This Changes Everything: Broken Love, #2

By Ivy Blacke

Lacie is going through life without living it.  She has books, writing for fun, her job and her best friend.  She's lived a life full of loss, pain and secrets.

 

Until one night she meets a man that makes her want to live, to take a chance, if only for one night.

 

Jackson is a businessman.  No time for living.  Making money and running his dad's company is all he has time for.

 

One night that all changes.  One night he takes a chance and he is ready to never walk away from that chance encounter.

 

Can two people who've both been hurt be able to let go of their pasts to take a chance  Can one night and fate make them say, This Changes Everything?

 

****Trigger warning- This book contains an episode of sexual assault, partner cheating and a mention of a suicide.*****

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ivy Blacke
• Release date: Mar 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224039821

Ivy Blacke

Ivy Blacke is from Pennsylvania and always enjoyed reading, writing and using her imagination.  She dreamed of publishing a book one day and decided to take a chance and started writing and hasn't stopped.  She enjoys sharing her stories with friends and family who have encouraged her to share with everyone because they laugh, they cry and they love the creativity of her writing.   She is married to a man who supports her in her love of writing and she loves that he tries to understand her creative side and encourages her to write what's in her heart.

Book preview

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Copyright © March 2024 by Ivy Blacke

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [include publisher/author contact info].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by Liberty Parker Design

Editing by Maggie Kern

Book 2 in Broken Love Series 3/2024

Dedication

To all those I've loved and lost, I haven't forgotten you for with you I've learned my hardest lessons.

Whether it be from losing you from death or losing you because you were never meant to be mine.

Sometimes life takes you on hard roads, some are easy, but the roads I love to travel are the roads that have taught me about who I am.

We all tend to lose ourselves along the way, but take time to find you.

Take time to know you, and make sure you do something in this life for you.

Live life, take chances and never say can't.

One lesson I learned from my life is nothing is impossible if you want it.

Reach for the stars, rise to the challenges placed in front of you and love with all your heart.

Thank you to all of you for taking a chance on my books and making my dreams come true.

Take chances. Chances make the best memories.

I hope you love This Changes Everything.

This Changes Everything

Lacie is going through life, without living it. She has books, writing for fun, her job and her best friend. She's lived a life full of loss, pain and secrets.

Until one night she meets a man that makes her want to live, to take a chance, if only for one night.

Jackson is a businessman. No time for living. Making money and running his dad's company is all he has time for.

One night that all changes. One night he takes a chance and he is ready to never walk away from a chance encounter.

Can two people who've been hurt be able to let go of their pasts to take a chance? Can one night and fate make them say, This Changes Everything?

