Page 45 of Fairy Tale Lies
Greta rested a hand on his bicep, hoping to calm him. She didn’t want Cindy to treat Jacob rudely. At the same time, her sister didn’t need to feel guilty for tonight’s earlier disaster. “Let it go, Jacob. Please.”
“Let me guess, Cindy not answering her phone is your fault. Just like Blake isn’t accountable for his actions because he decided to drink.”
Greta swallowed her anger. He wasn’t being fair, but she didn’t want to fight. Not after the incredible night they’d shared.
Instead, she studied her sister and regretted Jacob’s harsh words. Cindy was staring at her feet, toeing an exposed nail on the wooden floor of the gazebo. No doubt, Jacob’s accusations had wounded her.
She caught Greta’s gaze. Nope. She’d read the situation wrong. Of course Cindy didn’t care what opinion Jacob had of her. She rarely cared what others thought of her. Greta envied this about her sister. Mischief overflowed in Cindy’s eyes, and her frown had become a broad, troublemaking smile.
Oh, great.
“Yes. I heard. A couple of the partygoers mentioned there was an altercation between you and Blake…”
Jacob shrugged. “Yeah. So?”
“I saw Blake. You did a number on him. Watching him walk with a limp and two black eyes wasextremelygratifying.” Cindy paused, studying Jacob. “He’s a spiteful man. He will try to get you back.”
Cindy was full of surprises. First, an actual apology, and now, concern for Jacob.
Greta glanced to the sky.Yup. Full moon.Twisting around, she faced Jacob. “I told you…”
Another unconcerned shrug. He wasn’t grasping the seriousness of the situation. “Whatever. Blake can come after me, and I’ll kick his ass again.”
“Oh, he won’t use his fists,” Cindy interjected. “He’ll fight in a way he knows how to win. The rumor is he’s talking about pressing charges.”
“He was sporting for a fight.” Greta scooted off the table, her gut twisting in knots.
She never should’ve let Jacob pick her up from the party. Heck, probably never should have agreed to start dating him in the first place, knowing Blake would start trouble.
She was making their lives more complicated. And for what? A summer fling?
Eyeing Jacob, she recalled their night together and the laughter filled weeks with him. Maybe he was worth it.
He turned, resting his feet on the bottom bench, all nonchalance. However, when he stretched, she caught him trying to conceal a wince.
She scooted closer and placed a hand on his knee. “You should have told me your back’s bothering you.”
“I’m fine. It only hurts when I move.” His eyes gleamed with humor, but it did nothing to alleviate Greta’s concern.
“Anyway,” Cindy dragged out the word, turning their attention back to her. “He’s telling people you crashed the party and attacked him for no reason.”
Greta couldn’t help rolling her eyes. “Anyone who witnessed the fight will say different, and Jane won’t care that Jacob was there once I tell her he was with me.”
“I know. I’m only letting you know what Blake’s been saying. He’s furious and wants revenge. He’s found people willing to say Jacob threw the first punch.” Cindy faced Jacob. “Did you?”
“Yes. The prick had it coming. I swear, the way he was talking about Greta…”
She held up her hands. “I have no doubt he deserved it. However, if I were you, I’d stay away from him.”
“Easier said than done. I’m still working through legal stuff at Swift. I’m not worried. Anyway, I’ve dealt with assholes before.”
Dread bloomed in Greta’s stomach like a deadly disease. Jacob may have dealt with rude people before. However, Blake’s vindictiveness was the stuff of legends.
Everything was getting more complicated by the minute. Sorting her overwhelming emotions toward Jacob was enough. Now added to the mix was the growing trouble with Blake.
She needed to focus on one crisis at a time. Right now, getting home at this late hour and avoiding her mother’s questions was at the top. Staying with her parents, she’d regressed into a fifteen-year-old. It was humiliating.
Sighing, she stood. “It’s late. We better get home. We’ll worry about this tomorrow.”
