Even if Jessie had managed to safe herself, it didn't make things less complicated or dangerous. After hearing the story of how she'd gotten out and what she'd found, Jimmy had to deploy very complex calming breaths to not fly off the handle and go set fire to her house.
Those abusive assholes had made her life hell just so that they could get her money. And what was worse was that they'd lied to her about it and pretended they were her real parents, denying her of knowing she'd been truly loved by the people who had given her life.
Everyone was rightfully outraged by the news and Kyle even had to go and walk off his anger. Jimmy hadn't had that luxury because he wanted to be there for Jessie through all this. It was amazing how she was the one trying to get them to calm down, feel better.
She was amazing.
And for that, he had to make sure that she got away and would be safe. So they'd booked tickets to Chicago, then went shopping and she'd changed from her concert outfit to a large jeans paird with one of Kyle's hoodies. With her hair covered and large sunglasses on, she'd managed to go unrecognized and they'd safely reached their gate.
"You're still angry," she observed as they sat at one of the tables near the waiting area.
"Of course I am. Those morons actually had you kidnapped to scare you into making more money for them! They lied to you your entire life." And he should really shut up.
His tirade drew a small smile out of her. "Is it weird that I'm actually happy they're not my parents?"
"No, it's not. I'm just--" He sighed. "You're taking it so well. You're so strong."
She hummed. "Strange, I felt the same way about you when you took finding Kyle and your family so well."
"I haven't seen my parents yet." Hell, he wasn't even sure he wanted to. Sam and Jerry, of course. His mother and father... Not so much.
"I'm sure you'll handle it gracefully, like you did everything in your life so far."
It was strange that he actually believe her. She made him feel so much better than he actually was.
"Now I need to disappear until I turn eighteen," she said with a sigh.
"Then what do you plan on doing?"
"Come back and get my money and my company. There's no way I'm letting those assholes keep my parents' stuff. They probably thought that I'd just get married and fuck off on tour and they could then forge my signature or something and get all my money."
Yes, that did sound like something her parents would do. "So this whole plot was to actually get rid of you?"
"Weird, isn't it? They could've simply assassinated me."
The thought made him shudder because the possibility was too real. "Don't say that. If you were dead, I would've never met you." And his life would've been so much emptier for it.
Jessie smirked. "That would've been a real waste."
"You can say that again." She didn't, instead just watching him. "What?" he asked.
"Nothing. It's just so amazing that you guys came from me, that all it took was one location from a random number to bring you here. I've never had anyone caring about me that much."
It broke his heart that it was probably true. "Well, now you do. You have great friends and you have..."
Her smile brightened as he stumbled over his words. "You?"
"Yes, me." It was obvious. Then why did he have a knot in his stomach? He'd never felt so nervous in his life. It only made him talk more. "I was so worried about you. And felt so guilty that I couldn't so more."
"Jimmy, you did all you could."
"It wasn't enough. I need to train more, to get better at fighting and anticipating danger."
She frowned at his words and didn't contradict him, most likely knowing that the danger was far from being over. If it wouldn't be on her end, it would be on his.
"I'm not afraid, you know. Whatever it is you'll have to face, I want to be part of that."
He placed his hand over her cheek, relishing in the softness of her skin. "And I want to be part of whatever it is you'll have to face."
"So you'll come back with me? Help me stick it to my parents?"
"Of course. Anything you want."
The way she looked at him, with so much hope and determination, turned the knot in his stomach into the flutter of butterfly wings. She tilted her head, asking a question she should already know the answer to. It was a crime that she didn't, but it was definitely his fault.
"Jessie, I love you. I don't know how and when it happened, but in do know why. Because you're the most amazing person I've ever met."
The smile on her face seemed to light up to word. "I love you, too, hotstuff. And that's why we'll get through this together."
Yes, he was sure they would. And when he leaned over and kissed her, the world was a little brighter.
🌗
Kay watched Kyle pacing. With every step he took, it felt like he was stepping a little more on her heart. He'd moved away from them in case he would be recognized, and while she understood the reasoning behind it, it still hurt. Just like him not taking back the breakup hurt.
"Look, you should just talk to him," Tom said.
"Yes, of course." She turned back to him and Angie.
It sounded a lot easier than it was because she could get him. She'd probably do the same if she were him. But, as it was, they did have to talk. After all, Tom and Angie were still together, and Jimmy had practically declared his relationship with Jessie. The two of them sat further away for the same reasons as Kyle, but they looked very cozy, most likely having a heart to heart and deciding what to do. Kay seriously doubted Jimmy would abandon her for her own safety.
