Page 19 of Jax

Mia pouted. "I’m not scared. I don’t get scared.”

“Everyone gets scared,” replied Jax.

“Not me. Nope. Never.”

Jax didn’t want to push Mia on that. Clearly, it was important to her that she was brave no matter what challenges she faced. Hopefully, she’d learn that feeling your feelings wasn’t a weakness. It was a strength.

“What time is it?" she asked.

"Early," Jax replied, glancing at his watch. "But we should get up and keep moving."

"Where to?" she asked, curiosity lacing her voice. The innocence in her question tugged at his heart.

"Can't tell you yet," he teased, a small grin spreading across his face. "It's a surprise." The truth was, he didn't have it all figured out either, but he knew he wanted to give her something special—a moment of respite amid the chaos.

"Fine," she huffed, feigning irritation as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I'll just go get ready then."

As Mia disappeared into the bathroom, Jax's thoughts raced. He needed to make a plan, and fast. They couldn't stay in one place for too long, not with danger lurking in every shadow. But more than anything, he wanted to show Mia that there was still beauty in the world—that there was a life beyond fear.

The warm, buttery scent of freshly made pancakes wafted through the air as Jax held the diner door open for Mia. The soft jingle of the bell above the entrance announced their arrival. Inside, the cozy space was filled with laughter and the low murmur of conversation. The red vinyl benches and checkered tablecloths were a nod to simpler times.

"Table for two?" asked the elderly waitress, her eyes kind and welcoming.

"Please," Jax replied, glancing at Mia, who looked around the diner with an expression of awe. He could tell she felt out of place, but he wanted her to experience something authentic and homey, where she didn't have to hide who she was.

"Here you go, dears," the waitress said, leading them to a corner booth by the window. The sun streamed in, casting a warm glow on Mia's skin.

"Thank you," Mia murmured, sliding into the booth and picking up the menu. She looked at Jax with a smirk. “I thought I wasn’t allowed out and about,” she whispered. “In case anyone sees me.”

Jax shrugged. “We won’t draw attention to ourselves. But I think you’re allowed some freedom, don’t you?”

Mia swallowed and nodded. “If I can remember how to do it.”

As they scanned the options on the menu, Jax couldn't help but notice how Mia's green eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, what are you thinking about getting?"

"Maybe just some eggs and toast," she replied hesitantly. "I don't know. It all looks so good."

"Get whatever you want," Jax encouraged, his voice gentle and reassuring. "You deserve it. Have it all if you want."

Mia bit her lip and nodded, finally settling on scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns. As they sipped their coffee, waiting for their food to arrive, Jax noticed Mia's gaze drifting to the world outside the window.

"I’ve never traveled out of Chicago before," she admitted, tearing her eyes away from the scenery. "I've never really had the chance to travel."

Jax's mind began to race, an idea forming as he considered their situation. "Let's change that," he said with a determined smile. "Starting today. I’m taking you on an off-grid road trip."

Mia looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise and hope. "Really?"

Jax nodded. "There's this place called Pioneer Village at Spring Mill State Park, just a few hours from here. It's like stepping back in time to the 1800s. No modern technology is allowed. What do you say?"

Mia's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she set down her fork. "That sounds amazing. I'd love that."

"Great. We'll head there after breakfast," he said, taking a bite of his pancakes.

As they continued eating, Jax noticed that Mia kept eyeing his pancakes with interest. He cut a piece and held it out to her, a teasing smile on his lips. "You have to try this, it's delicious."

Mia looked hesitant but took the offered bite, her eyes widening at the taste. "Oh wow. I can't remember the last time I had syrup. It's really good."

"See? Told you," Jax said, feeling a warm satisfaction at seeing her enjoy herself. "Now finish up, we've got a living history lesson waiting for us."

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