Contents

Chapter 1

Lacie

Chapter 2

Jackson

Chapter 3

Lacie

Chapter 4

Jackson

Chapter 5

Lacie

Chapter 6

The Story

Chapter 7

Jackson

Chapter8

Lacie

Chapter 9

Jackson

Chapter 10

Lacie

Chapter 11

Jackson

Chapter 12

Lacie

Chapter 13

Jackson

Chapter 14

The Story

Chapter 15

Lacie

Chapter 16

Jackson

Chapter 17

Lacie

Chapter 18

The Story

Chapter 19

Lacie

Chapter 20

Jackson

Chapter 21

Lacie

Chapter 22

Jackson

Chapter 23

The Story

Chapter 24

Lacie

Chapter 25

Jackson

Chapter 26

Lacie

Chapter 27

Jackson

Chapter 28

Lacie

Chapter 29

Jackson

Chapter 30

Lacie

Chapter 31

Jackson

Chapter 32

Lacie

Chater 33

Jackson

Chapter 34

Lacie

Chapter 35

Jackson

Chapter 36

Lacie

Chapter 37

Jackson

Chapter 38

Lacie

Chapter 39

Jackson

Chapter 40

The Story

Chapter 41

Lace

Chapter 42

Jackson

Chapter 43

Lacie

Chapter 44

Jackson

Chapter 45

Lacie

Chapter 46

Jackson

Chapter 47

Lacie

Chapter 48

Jackson

Chapter 49

Lacie

Chapter 50

Jackson

Epilogue

Lacie

1.When We Fell Chapter 1

1. Abigail

2.When We Fell Chapter 2

2. Shawn

3.The Real Me Chapter 1

3. Vanessa

4.The Real Me Chapter 2

4. Trevor

5.Picture Perfect Chapter 1

5. Roxy

6.Picture Perfect Chapter 2

6. Blaine

About the author

Also by

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1

Lacie

Every morning is a gift, every sunrise is a blessing, every excuse to fill my coffee cup is truly the greatest gift of all. Lacie Page was my name, and that was my mantra, my motivation to get moving in the morning. I sipped my coffee and enjoyed the smell, and the effect it held over my body by warming it from the inside all the way through to my outside. I was ready for anything, ready for the world to throw at me what it may. Every day held surprises and secrets. What would today hold? What would be my challenge for the day?

My thoughts weren’t always this happy. They weren’t always so positive. There was a dark time, but now, I chose to live in the light. I drank my coffee and as every morning, I thought of what brought me to today. What scars I held, what life had thrown my way. I thought about all the things that broke me down and wore me to the very core of my being, and I remembered how, at one time, I thought I was broken. I thought nothing would ever pull me out and nothing would ever matter again. Sure, there were people who survived worse tragedies than I, and still held their head up high, but for me, the past nearly broke me. Every day was my chance to make it better than the last. No more self-pity, no more brokenness. I was whole again, or as whole as I was ever going to be and allow myself to be. I embraced all that happened to me and all that was to come, because that was what made me who I was now. It wasn’t all pretty, but it was me.

I looked around my apartment. Yes, it was cleaned by my hands, but it was small and in need of much repair, but I’m able to afford it for now. I had a roof over my head. That was what mattered. Some days, I didn’t have food, but coffee would always be there for me. Some way, somehow, I would be sure of that. Someday, I’d have my own home, with curtains, a fence, a front porch, and hell, maybe a dog. Not today, Lace! Today it’s time for coffee and to get to work.

Work was Sunny Spot Nursing Home right here in town in Kirktown, New Jersey. It was a quiet town, but it had all I needed—a grocery store, mall, minimal night life, and my place of employment. There was a park, and trails as well to roam, and my favorite place of all, the public library and bookstore. Besides working and caring for our elderly, I loved to read and write. I had an old computer that didn’t have updates, but the word documents worked just fine for writing thoughts and things. I went to the library and printed whatever I needed, or sometimes at work I could access the computers to print off my works in progress. Using a flash drive to back up the work, I carried it around with me as well as notebooks. You never knew when the words would strike, or something would inspire my mind.

I drove to work in a beat-up Jeep, carrying an extra cup of coffee for the ride. I loved my job. On the drive to work, I thought about all the people I care for. I loved them all. I loved playing checkers against Lou in the game room. He always found a way to beat me. I played cards with Max. He was a real Rummy fan. I also helped the women with their hair and a little bit of makeup or nail polish for those who wanted it. Generally, I would go in early to help them off the clock, then when my shift would start, I would be at their beck and call for drinks, meals, straightening up their rooms, and whatever they were in need of. I was assigned a certain group daily and was a nurse’s aide. I didn’t get paid much in money, but my heart got paid every day I was blessed with time around this generation.

I let the sun shine on my face on my drive to work, thinking about my newest resident I’d been caring for. She was in her seventies. She was feisty and made me laugh. Her name was Gail, and she was a firecracker. The woman didn’t hold her words. She suffered from Alzheimer's issues. She was in the early stages, but she tried not to let it slow her down. She would forget some things. She’d get confused at times and there were times she would say things that weren’t quite right, but I embraced her and whatever her mind was trying to get out. I’d let her try and sort it through.

Her daughter was in her mid-thirties. Her son, Jax, was a few years older than his sister. I had met the daughter, Kerrigan, and loved her. She was quick-witted and cared about her mom. She was also very close in age to me, so I could relate to her well. Kerrigan had one child, Lucy, an inquisitive little girl that I just adored. Gail kept me on my toes and never ceased to amaze me. She never seemed to let age or a failing mind stop her.