Well, not that Kyle had abandoned her. He was still there, pissed off, nervous, and staying away. But he spoke to her and there was definitely no ill intent, animosity or aggressiveness from his side. The moment she'd showed up, he'd accepted her decision. The problem was that she couldn't accept his.
"It's so great to see him like this," Tom said.
"No, it's not. He's nervous and strung out," Kay pointed out. It reminded her of how he'd been after he'd broken up with Cecily and he'd felt like shit for not giving a crap.
Tom gave her a blank stare. "I was talking about Jimmy."
"Oh, right." Of course he was. Because Jimmy actually looked much happier than Kay had ever seen him, even if he was still tensed.
But love did wanders for him and Jessie, it was so obvious. Just like it did for Angie.
"It's so great to see him like this," her friend said, a fond smile on her face.
"I'm just happy Jessie's not giving up on him."
Angie's demeanor changed as a focused determination filled every feature. "You do know I'm not giving up on you either, right? Whatever this thing is, I can handle it."
Tom grinned. "I didn't doubt that for a second, babe. You're badass." And he leaned over to kiss her.
Kay looked away, her stomach tightening. It was great that Angie had finally decided to jump into her relationship properly, but the idea that she was this abandoned puppy, hurt and confused, really grated on her nerves.
Why couldn't Kyle see that she wanted to be there for him, too? That she didn't care that his life was crazy?
And as she asked herself those questions, the answer came to her like divine revelation.
She'd never told him that.
Whereas Angie had expressly stated it, and most likely Jessie as well, she'd just accepted his decision, understanding it and hating it at the same time. But she'd never fought it.
Ugh, deep down he was probably so disappointed in her, maybe thinking that she didn't love him because she didn't fight him. That she'd lost her spunk. In truth, her time alone and hurting had dimmed her light considerably, but she had to fight that mindset. And not just because she had Kyle back, but because she'd managed to finally escape her toxic family and was now truly in charge of her own life.
The thought fell like a lightning bolt, filling her with energy and determination. Nothing had changed. She still wanted Kyle, and she'd be damned if she'd let him go so easily.
She stood from her chair and walked towards him. He noticed her approaching because he stopped pacing, waiting.
"Too much PDA, huh?" he asked with a small smile.
"No, not enough PDA." She propped her fists against her hips. "And that's because I'm an idiot."
"What? No, you're not."
"Yes, I am. Because I just took it lying down instead of fighting for it."
His shoulder slumped and he sighed. "Kay, that's not true. This isn't easy for either of us--"
"Shut up for once, smartass, and listen! I understand why you did it. If I were you, I would've done the same."
This returned the sad smile on his face. "You always do get me."
Yes, she did. More than he knew, and she'd been so dumb not to show it. "But that doesn't mean that it's the right call."
"Kay--"
"No. No Kay. I don't care that you're in danger, that there's this big mystery in your life."
"You should care. I almost got you killed once. I couldn't put you through that again."
"You didn't know then. We were naive and unprepared. Now we know better. And it's really my choice if I want to step away or not. And I don't. Your choice is whether you still want me or not."
For what felt like forever, he just stared. Then he started laughing.
"That's such a silly thought, that there could be even a parallel universe in which I don't want you. But that doesn't mean I want to put you in danger."
His answer gave her hope because his shoulders had visibly relaxed which made it obvious that he was open to discuss this.
"You're looking at it the wrong. I'm not a burden. I'm not someone you should keep out in order to protect. I'm someone who will help you kick ass."
That did it. In a second, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him. She wrapped her own arms around his neck. She'd missed this so much, having him so close.
"Shame on me for forgetting how badass you are," he whispered.
"No, shame on me for not reminding you."
The amusement in his eyes switched to worry. "Are you sure about this, sweetheart? I'm not sure just what the hell is going on, but I know it won't be pretty."
"As long as we are together, it will be. It's an adventure after all, isn't it?"
"I guess it is." But he didn't kiss her, just lingered above her, apparently deep in thought.
"You know that all this was me undoing your silly breakup, right? We're back together." She needed to have that out there in the open, make sure it was clear.
He shook his head and looked down at her. "Yes, boss."
And he finally kissed her.
🌗🌗🌗
All the happy couples! And Kyle and Kay finally figured it out. They're in this together, for better or for worse. Now for them to bring the news to the rest of the family and see where they go from there.
We're very close go the end so stick around!