In My Rearview Mirror, JACK.HUGHES

TWENTY FOUR

JACK'S POV

"Bro, it's almost 3 AM," Luke whines next to me, lying back in the passenger seat like he's about to take a nap.

I ignore him, eyes glued to the back door of the bar.

He shifts up a bit, making the seat creak. "Dude, we've been here for like an hour and a half."

I shoot him a look. "Chill, Luke. It's been, like, not even an hour."

He points dramatically at the clock on the dash, all smug. "We got here at 1:30, man."

I roll my eyes. "Okay, fine. But that's not the point. I just wanna make sure Morgan gets out of there okay."

Luke groans, rubbing his eyes. "Why're you so worked up over this? She's a big girl, she can handle herself."

I turn to him, feeling my patience thinning out. "Yeah, I know she can. But Braden and her brother aren't around tonight, and I'm not taking any chances."

He scoffs. "Dude, you look like a stalker just sitting outside her work like this. It's kinda sus."

I sigh, leaning back but keeping an eye on the door. "Look, if Braden was here, I wouldn't even be doing this."

Luke smirks, giving me that annoying little side-eye. "Yeah, right. Like you actually trust him around her."

I snap back too quick, even I know it. "He's not even her boyfriend."

He laughs, that low, knowing kind of laugh. "Yeah, okay, Jack. You can try to convince yourself of that, but you're not fooling me. You like her. A lot."

I shoot him a glare, but he just keeps grinning. He knows he's hit a nerve.

Luke gives me a look, then shrugs. "Alright, whatever, man. But I'm not sittin' here all night. What's the actual plan?"

I rub my face, trying to fight off the tiredness creeping in. "We wait until she comes out, make sure she gets home. No drama."

He rolls his eyes. "Fine, but if this turns into some big scene, I'm out. I got stuff to do tomorrow."

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "Yeah? And what exactly do you have going on tomorrow?"

He raises his eyebrows like I'm dumb. "Uh, the game? You know, the thing we actually get paid for?"

He stretches out, yawning big enough that I feel my own jaw start to do the same. "Wake me up when she shows, man."

I wipe at my eyes, which are starting to burn from being so tired. But I'm not leaving. Not until I know she's safe.

I spot a bunch of drunk people stumbling out of the bar, and it hits me that it's probably closing time. Not that I didn't already check Google for the hours, but whatever.

I keep my eyes peeled as the street starts to empty out, the sounds of laughter and loud conversations fading away. Then, in the dim light, I see Morgan walk out the back door—all by herself.

My heart drops. Seriously? Why the hell is she leaving alone? Everyone knows bartenders shouldn't go solo after a shift.

"Yo, Luke, she's out!" I nudge him, giving his chest a quick slap.

"Great," he mumbles, still half-asleep.

I watch her walk to her car, digging around in her bag for something. When she can't find it, she squats down to get a better look. Even after a sweaty shift, she looks stunning. Honestly, if I didn't know her, I'd probably be trying to make a move right now.