“What the fudge is going on in here?” Jane comes into the office and narrows her eyes at the destruction Jack left in his wake. “I’m cutting you off- no more sugar for you.”
Jack looks horrified at the thought and quickly begins cleaning up after himself. “I’m sorry, Jane; I just got so excited when Oliver agreed to join our pack.”
Jane walks over to me, tears in her eyes, and pulls me into a hug. “You have a pack?”
“I have a pack,” I confirm, squeezing her tightly as she starts sobbing into my shirt. “I hope you know you’re still my family too.”
“I wish I could have done more for you over the years, Oliver; I was scared that if I overstepped too much, I would never see you again. You know the cops here look out for their own. They wouldn’t have done anything if I had gone to them about your sperm donor.”
I nod, not really knowing what to say. I know she’s right. The cops would have made her life a living hell if she went to them, accusing one of their brothers in arms-of abusing his kid.
“We appreciate everything you've done for Oliver,” Hale says over my shoulder. “If you'd like to get away from here, you’re always welcome to join us. We can help you set up a new diner, or you can work with us. I know Jack would love to have you as our personal baker. You could even retire if that’s what you prefer. You’re Oliver’s family, which means you’re our family too. We will take care of you.”
“Please come with us, Mama Jane,” Jack said as he pushed me aside and knelt down in front of June. “We need you and your pies.”
She throws her head back and cackles. “You will be just fine without me and my pies, boy.” She ruffles his hair before turning to Hale. “I need to handle a few things here, but if you’re serious, I would love to come help out once you’ve settled into a new home.”
“Done, and if you need any help before then, just let me or Oliver know.”
She gives him a quick nod and heads back out the door, gesturing for us to follow. “This calls for a celebration. No drinking, but I’llhave the cook whip up some burgers for you while I make us some milkshakes.”
“And pie?” Jack asks hopefully.
She links her arm through his as they walk into the diner. “You’re in luck, sweet boy; I have two pies baking in the oven.”
We spent the rest of the day at Jane’s eating cheeseburgers - Jack had pie - and bonding over our fucked-up childhoods and love for music. When the sun started to set I walked them out to Hale’s truck.
“I know we didn’t get any practice in, but today was a good day,” Gray says before hugging me and going around the truck to get in on the passenger's side.
“I need a nap,” Jack groans, clutching his stomach. “See you Saturday, Ollie.”
I watch him get into the backseat and lie down before turning to Hale. “Thanks, Hale, for everything, you know?”
“Stop thanking me, idiot,” he grumbles, but I see the affection in his eyes. “We’ll pick you up on Saturday, but seriously, I hate leaving you in this place. Are you sure you’re safe?”
“I’ve never been safe here, but I’ve survived up until now,” I tell him honestly. “As soon as I turn eighteen, I’ll move out. Jane already offered for me to stay with her until I graduate. If my dad finds out about this… Fuck! If he finds out before I turn eighteen, he will make sure to involve himself. He won’t pass up on an opportunity for a big payday, you know? His buddies down at the station would make my life a living hell, and if they found out about my relationship with Jane, she would be targeted, too. I can handle things for a couple more months, just wait for me. Please?”
“We’re not going anywhere,” he pulls me in for a quick hug and then levels me with a stare. “If it gets out of hand, please tell me. Being famous comes with perks- perks I have no problem using if it keeps you safe.”
I nod in response, and he doesn’t push the matter any further. He jumps in his truck and pulls out of the parking space, yelling about seeing me on Saturday as he drives off. I turn, ready to head back inside, but a feminine voice calls out my name. Valerie Simmons, a girl I knew from school, is leaning against a car parked a few spots from where Hale’s car just stood. I didn’t notice her before, probably because his car was in the way.
“Uh, hi?” I awkwardly greet her, not really sure what she could possibly want from me. We never had any classes together, and she graduated two years before me, so I barely knew her. She used to hang out with a group of popular kids who loved to bully me while I was growing up.
Being bullied both at home and school has been hell for me, and I can’t help but scan my surroundings for threats. It wouldn’t be the first time her friends have caught me alone off school grounds, just to beat me up.
She saunters over, her short skirt revealing more than I wish to see with every swing of her hips. She stops in front of me and flashes a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Who was that?”
“Who was who?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“The tall, handsome guy who just left,” she rolls her eyes at me. “He looks familiar.”
I step back, but she just follows. “A friend visiting from out of town. You don’t know him, Valerie. Is there anything else? I have to help Jane with something.”
The label has been promoting the band more and more for the last month, ever since they found their fourth member. Luckily, they’ve been cool with not mentioning who it is yet, but Hale, Grayson, and Jack’s faces have been used in advertising campaigns across social media.
“It looked a lot like Hale Reed, the lead singer for that new band.” She taps her chin and then snaps her fingers. “Fragmentals! That’s the band’s name.”
