Saving Caroline

Chapter 24 (picture of Jackson)

"So, Payton?" A mans voice was behind me.

I turn around to face him.

"Jackson what are you doing here?" I ask.

"I heard you worked here." He says.

His eyes look up and down my body.

"Stop!" I snap.

His eyes lock on mine.

"You grew up," He whispers.

"Yeah most people do," I snarl.

"Payton!" The director calls me over.

"Leave," I command before I walk away.

Jackson walks down the hallway, and I assume out of the studio. The set is a water fall. Water flows from a hose in the back of the backdrop. I pose; they take pictures.

~

Soon enough the shoot ends, and I can go home. I change back into my black joggers, and grey crop top. I but my black vans on. I leave my damp hair down.

I walk out into the lobby, and Jackson stands up out of a waiting chair. I roll my eyes and try to walk past him.

"Jackson! Move!" I shout.

He stays still. I go to go around him, and he stops me. My phone buzzes in my pocket. I get it out, and answer the FaceTime.

"Hey, babe," Danny smiles.

"Hey," I smile.

I glance and Jackson; he looks upset.

"Where are you?" Danny asks.

"I'm trying to leave the studio," I say starring at Jackson.

"Okay?" Danny says but it sounds like a question.

"But someone is in the way," I say turning the camera on Jackson.

"What is Jackson doing there?" He asks.

"I'm not sure," I say turning the camera back on me.

"Do I need to come?" Danny asks.

"No I'll be home in twenty," I say.

"Okay, I love you," He says.

"I love you too," I say, and end the call.

Jackson looks angry now.

"What?" I ask walking around him.

"He knows about me?" He asks.

"Well paparazzi follow me everywhere now; so it was going to come up one way or another," I say.

I'm about to walk out the door, but he grabs my wrist.

"We ran into each other three months ago!" He snarls.

I don't even flinch at his remarks; not anymore.

"Listen! When I left, and you didn't say goodbye. it hurt! When you didn't come to my parents funeral, that hurt! When you didn't call, write, or anything, that hurt! I don't want to hear excuses! I was fine without you!" I shout in his face tears welling in my eyes.