Hampton's Paradise [Sequel to The Other Lodge]

Happy Truce

I come home to see everyone gather in the living room. Judging by their face, or someone died or something went wrong in Shadow Lake.

"What's up guys?" I ask.

They look at me half relief half concerned. Cheryl walks to me and hugs me.

"Are you okay?" She asks.

"Yeah of course why?" I wonder.

"You stayed with some mobsters and made us left without you..." She looks at me strangely.

"Yes but only because I was making sure no one will come after us. I'm perfectly fine love, don't worry." I kiss her forehead and hug her.

"Jade." Sweet Pea says. "We might have problems still."

"Like what?"

"Ronnie called us from Shadow Lake." Toni says. "They can't find anyone who knew Cassidy. It's just like he never existed."

"My dad has relations, he might have paid Cassidy's friend to accuse Archie and now he keeps them close to him so they won't change their mind."

"Yup, anyway their trip was useless so they are on their way home." Savannah says.

"What are we doing next?" Elliot asks.

"We need to see how my dad will react when Myles will turn his back to him. So I suggest we finally enjoy our holidays waiting for something else to plan okay?"

"Sounds good to me." Emma breathes out in relief. "I will finally be able to bring this beauty on a date."

Toni reddens and I chuckle.

"Two of my favorites together. I buy it."

"For real? You're not mad?" Emma asks surprised.

"Of course not. If you make her happy and that she does too, I'm cool with it. Plus, I might have a date to plan myself." I wink and kiss Cheryl.

We all laugh and relax finally. Then we decide to go to bed.

"So, what did you do when we left?" Cheryl asks.

"I talked with Myles to make sure he will take care of Zachary and then I went to check on Minetta but he wasn't there anymore." I lie.

"Really? So there is still a danger out here!" Worry my girlfriend.

"I don't think so, he will go back to Riverdale to warn my dad about Myles. He will have more important things to do than chasing us..."

"Are you sure?"

"Fucking positive my love. So now, can we think about something else and have a little fun?" I smirk and put myself on top of her.

"I love the sound of it." She smiles and kisses me hungrily.

The next day

I wake up slowly and see Cheryl still asleep. I decide to prepare something cool for the breakfast since the sun is up. I set a nice table outside near the pool and I cook everything for her breakfast.

As I am finishing my task, Ronnie, Betty, Archie, Kevin and Jughead open the door.

"Hi guys!" I say happily.

"Yo! Can we have some too?" Jug asks sitting in the kitchen.

"Sure, what you want?" I smile.

"Bacon!" Yell Kevin and Jug at the same time.

"Did I hear bacon?" Cheryl asks still half asleep.

"Jade is cooking so yes." Betty laughs.

"My girlfriend is cooking, in what honor?" Chuckle Cheryl.

"Yours my love. I set something for you outside. Give ten minutes to please those hungry men and I'm all yours." I wink at her.

"Ronnie, listen closely, I love your sister! She is amazing!"

"Oh I know, she is a Lodge!" Wink Ronnie. "Anyway, I might want some bacon too."

"No problem lil sist'. I'm in a great mood this morning" I say smiling.

We all eat in happiness and I go with Cheryl. We enjoy each other's presence and we laugh admiring the beautiful landscape in front of us.

After some time, Emma comes to us and sits shyly.

"What can we do for you beautiful lady?" I ask.

"Well, since you both know I'm going on a date with Toni... and since you know her well, I was wondering if you had any idea of what I can plan for her...." Emma says.

"Be simple. Be yourself. Toni is a great girl, no matter what you plan for her, the most important for her will be having you by her side." I tell her.

"She's right. Toni will love everything including you but stay simple, don't get fancy, the girl is a badass." Chuckle Cheryl.

Emma laughs.

"I was thinking about taking her to the skatepark in front of the sea."

"She will love it." I smile.

"Definitely." Cheryl winks.

"Thanks. Oh and Jade, you're sure it's okay with you?" Emma wonders.

"My two favorite exes together? Of course it's okay with me. Treat her well, be happy and I'll be fine." I hug Emma.

"We should go on double dates sometimes." Suggest Cheryl.

"Awkward..." I chuckle. "But why not?"

Before Emma can respond, my phone rings.

Incoming Call : Daddy 🤴🏽🍀

"Sorry guys I have to take this one." I smile and leave.

I walk to a secret spot and answer.

"Dad? What's up?" I ask innocently.

"Why were you at this party last night?" He angrily asks.

"Well it was a business night, I'm starting my business, so what do you think I was doing there?" I chuckle.

"I'm serious Jade. I'm pretty sure you know more than you're telling me."

"Can't you be more precise?" I ask.

"Did you talk with Myles McCoy or even Zachary Parker?"

"Oh, I saw Myles yeah, we talked about jazz and all, I like this man. For the other one, how did you call him?" I pause. "Oh yeah Zachary Parker, I don't remember him, what does he look like?" I smile to myself.

"Don't play dumb, my precious princess..." he sighs. "I'm going to be clear. Did you give him to Myles?"

"I did not, Daddy." I smirk.

This "I did not" thing is a family thing. Dad used to do it every time and we asked him about business so it only seems fair to use it to.

"I see." He whispers knowing what I just did. "I hope your holidays will be fun, my precious princess. Say hi to Ronnie and send my best regards to Archie, will you?"

"Of course Daddy. Send our love to mom too."

"I will."

He says and hangs up.

Well he knows... I wonder what he will do now. I'm not worrying for now since Minetta will tell me about my dad's plan.

The only thing I'm worrying about is what can I find to save Archie. Obviously my father is against him so he made things the hard way. I need to find something he might have forgot about...

But for now let's enjoy the holidays.