Page 103 of Prey Tell
I fall into bed a few hours later, dreaming of dark-blue velvet, long legs, and the smell of Juliet’s arousal.
* * *
The next morning, despite my pounding head, I decide to focus my energy on Jackson. I text Juliet, asking if we can meet a little later than planned, and she agrees. I send a few more texts to Luna, readying the castle for an outlandish lunch in the gardens. It’s sunny and warm, and it will be a nice place for her to take a break from her work. Maybe a little bit of fun as well. And then I can drive her home before her dinner with Jackson.
I ready the paperwork I’ve been planning to share with Jackson—the new regulations and employee guidelines that Saint Helena Academy has sent through. It’s official as of yesterday. I won’t make any mention of why I did it, but I will be sure he understands that his job is, and always will be, secure.
Smiling and whistling, I meet Jackson at the pub at noon, the folder under my arm. I can tell instantly that he’s nervous—his fidgeting fingers and the empty pint glass are two indicators. Slipping into the booth across from him, I’m fully prepared to tell him about acquiring Saint Helena, and if the conversation goes there, exactly how I feel about Juliet. But before I can get a word in, Jax lets out a heavy sigh and puts his face in his shaking hands.
“There’s something I need to tell you,” he says, his voice shaky.
I set the folder on the table. “You okay?”
He nods, running a hand over his face. “Fuck, why am I so nervous?” he asks, laughing.
“If you’re here to tell me you’re in love with me…” I joke, and he laughs again. It eases the tension somewhat.
He blows out a shaky breath. “I’m gay. Okay? I had this whole speech planned, but I’m sofuckingnervous that I have to tell you now before I shit my pants,” he continues, lips trembling.
“Thank you for telling me,” I say carefully.
Jackson snaps his eyes to me. “You’re not surprised?”
I shrug, taking a sip of the beer he already ordered for me. “I’ve known you since you were fourteen. You think I didn’t notice?”
Jackson looks flabbergasted, and I try not to smile. “But I—how did—” He runs another hand down his face. “I mean,howdid you know?”
The lingering glances at other men.
The way his heart never seemed to be into sex and women like mine was.
There were numerous instances where he’d light up with a man and go lackluster with a woman.
But I don’t say any of that.
“Do you remember what you said to me when we first met?” He shakes his head, visibly relaxing now that the cat is out of the bag. “I asked you if you knew who I was. You were being so goddamn nice to me, I assumed it was a prank. No one had ever treated me with respect, you know?” Jackson swallows, and I continue, finding my throat starting to constrict with emotion. “And you looked me right in the fucking eye and said, ‘You’re Chase.’”
Jackson laughs. “How meta of me.”
I chuckle. “So I suppose it’s the same with you. You’re Jackson, and I always noticed how you were attracted to men. I’m observant. But of course, I didn’t want to say anything, and it didn’t matter to me.”
Jackson nods once. “So you… it’s not weird that I’m…” he trails off, flustered.
“Jackson,” I say firmly, trying to reiterate my point. “First of all, thank you for telling me. I love you. I support you. Whenever you’re ready to talk more about it, I will be here to listen. You’re my best friend. Nothing will ever change that.”
Jackson’s eyes are brimming with tears. He nods again, taking a sip of his beer. “Well, that was easy.”
I laugh. “You should talk to Juliet.”
I realize my mistake the instant I say it.
“Jules?” he asks, brows raised.
I look down at the table, trying to make myself appear casual. “Yeah. I know she would want to know.”
It’s quiet for a minute as Jackson considers my words. I should have kept my goddamn mouth closed, because when I look back up at Jax, he’s watching me with a wary expression.
“What’s going on between you and my sister?”