Today is a beautiful day, Lacie. Let’s make someone else shine. Another mantra I said every morning as I exited my Jeep to head into the building. Morning, Ray!

The security guard at the desk lit up. Miss Lacie, good morning. How is the most beautiful girl in the world today?

Oh, Ray, you’re a smooth talker. I’m fine. How’s your wife, the kids?

Ray nodded and beamed. All well, thank you.

I kept moving slowly toward the floor I work on, as I said, See you later, Ray. Gotta get to my girls this morning.

Ray nodded. Of course, have a wonderful day, Lacie. I smiled and off I went to start another day.

As I reached my floor for the residents, I saw Lou already at the checkerboard. Lou, what are you doing up so early?

Lou smiled broadly at me. Lacie! I’m warming up. You know, I have an unbeatable record. I need to stay sharp to keep that title.

I laughed. Are you ever going to let me win?

Lou grinned. Aww, my sweet girl, one day, but not until your skills improve.

I patted his shoulder, and we laughed with each other.

I’m off to see my ladies. I’ll catch you later. Save me a spot around lunchtime.

Lou winked at her. You got it, Lacie.

As I moved to a few of the women’s rooms, I smiled at how comfortable I was here with these people. The women whose rooms I moved toward knew I would be there to get their hair combed out from the curlers I’d put in before I left last evening. They could count on me, and, in a way, I counted on them, too. After I got them all primped and ready for their breakfast, I’d head to clock in for the day.

Every morning I arrived around seven a.m. and made time for some of the residents, then clocked in by nine. I was a nine-to-fiver, however, I would stay through dinner to sit with my residents who needed me. Most of them headed to the dining hall for socialization. However, sometimes, one or two would stay back in their rooms and I would sit with them while they ate. Normally, Gail preferred a quiet dinner in her room, and I was happy to spend time with her.

Morning was a busy time, but I thrived with the craziness. I’d hum to myself while making my way through the day, answering any call bells that would ring, buzzing in and out of rooms to clean up things, and check on everyone. But mostly, I was giving them a smile and listening while doing my work. My friend, Vanessa, would always question how I could be so happy all the time. Smiling, I’d tell her, "I have too many things to accomplish in life. I want to stay focused, positive and make a difference."

Vanessa knew my heartbreaks and my darkness. She envied me for my courage to focus on being better, careful not to let it pull me down. Today was Vanessa’s day off, so I stayed focused on my duties and getting through the day. The days were longer without my friend here, but I loved my work.

My lunch break led to a beating at the checkerboard with Lou.

Lou! Come on, what is the secret? What am I not doing right?

Concentrate, my girl. You must focus on the game, anticipate my next move. You take the easy path. That’s when I sneak in and catch you unguarded.

Every time I complained about losing, Lou would tell me that. Boy, how those statements resonated with most of my life.

Okay, Lou, you got me. I need to get back to work.

Lou laughed as I moved to him. Thanks for the beating, Lou, as always.

Kissing his cheek, I moved on my way.

After lunch, I had a few more rooms to get to, some things to do for the nurses, then I would be heading in to finish my day and have some quiet time with Gail. I enjoyed getting to know her. Our dinner-time talks were so wonderful. I could count on Gail to shoot straight as well as giving laughs.

Most of the staff at Sunny Spot smiled as I walked by and greeted me warmly. Not one to gossip or slow down throughout the day, I was a nose-to-the-grindstone worker. I enjoyed my work. I’d hear people talk about me. Some of the staff felt I made them look bad, but that wasn’t my intent. All I wanted was to do the job, do it well, and be able to give attention to the residents. Let’s face facts, my apartment wasn’t much to look at. I was usually alone on the off hours and nose in a book or writing, so the interaction at the nursing home was good for me as well as the residents.

I punched out, changed my clothes to my street clothes so that I could be comfortable, as well as making others aware I was off the clock and on my time. I headed to Gail’s room and knocked.

