You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 689

Aiden shot Jackson a look, clearly done with the whole back-and-forth.

Turning to Patricia, he said, “Ma’am, he’s really not that kind of guy.”

Patricia just smiled knowingly. “The more you explain, the more it sounds like he is.”

That set Aiden off. He jabbed a finger at Jackson. “Will you just shut up for once? Can’t you hope for something good for people?”

Jackson let out an exaggerated sigh. “I’m just being reasonable here. You two are the ones making this a big deal about their relationship. Why am I the bad guy?”

Aiden just glared.

“Enough!” Patricia said, cutting through their bickering. “You guys are both grown adults. Can’t you go a single day without arguing over nonsense?”

With that, she ended the discussion and turned to Sara. “So, Sara, what do you want to eat?”

“There’s a new barbecue spot down the street. Let’s go!” Sara piped up, all smiles.

They followed Sara’s directions, weaving through side streets until they finally pulled up. Patricia only realized once they got there that the barbecue place was right next to the police station.

Jackson craned his neck, peering through the windshield at the sign. “Nice choice of location.”

Sara beamed, thinking he was giving her props. “Really? You’ve heard of this place too?”

Jackson glanced her way, trying not to laugh. She really was a bit clueless sometimes.

Patricia shot Jackson a warning look, like, don’t even start. “Come on, let’s go.”

All four of them headed inside. There was a long line at the door, but thanks to Sara’s early reservation, they breezed right in.

They ended up in a cozy corner. Jackson took charge of the grill, flipping the meat like he did it for a living. He waved off the waiter when they offered to help.

Sara rested her chin in her hands, watching Jackson. The soft, warm lights in the restaurant took the edge off his usual tough-guy vibe and made him look almost gentle.

He picked out the leanest ones and slid them onto Patricia’s plate.

Catching Sara staring at him, he grinned. “What? Want me to serve you too?”

“Can’t you do it yourself? Are your hands broken?” he shot back with a smirk.

Sara pouted. “Then why are you serving Aunt Patricia?”

“She’s my boss. If I don’t keep her happy, who’s going to pay me?”

“I could pay you!” Sara insisted.

Jackson snorted. “Yeah, right. Last time you went to a club, Roger had to come bail you out. Who are you kidding?”

He grinned. “And hey, don’t go out on Halloween. The ghosts might drag you off thinking you’re broke.”