Page 10 of Jackass

“I don’t,” she replied sternly. “I don’t have long for my break, Jack. I have to get back to work. I’m sorry, but I need you to go.”

“I want to see you again.”

“No,” she said.

“Why?”

“Jack, you were great, really. It was the best night of my life, but I was only looking for one night. That was it. I’m still not looking for more.”

“Then give me one more night.”

“No.”

That was it. That was all she said. No explanation, no chance to convince her before she walked back into the restaurant and went back to work.

She didn’t want me.

She never took our table back from the other waitress.

I watched her flit around the room, taking care of everyone else.

All I wanted was to take care of her.

Once we were done with dinner, I tried to talk to her again, but Joellen stepped in. Joellen owned The Diner, and she ran it like a general in the Marines. You didn’t argue with Joellen unless you wanted to get banned from The Diner. She didn’t care who you were. She would kick your ass to the curb and make sure it hurt.

So I left.

I wasn’t giving up, though. She was mine, and I would wait as long as I had to for her to get on board.

For weeks, I continued to show up at The Diner. I was there every day, either for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Sometimes, more than one. I barely spoke to Sammy. I didn’t want her to run.

Joellen kept a close eye on me. She wouldn’t hesitate to kick me out again. I was determined not to give her a reason to do just that. I was polite. I acted as though Sammy was nothing special, but I sat in her section every chance I had.

Sammy needed to get used to me being around. She needed to be comfortable with me. So I joked with her. I flirted with her but kept it light.

Eventually, we became friends. Once she was more relaxed having me around, I heated things up. She was adamant about keeping me in the friend zone, but I knew I would wear her down one day.

Chapter Two

Jack

Present Day

“You ready to go?” I looked down at Beck as she sat scribbling on a piece of paper.

“Almost. I just have to finish this list.”

“Well, hurry up. We need to get back before Blade does. He’s gonna kick my ass when he finds out.”

She laughed at me. She knew I was full of shit. Blade knew I was taking her shopping today.

After everything that happened with Grant, and then her mother, Blade didn’t want her going out alone. He was an overprotective bastard, but then we all were when it came to the Prez’s niece.

“Ok, Jack, I’m ready.” She grabbed her list and her purse and followed me outside.

“Keys,” I demanded, holding my hand out to her.

“What?

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