Yes, yes, my dear. Come in.

I smiled at her as I entered the room. I pulled up my usual seat next to the chair Gail preferred to sit in, and we watched some of the nightly news while Gail ate her dinner. We bantered back and forth about the news. After a half hour of the news, Gail would always turn it off and say, Rubbish! What’s new with Lacie?

It was standard, a routine that Gail kept. It helped her, so I always played along. Nothing new for me, Gail. I spend most of my time here.

Gail waved me off. When are you going to tell me some exciting things? Do you ever go out?

I laughed. Not often.

Gail tsked me. Really? Look at you. You have gorgeous black hair down your back, such bright blue eyes, and if I still had your figure, girl, I’d be strutting through these halls, making eyes roam.

I burst out laughing. Gail, stop!

Funny thing was, I could imagine Gail doing just that, creating a scene.

Gail smirked at me. Have you written anything new lately?

I nodded my head yes.

Well, when are you going to let me read it or, better yet, read it to me? My eyes aren’t as good as they used to be.

I smiled.

I’ve been working on something different. Not just a poem, but a story. Maybe a novel… who knows?

Gail rubbed her hands together excitedly.

When do I get to hear some of it?

I shook my head. I don’t know. It’s still just in process. I think it’s scattered. Let me work some more on it and we’ll see.

Gail quirked her eyebrow. We’ll see? I’m not getting any younger, Little Miss, so let’s move it along and just bring it in here, and we’ll see together.

Smiling at her, I relented. Okay, Gail. Tomorrow, I’ll bring some with me to read to you. Who knows, maybe reading it out loud will give me more direction.

Gail clapped her hands. Great. Now get your ass out of here and go have a drink in a public place where people can see you. Try to find yourself a date.

I laughed. Gail, I don’t date. I don’t have time.

Gail waved her off. Oh please. I’m the one on borrowed time. You, my girl, have all the time in the world. Get out there, go. Promise me, at least one drink in a bar or a restaurant.

Nodding, I said, You win. Goodnight. See you in the morning.

Leaving Sunny Spot and heading home, I passed my favorite restaurant/bar, The Tavern. Stopping, I thought, Okay, Gail, you win. I had enough money for a tap beer and a burger. The prices were cheap as it was a little dive bar. I shouldn’t splurge, but having not splurged in a while, it was time. I walked through the door and grabbed a seat at the bar. I ordered a black and blu burger and a draft, Sam Adams.

Where have you been, Lacie? Joe the bartender asked.

Just been working, Joe.

He winked at me and said, Burger’s on me tonight, Lace.

I shook my head. No, Joe. I got it. It’s okay.

Joe was about the age my dad would be if he’d lived beyond his fifty-fourth birthday. Joe always looked out for me. He called me Lace, most of the times he talked to me, instead of Lacie. It brought back memories of Dad.

I don’t care what you say, Lace. I got it tonight. Say thank you. End of discussion.

I smiled at Joe. He did this all the time and I never won.

Thank you, Joe.

He smiled, then moved on around the bar. The waitress brought the burger out and I dug in. Since Joe was filling me with food, maybe I’d stay for a second drink tonight. The music was relaxing, and the food felt good in my stomach. I deserved to look at something other than the four walls of my apartment.

Chapter 2

Jackson

Damn it, am I the only competent one in this whole place?

Running his dad’s company, that he had built from the ground up, was an honor, but also a curse. When he hadpassed away, there was no question that Jax would take over the company. But doing his dad justice was the hard part.

I was a strong-willed, business-minded man. The man who hardly took a break. A vacation was unheard of and when Mom had to be placed in a nursing home, I hated the idea of it. I fought Kerrigan on it the whole way. I wanted her to stay home with around-the-clock care.

The argument I’d had with Kerrigan played out in my head all the time. Kerrigan had refused. It’s too much, Jax. We can’t count on the part-time help we have, let alone count on someone or an agency for around-the-clock care. Besides, how cost effective is that? Mom needs people her own age to talk to and keep her going. She’s lonely. If you would ever stop for five minutes to visit, you’d see how lonely she is.

