin spreads across Dave’s face. “Fuck yeah, you are!”

I let out a laugh that quickly dies when Brian throws his head back. He just stares up at the sky for a moment with his fists clenched like he’s trying to find it within himself not to throttle me. When he does finally bring his attention back to me, his mouth is set in a thin line. “You’re serious?”

I nod.

He gives me a warning stare. “This better be worth it.”

“It will be.”

He shakes his head and turns away from us. After a few steps he turns back around and points at me. “I swear to God, Jackson, if you come back here with no girlfriendandwe don’t have a song, there’s going to be hell to pay.”

I just stare at him, holding my breath until he turns and keeps walking.

Brady crosses his arms over his chest and chuckles. “You are one brave son of a bitch.”

Marty snorts. “Brave or stupid. Brian’s right, we should ride the wave while it has momentum.”

Dave nods. “We should, but sometimes there are things more important than work. I had to learn that the hard way with Lynn.” He looks over at me with a grin. “Go win Margot back, and then we’ll record the song.” He looks at Mya. “For now, optimize the content you’re posting as much as possible. Have Jackson record an acoustic version you can post to keep it relevant, and we’ll hype up the release of the single.”

Mya pulls out her phone and starts typing. “On it.”

Catching Dave’s eye, I say a quiet “Thanks,” and he nods in response.

“All right,” Dave says as he claps his hands together. “The business stuff is taken care of. Now for the real question. How are you going to get her back?”

Excitement surges through my veins. Even if this doesn’t work, I’ll at least know I gave it my best shot. I’ll know I did everything I could. Letting out a breath of laughter, I scratch the side of my head and try to hide my panic. “I have no idea.”

56

margot

The arcade bar is fun.I mean, it’s loud and packed, and it would probably be a lot more fun if I didn’t keep seeing Jackson in people who are definitely not Jackson. But I’m okay. I’m doing better than I thought I would.

I’m stable.

Coasting.

Along for the ride.

We only got here a little while ago, and Matt and Rae already started bickering about who could beat the other at Skee-Ball. Rae may have no interest in video games, but she has a competitive streak. She and Matt are now side by side, ready to face off, while Braden and I hang back to see how this unfolds.

“Who’s your money on?” Braden leans in a little closer to be heard over the loud music and overlapping game sounds.

I give him my best smile. “Rae. Always Rae.”

He puts his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “I don’t know.” He drags out the words. “I’m pretty sure Matt’s chivalry dies as soon as someone keeps score. And this has points.” He shakes his head. “Forget it.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “And you don’t think Rae can win on skill alone?”

Braden sucks in air through his teeth. “Matt plays lacrosse. If Rae beats him at this, he may need to hang it up.”

My lips twist. “We’ll see, I guess.” I turn my attention back to our friends, but Braden leans in again.

“I heard what happened. I’m sorry.”

My chest tightens. Giving him a quick glance, I offer a tight-lipped smile. “Thanks.”

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