Beautifully Wrong - Rafe Cameron

V

Indiana settled into the worn couch on John B's porch, her injured foot propped up on a makeshift ottoman made from an old crate. The orthopedic boot she was now forced to wear was a constant reminder of the mess she had been dragged into. JJ was lounging on the porch swing, a beer in hand, while John B leaned against the railing, looking at her with concern.

"So," JJ began, taking a swig from his bottle. "What the hell happened to you?"

Indiana rolled her eyes, adjusting the ice pack she had resting on her ankle. "Long story. Let's just say I had a close encounter with a car. My ankle didn't win."

John B raised an eyebrow. "You got hit by a car? How did that happen?"

"It wasn't just any car," Indiana muttered, feeling the anger bubble up inside her again. "It was Rafe Cameron's car."

"Rafe Cameron?" JJ almost choked on his drink. "That asshole?"

"Yup." Indiana nodded, her expression darkening. "It was an accident, but still, it was entirely his fault. He wasn't paying attention, and I ended up on the ground."

"Shit," John B sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "That guy's always been trouble. You okay, though?"

"I'm fine, just pissed off. And now I've got this stupid boot to deal with." She gestured to her foot with a scowl. "I'm gonna be stuck in this thing for weeks."

JJ shook his head, leaning back in the swing. "You should've punched him or something. Teach him a lesson."

Indiana snorted. "Yeah, because that would've gone over well. Besides, Sarah was there, and she'd probably have flipped if I decked her brother."

John B chuckled. "She probably would've joined in, knowing how much she hates him sometimes."

"Maybe," Indiana agreed with a small smile. "But it's not worth the trouble. I just want to move on and forget it ever happened."

"Well, you know we've got your back," John B said, sincerity in his voice. "If you need anything, just ask."

"Thanks, John B," she replied, appreciating the support. "But what about you? What's been going on?"

"Oh, you know, the usual. Trying to keep the house from falling apart and make some money," he said with a shrug. "Actually, speaking of money... I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

Indiana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of favor?"

"I've got this job lined up," John B began, "but something came up, and I can't make it. I was wondering if you could fill in for me. It's nothing too hard, just some work at Ward Cameron's house. You'd be helping out around the place, making sure things are in order."

Indiana frowned, the idea of going anywhere near Rafe Cameron's house making her uneasy. "You want me to work for the Camerons? After what just happened?"

"I know it sounds crazy," John B admitted, "but it's good money, and I trust you to handle it. Ward's not that bad, and I doubt Rafe will even be there. It's mostly just dealing with the house stuff."

She sighed, considering it. "I don't know, John B. It feels like a bad idea."

"Look, I wouldn't ask if I didn't need the help," he said earnestly. "I wouldn't let you do it if I thought it was dangerous. But it's just one day, and then you're done."

"Plus," JJ added, "you could get some dirt on the Kooks while you're at it. Might come in handy later."

Indiana rolled her eyes. "Yeah, because that's what I need right now, more drama."

"C'mon, Indie," John B pleaded. "Just this once. I'll owe you big time."

She looked between her two friends, their expressions a mix of encouragement and hope. Despite her reservations, Indiana couldn't deny that she owed John B for all the times he'd helped her out. Besides, she could use the extra cash, especially with her injury limiting her work options.

"Fine," she relented, "I'll do it. But if Rafe shows up and gives me any crap, I'm out."

"Deal," John B said, grinning. "Thanks, Indie. I owe you one."

"You better," she teased, leaning back against the couch. "So, what else have you guys been up to?"

JJ shrugged. "Same old, same old. Just trying to stay out of trouble and keep from getting caught."

Indiana laughed. "Yeah, right. You're always in trouble, JJ."

"Guilty as charged," he admitted with a grin. "But seriously, things have been pretty chill lately. Just hanging out, enjoying the summer."

"Must be nice," she said, thinking about how her summer had taken a turn for the worse. "I was hoping to have a quiet one, but now I've got this boot and a Cameron-sized headache."

"Hey, at least you've got us," John B reminded her, clinking his beer bottle against JJ's. "We'll make sure you have some fun, even if you're stuck hobbling around."

"Thanks," she said, feeling a bit better. "I could use a distraction right about now."

"Well, you're in luck," JJ said, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in his eye. "How about we hit the beach tomorrow? We can chill, maybe do a little surfing—well, you can just hang out, since you're off the board for now."

Indiana smiled at the thought. "Yeah, that sounds good. I could use some sun and saltwater."

"Then it's settled," John B said, raising his bottle. "Beach day this week. Just the three of us."

"Perfect," Indiana agreed, clinking her soda can with their bottles. "I'm in."

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking and laughing, the bond between them unshakable despite the chaos that seemed to follow them wherever they went. Indiana knew that no matter what happened, she could always count on John B and JJ to have her back, just as they knew she'd always have theirs.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the water, they reluctantly parted ways, each heading home with the promise of a day at the beach to look forward to. Indiana limped back to her bike, her thoughts drifting to the job she'd agreed to take on for John B. She wasn't thrilled about the idea of working for the Camerons, especially with the tension still lingering from the accident, but she'd do it for John B. He was like a brother to her, and she knew he'd do the same for her if the roles were reversed.

That night, as she lay in bed, her mind raced with thoughts of the day ahead. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that this favor for John B might end up being more complicated than either of them had anticipated. But she pushed the thoughts aside, reminding herself that she'd handled worse before. Whatever the Camerons threw at her, she'd deal with it and move on.

With a deep breath, Indiana closed her eyes, the sound of the water outside her window lulling her to sleep. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, she'd focus on the simple pleasure of spending time with her friends. And when the time came to face the Camerons again, she'd be ready.

A/N: love their friendship. don't forget to vote and comment, love yall💕💕