His sister always argued that he didn’t make time for the family.

Kerrigan, you’re not being fair. I keep the company running for us, to provide for us. I can’t keep that a success if I’m not there working for it.

I was tired of the argument that happened every time I talked to my sister. But for now, there were more pressing issues.

The secretary for this week came in.

Why the hell am I only getting this information now? I asked for this three hours ago. If I’m going to move on this property, I needed this information three hours ago. Damn it! Is everyone in this office asleep?

The secretary argued with him. It was just dropped off to me by the development research team. I brought it immediately to you, sir. I can’t make the papers magically appear.

I harrumphed at her and started flipping through the assessment. The company purchased land to develop shopping malls, casinos, you name it, and the Diamond Corporation was the go-to company for developers and entrepreneurs.

As my secretary was leaving the office, she said, By the way, it’s five thirty p.m. You wanted to leave to go see your mother.

Looking up at her, I cursed again under my breath. Damn it, now I would be late for my visit with her. Throwing the paperwork into my briefcase, I headed out to my car.

It was an hour-and-a-half drive to the nursing home without traffic, so the drive grated on my nerves. In order to get my sister off my back, I promised I’d make it to the nursing home at least three times a week in the evening for an hour. Today was one of those visits. My mind was on business the whole ride. As I pulled up, I looked at the clock. There had been no traffic. Seven on the dot. Dinner would be over with and she would be watching television, but I’d still go and sit with her for a bit to see how she was doing.

Walking through the halls and to Mother's room, I arrived as the nurse was giving her medication, so I waited. Once Mother took her medication, I moved into the room.

She stood and smiled as she watched me enter. Jax! My handsome boy, how are you?

I couldn’t help but wonder how much longer she’d really remember any of us. It was hard to imagine Mother not being sharp anymore. She was always good to talk a deal over with. Dad talked a lot of business with her, but now… I let the thought fade. Mom, how are you? Are they treating you okay here?

She hugged me, then told me, Jax, I’m fine. Please stop worrying about me. I’m in the best of care. Now, about you, when are you going to settle down? I want to see you happy before I can’t remember you’re happy.

Mom, please don’t talk that way.

I shrugged my suit coat off and sat next to her.

Jax, I’m not kidding. You need to slow down. How many secretaries have you gone through in the last month? What’s the name of your current secretary?

I shrugged and said, I want perfection, Mom. I’m paying them to do their job. If they can’t perform simple tasks, then I’ll keep searching until I find someone who can.

Mom shook her head.

At what cost, Jackson Gray Hewitt? You’re giving up too much of your life for this company. You deserve so much more than to go home to an empty bed every night.

Looking at my mother, I said, I don’t want to talk about my bed partners again, Mom. The last time we had this discussion, I couldn’t even look at a woman without thinking about the things you said. Gross! I don’t need you interfering with my personal affairs. I can handle it. Besides, I’m not alone every night.

Gail crooked an eyebrow at him. Really? When is the last time you went out on a date? When was the last time you got good and laid, Jackson?

Mother! I said. I’m not having this conversation with you again. Drop it.

Mom smirked at me. Come on, Jax. You are so handsome, and I love you. Is it a crime that I want you to be happy, like your dad and I were? Do you think I let him stay at the office day in and day out like you do? Hell no. That man knew he needed a life outside of work. He spent time with his family. I told him it was a mistake giving you the company. I wanted more for you. You are too damn driven for your own good.

I stood up and paced the room.

Mom, please. I just want to sit and enjoy a visit without arguing. All I do is argue with you and Kerrigan these days. Please understand. I will settle down and spend less time at the office after this deal goes through. Besides, I haven’t found the right woman yet, if she even exists.

Mom stood up behind me.

That’s just it, Jax. After this deal, there will be the next one and then the next. It never ends with you. As far as finding the right woman, hell, Jax, you wouldn’t notice her if she sat down beside you. You are too caught up in the company. Promise me you’ll go out on a date at least once a month from now on. You need to start looking for someone to spend your life with.

