CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81 LUNCH TIME

Caroline’s POV

I was back to crying myself to sleep, my heart shattered after finding out Draven hooked up with that bitch Ella while begging for my forgiveness. The betrayal hit harder than I thought possible. I was completely drained, and Rory kept whimpering inside me, sharing my pain.

The day had barely started when I was at my desk talking business with Mr. Reeves and Ruby. Ruby was all excited, going on about her brother’s place.

"Mr. Reeves, you gotta take your mate to my brother’s bar," Ruby said, beaming. "It’s perfect for chilling after a rough week."

"Sounds like it might become her new favorite spot," Mr. Reeves smiled. "She’s been saying we need more date nights."

Eleanor popped up suddenly, looking like she had some urgent news to share.

"Sorry to cut in, Mr. Reeves, but can I steal these two for a sec?" she asked, trying to sound casual but her eyes saying something else.

"Sure thing, Eleanor," Mr. Reeves nodded. "They were just telling me about Ruby’s brother’s bar for a date night with my mate."

"Oh you’ll love it," Eleanor said with a polite smile. "Didn’t you say your mate loves dancing? The music’s amazing there."

Ruby jumped in, "Mr. Reeves, just let me know when you want to go, and Jax will hook you up with a sweet table. Got some super romantic spots upstairs if it’s just you two, or if you’re bringing friends, we’ll put you near the dance floor."

"I’ll talk to her tonight and let you know, Ruby. Thanks for the tip," Mr. Reeves said as he walked off, humming to himself.

"Does that guy ever stop humming?" Eleanor asked as we watched him walk away.

Ruby and I looked at each other. "Nope," we said together, laughing.

"Way too happy," Eleanor said before getting serious. "Heads up, girls. Ryan, Draven, and Joseph are trying to trap us at lunch."

"What are you talking about?" Ruby’s eyes got big.

Eleanor leaned in close. "That idiot Joseph is setting us up. I caught him on the phone with those assholes. He told them to wait outside where I wouldn’t spot them. When we go for lunch, they’re gonna stalk us and corner us at whatever restaurant we pick, thinking we won’t make a scene in public," Eleanor explained their plan. "And they’re making it look random so we can’t threaten them with harassment."

I let out a tired sigh. "Guess we’re doing takeout in the office today."

"Hell no!" Ruby said, her eyes lighting up. "We’re not letting them push us around with this high school bullshit. And we’re definitely not hiding."

"You’ve got something evil planned, don’t you?" Eleanor grinned, and Ruby smirked back.

Ruby grabbed her phone and called someone, putting it on speaker.

"Hey favorite brother in the whole world," she said super sweet.

A deep laugh came through. "Oh man, when you talk like that, I know you’re up to something and need my help," Jax said, sounding amused.

"You know me too well!"

"What’s the situation, Ruby?"

"How would you feel about having lunch with me today?"

"Missing your big brother already?"

"Always! But today I need you to bring the guys along."

"What exactly are you planning, Ruby?" His tone grew slightly suspicious.

Ruby quickly outlined our situation without giving away too many details, simply explaining that we were having issues with some persistent men at work and needed to teach them a lesson.

"So you want to use me and my boys as bodyguards?" Jax asked, sounding more amused than annoyed.

"Well, when you put it that way... yeah, exactly!" Ruby said without even trying to deny it.

"You’ve got no shame, sis," Jax laughed. "But I’m always down to help hot girls in trouble, especially Caroline.The guys and I got you covered. We’ll grab you at noon."

"Actually, Jax, better if we meet you there. You should be there before us."

"Playing it smart. I dig it. Text me the spot. Catch you at lunch."

Ruby hung up and did a little victory dance.

"You’re evil!" Eleanor grinned. "And I fucking love it!" I couldn’t help laughing with them despite feeling like crap, and we all high-fived.

"Gotta get back before Joseph gets suspicious," Eleanor said. "Dude’s been watching me like crazy."

When lunch rolled around, we walked out super casual, like we had no clue what was up. Eleanor had texted that the front desk spotted Draven and Ryan lurking at the gift shop across the street, exactly where she said they’d be.

While we walked, Rory perked up inside me, sensing both trouble and the thrill of our plan.