You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 712

“Did Jackson mention going to the office to you?” Patricia asked Marian.

Marian paused to think, then shook her head. “No, he didn’t say anything. Why? Did something happen?”

“Nothing happened. He just said he’s interested in finance.”

Marian let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. She’d been worried Jackson might have done something drastic. “If he’s interested, let him try it. You know how he grew up. He came from nothing, joined the military as soon as he was old enough, never really had the chance to study or see much of the world. If he says he wants to learn, I believe him.”

Patricia didn’t answer right away. She knew Jackson too well. It wasn’t about interest. Jackson was never the kind of person to chase after much. No big ambitions, no strong desires. If he was willing to go work for Colby now, it probably just meant he was finding his own way to take a step back in this whole messy situation.

But why should he have to step back? He had every right to be here.

A wave of guilt washed over Patricia. Still, with the way things were between her and Oliver these days, maybe it was better for Jackson to keep some distance. Maybe that would be better for everyone, especially him.

Marian passed her a bowl of bird’s nest soup. “Miss, don’t stress about it. Maybe Jackson really does want this. Besides, it’s good for him to get out and do something different. He’s always by our side, and honestly, there’s not even a single female cat around here. How’s he ever supposed to settle down like that? He’s had a hard life. Lost his dad way too young, his mom was a nightmare, and he had to scrape and borrow from everyone just to finish high school. Any warmth he’s had has come from us, not family. He deserves to have a home of his own.”

“Don’t worry too much, Miss. Jackson’s not stupid. If things don’t work out, he’ll come back.”

“And could you check with him, see which neighborhoods he likes? Now that he’s working in an office, he shouldn’t keep carrying the bodyguard label. And make sure he gets a car, too. Whatever he wants, price doesn’t matter.”

Marian felt a little emotional. “You always think of everything, Miss.”

From a distance, it was the perfect picture of autumn.

“Pattie!”

The call came from the second-floor master bedroom balcony. Patricia glanced up. Oliver was leaning over the railing, elbow propped, a soft smile on his face. The setting sun shone behind him, catching the fine hairs along his ear, turning them gold. He stood right where the light met the shadow, half in warmth, half in the cool.

The sunlight was almost too bright. Patricia lifted her hand to shield her eyes.

Oliver didn’t move. “Are you cold?” he called down.