chapter 5
947 Words
Jack's POV
The folded note sat heavy in my pocket, its message gnawing at the edge of my mind.
"Ask her why."
It wasn't just the words-it was the way Angelo had delivered them, that smirk on his face like he was holding all the cards. Everything about it felt calculated, like a chess move meant to unsettle me.
And it had worked.
I couldn't stop replaying his smug tone, his insinuations, and the way he'd walked out of the diner like he owned the place. Angelo didn't come back to Mayfield for nostalgia. He didn't care about charity matches or community events. No, he was here for one reason: trouble.
And now, he'd dragged Rose into it.
The thought tightened my chest, anger bubbling under the surface. I told myself not to care. Rose made her choices a long time ago, and they had nothing to do with me anymore.
But as I trudged through the freshly fallen snow toward the community center, the weight in my chest only grew heavier.
---
The next day, the town's community center buzzed with activity. Volunteers bustled from one table to the next, organizing supplies, handing out flyers, and preparing for the charity match. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and cinnamon rolls, a comforting backdrop to the chaos.
I stood near the back, scanning the rows of tables covered in promotional material and donation boxes. The coordinator, a middle-aged woman named Susan, handed me a clipboard with a rundown of the event logistics.
"We're expecting a great turnout," she said, her voice bright and optimistic. "Your name really drew attention. Sponsors are thrilled, and tickets are almost sold out."
"That's great," I said absently, glancing over the list.
Susan smiled warmly. "You're doing something really special here, Jack. This town's proud of you."
I nodded, though her words felt hollow. The town might have been proud, but it wasn't here for me-it was here for the idea of me. The prodigal son, the hero who'd made it out. But the truth was, I didn't feel like a hero. Not when the past was snapping at my heels.
---
My grip on the clipboard tightened as the door to the community center swung open, letting in a gust of cold air. My shoulders tensed instinctively as I turned to see who it was.
And there he was.
Angelo strolled in like he owned the place, his tailored coat and expensive shoes out of place among the cozy, homespun warmth of the room. Heads turned as he made his way toward me, his confident stride and perfectly styled hair commanding attention.
"Carter," he said, his voice smooth and infuriatingly casual. "Busy day?"
I stared at him, my jaw tightening. "What are you doing here?"
Angelo feigned surprise, spreading his hands. "What, no warm welcome? I heard about the charity match and thought I'd stop by. You know, lend my support."
"You don't belong here," I said flatly, my tone laced with irritation.
Angelo's grin widened. "Come on, Jack. Don't be like that. We're all here for a good cause, aren't we?"
---
The room buzzed around us, volunteers moving in and out, but it felt like the world had narrowed to just me and Angelo. He leaned casually against one of the tables, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"So," he said, lowering his voice, "how's Rose these days? You two catching up?"
My stomach tightened, anger flaring at his tone. "Why do you care?"
"Oh, I care," he said, his smirk growing. "She and I... we've got history, you know. You remember that, don't you?"
My fists clenched at my sides as the memory of that night crashed over me. Rose. Angelo. The betrayal.
"Cut the crap," I snapped. "Why are you really here?"
Angelo tilted his head, his gaze sharp. "Maybe I'm here for unfinished business. Did you ever think of that?"
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication.
I took a step forward, my voice low and threatening. "If you're trying to stir up trouble-"
"Trouble?" Angelo interrupted, laughing. "Relax, Carter. I'm just here to support a good cause." He patted my shoulder like we were old friends, his smirk never wavering.
I shrugged off his hand, glaring at him.
"Jack!" Susan called from across the room, her voice breaking through the tension. "Can you take a look at these sponsor forms?"
I exhaled sharply, tearing my eyes away from Angelo. "Be right there."
---
As I turned back to Angelo, his smirk deepened, and he leaned in, lowering his voice so only I could hear. "This isn't over, Jack. You, me, and Rose... we're just getting started."
The fire inside me snapped. My fist connected with his jaw before I even registered what I was doing.
The room went silent, gasps rippling through the volunteers as Angelo staggered back, clutching his face.
"Feel better?" he said, blood staining his perfect teeth as he straightened. His smirk returned, though his eyes burned with something darker. "That's the Jack I remember. Always so predictable."
---
Susan rushed over, her face pale with shock. "What's going on here?"
Angelo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Nothing to worry about. Just a misunderstanding."
I glared at him, my chest heaving, but Susan's hand on my arm held me back.
"That's enough," she said firmly, her voice trembling.
Angelo chuckled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Relax, Susan. Carter and I go way back." He grabbed his coat, tossing a casual wave over his shoulder as he headed for the door. "See you around, Jack. Try not to let your temper get the best of you."
- Writer