I turned to look at her. The worry in her eyes was too much for me.

Okay, Mom. I promise.

She smiled and said, Good, then go. Get out of here. I want you to go have a drink and relax. No business calls and no work for the rest of the night. Got it?

I shake my head to argue.

No, Jackson! I mean it. Take your coat, find a bar, go have a drink, get something to eat and relax. Look around you. You never know who you’ll meet. I love you, but go!

Hugging her, I said, I love you too, Mom.

I picked up my suit coat and headed out the same path I used to enter the nursing facility.

Before leaving the building, I asked the security guard if there was a place nearby with good food. The man smiled and recommended a local place.

Pulling into the parking lot of a place called The Tavern, there were a few cars in the parking lot. I figured I’d give it a go. I rolled up the sleeves of my dress shirt and left my suit coat in the car. It was time to loosen up and relax. I walked in the doors. My first impression was it was a local down-home bar. But it was clean and the smell of food drew me in further.

I moved to the bar, where the bartender immediately took my drink order and handed me a menu. I perused the menu but couldn’t decide what I wanted. I heard a voice from beside me say, Try the black and blu burger. It’s phenomenal.

I turned to look at who the voice belonged to, just in time to see her take a bite out of her burger. Not a dainty bite, but a bite that left no doubt in my mind that this girl knew what she was talking about with her food recommendation. She didn’t look at me right away, but finished chewing her bite. When she turned to look at me, all I saw were crystal-blue, beautifully shaped eyes on the face of an absolute angel.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her, but yet I felt like I’d just been sucker punched. I cleared my throat and said, Is that what you’re having?

The woman smiled, and I was glad I was seated, because my body went limp. She had beautiful dimples to go with that smile and her long black hair begged for me to run my fingers through it to see if it felt as silky as it looked.

Of course. I wouldn’t recommend it if I wouldn’t eat it as well. I’d give you a bite of mine, but I don’t like to share my burger. Seriously, it’s the best tasting thing on the menu, the woman responded, chuckling at her words, then turned her attention to taking a drink from her glass.

The bartender returned. I wasn’t going to turn down the advice of a beautiful woman. I’ll take the lady’s recommendation. Black and blu burger.

The bartender moved on and placed my order.

I reached out my hand. I’m Jackson. Thanks for the recommendation.

The woman wiped her hands on her napkin, then reached out. I’m Lacie. Not a problem.

Chapter 3

Lacie

I was enjoying my burger when a man came in and sat beside me. He was looking at the menu and I could tell he didn’t know what to order. I couldn’t help but speak up and offer my suggestion. He looked out of place in his dress pants and dress shirt, but I didn’t mind that he was in the wrong place. He was gorgeous to look at and admire.

He looked at me as I finished chewing my burger. When I met his eyes, he was handsome, like he stepped off the pages of a fireman calendar, drop-dead gorgeous. Wherever he came from, I hoped he didn’t find his way home. I smiled into the beautiful green eyes in front of me and admired the slightly disheveled brown hair—definitely not too long, but not too short, either.

The man introduced himself as Jackson. When I took his hand in mine, it was like a damn lightning bolt shot straight out of the sky. He smiled as I took his hand and introduced myself. I had to remind myself to let go of his hand.

I reached for my drink with a slight tremor in my hand and fought the urge to throw myself right into his arms. I smiled at the image, then chided myself for being ridiculous. He was probably just passing through town, anyway. But my mind kept wandering to what laid underneath that shirt. If the forearms were any hint to what laid beneath… Damn!

So what if he was just passing through town? I didn’t do relationships. One night wouldn’t hurt to just let go, would it? No, I wasn’t going there. Nothing good could come from this man and that body. But what a body. I sighed at the thoughts in my head. It had been a long time since I allowed myself to just dive into a man and let myself go.

Are you just passing through town? I asked.

Jackson watched as I took another bite of my burger.

Nope. I live maybe twenty minutes from here. On my way home from visiting my mother.

I looked at him as I chewed my burger. I nodded.

How about you? Are you from around here?

