Whispered Promises

Chapter 35 - Winter Blues

Jackson's POV

The winter sun barely cuts through the overcast sky, casting a dull gray light over the quiet streets of California. It's not exactly freezing here, but the chill still seeps through the cracks, settling deep in my bones. Or maybe it's not the cold at all. Maybe it's just the fact that Josy isn't here.

Rocco's paws clatter on the hardwood floor as he trots over, his tail wagging lazily. He nudges my leg, dropping his favorite toy at my feet like he's trying to cheer me up. "Yeah, buddy, I know," I mutter, leaning down to scratch behind his ears. He gives me that look—big brown eyes, full of expectation—like he knows I'm not fully here, and he's not wrong.

It's strange, being in this huge house by myself. Normally, I wouldn't mind the quiet. I'm used to it—Mom's always working, busy with her clients and keeping the business running. It's just me and Rocco most of the time, and that's fine. But now, it feels like something's missing. Or more specifically, someone. Josy.

I grab my phone off the coffee table, unlocking it to check for any new messages. Nothing yet. She's still in New York, visiting her family for winter break. I'm trying to play it cool, keep things casual, but I've already texted her way more than I should for someone who's supposed to be in a fake relationship.

Jackson: "Hey, how's New York? Hope you're not freezing out there 😏."

I hit send and stare at the screen for a second, debating whether to add something more. I mean, we're fake dating, right? I shouldn't be missing her like this. But the truth is, I haven't stopped thinking about her since she left.

Rocco barks, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Alright, alright, let's go outside," I say, pulling on my hoodie and grabbing his leash. A walk might clear my head, or at least kill some time while I wait for Josy to text back.

As I step outside, the brisk air hits me, not as harsh as New York's winter, but still enough to remind me it's December. The neighborhood is quiet, with most people probably off visiting family or enjoying their holiday plans. It's not like I'm complaining about being here—I've got Rocco, and Mom will be back in a couple of days—but it's not the same without Josy.

Rocco leads the way down the street, his nose constantly sniffing the air for something new. I shove my hands into my pockets, my mind drifting back to when this whole fake relationship thing started. It was supposed to be simple. Pretend to be a couple, ease the pressure from people constantly hounding us about who we were dating, and maybe have a little fun along the way. But then things shifted—between us, between the fake and the real—and now I don't even know where we stand.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and yank it out, hoping it's her.

Josy: "New York's freezing, but at least it's good to see my brother. How's Cali? Missing you too 😜."

A smile tugs at my lips. I text back quickly, trying not to overthink it.

Jackson: "Cali's boring without you. Rocco agrees. When are you coming back to save us?"

I slip the phone back into my pocket, but the smile doesn't fade. It's weird—I've never been the type to get caught up in feelings. I've always kept things casual, never letting anyone get too close. But Josy... she's different. Even if I can't admit it out loud yet.

We walk for a while longer, but my thoughts are still circling back to her. It's not just the texting. It's the way I've been thinking about her constantly, the way my heart picks up when I see her name flash on my phone. I'm not sure when things started shifting, but I can feel it. I'm not even sure if she feels the same way or if this is still just a game to her. But I can't stop myself from wanting more.

By the time I get back home, the sun's setting, casting a soft orange glow over the house. I throw Rocco a treat, and he settles in for a nap while I flop onto the couch. My phone buzzes again, and I quickly glance at the screen, hoping for more from Josy.

But it's not her—it's a group message from the guys. A couple of them are planning to hit the bars tonight, trying to get a group together. Normally, I'd be all over it, but right now? I'm not feeling it.

I stare at the message for a second, thinking about what I would've done before all this with Josy. I would've gone out, had fun, maybe even flirted with a girl or two. But now, the thought doesn't even appeal to me. Instead, all I want to do is talk to her again.

As if on cue, my phone buzzes again. This time, it's her.

Josy: "I'll be back soon, don't worry 😉. How's Rocco?"

Jackson: "He's moping around just like me. We're both pathetic without you."

Josy: "Aw, poor babies 😘."

I chuckle, shaking my head at the playful tone in her texts. But even though we're joking, there's something real underneath it. Something I can't shake.

As I sit there, staring at my phone, I realize something: I'm in trouble. Real trouble. Because this fake relationship? It doesn't feel so fake anymore.

And I don't know what to do about that.

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