I grinned. Yep. I live just a few blocks down the way. I just finished working and stopped for a bite to eat and a drink. This is the best in town, but don’t tell anyone I said that. If the rest of the town found out I was playing favorites, there would be hell to pay.

Jackson laughed. I grinned at the gorgeous man in front of me. The laugh he let loose with was sexier than anything I’d heard in a long time.

Jackson recovered and crossed his heart. Your secret is safe with me.

I took the last bite of the burger and rolled my eyes at the man next to me. Even though I had food in my mouth, I said, It better be.

Jackson laughed again as he waited for his burger.

I finished chewing my last bite and then pushed the plate to the edge of the bar. I moved my drink closer to myself, then looked at Jackson. So, Jackson, what brings you in here tonight?

Jackson looked at me, smiling. Actually, my mother.

Quirking my eyebrow, I smiled. Explain.

He looked at me but took a sip from his beer before answering.

She’s a bit pushy, frustrating, and the most wonderful woman in my life. She insists that I work too hard, don’t date, and don’t do anything but work.

My lips twitch as he talked. It was his turn to quirk his brow.

You have a comment?

I held up my hands, shaking my head no, before I burst out laughing. Jackson smiled while I laughed at him.

Come on, out with it, Lacie.

I looked down at the bar for a moment before giving him my attention.

"Did you ever hear the saying Mother knows best?"

Jackson shook his head while he grinned. I’ve heard it, but never took stock in the saying.

I watched as Joe brought Jackson his burger.

Well, maybe you should. Sounds like your mom is worried about you. Is there truth to what she says? Do you work too hard, don’t date, and just work?

Jackson looked at the burger that had been placed in front of him.

Can I plead the fifth?

I laughed. You can to me as I’m not your mother. However, I don’t think that would work with her.

Jackson smiled at me. He picked up his burger, but before taking a bite, he said, I do nothing but work. The last date I had was probably more than six months ago. I cut it short due to a business call. I think my date actually got up and left the restaurant while I was on the phone, never to return to the table, not that I really noticed.

I couldn’t believe his words. Honest and real.

Ouch! That’s rough. How could you do that to her?

Jackson had just taken a bite out of his burger when I spoke.

He shook his head. After he was done chewing, he said, Of course, you take her side.

I shrugged my shoulders. There is no other side to take. I mean, you took a call during your date that wasn’t an emergency phone call, you continued the call even though you had a beautiful woman across from you, and you made no attempt to apologize to her afterward, I assume.

Jackson looked at me, swallowed another bite of the burger, hung his head, and said, Guilty. Okay, so you got me.

I shook my head at him.

It was, excuse my directness, a dick move. You just don’t do that. Her time is just as important as yours. Besides, you never know where that date would have led. Except you didn’t give it a chance.

Jackson took a drink from his beer.

Touché, Miss Lacie. You are right. It was a dick move. The next time I go on a date, no business phone calls.

He raised his glass to me, and I raised mine to clink with his.

After drinking from his glass, he turned and said, By the way, you were right about this burger. It’s definitely going to be hard to top.

Joe walked over. Another beer, Lace?

I looked down at the money sitting in front of me. I counted what was there, then shook my head. No, I’m good, Joe. Thank you.

Jackson held up his hand. Wait. I’d love to buy you a drink if you’ll stay and have it with me? Call it payback for the wonderful recommendation. I’ll even promise not to take any business calls while we enjoy one another’s company.

He wiggled his eyebrows at me and I couldn’t help but laugh. I nodded, and Joe went off to fill up my beer.

Okay, so now that you know about me, what’s your story? What brought you out tonight? Jackson asked.

I looked at the beer in front of me. I got guilted into it, much like you, actually. Only not by my mother, by one of my friends who is like a mother to me.

Jackson chuckled. Ahhh, isn’t that interesting? So why did you need to be pushed into going out? Fight with the boyfriend, husband?

I arched my brow.

Smooth, Jackson. I’m not married, nor do I have a boyfriend.

Jackson held up his hand. I wasn’t fishing, I swear.

I shook