Page 57 of Fighting For You

Knox rubbed his jaw. "Maybe he has a plan?"

"Is that plan to be a high school dropout? Knox, a lot of decent-paying jobs require a diploma. Did you need one to be a firefighter?"

"He could get his GED."

I looked at him. "Not helping, Knox."

"Alright. Sorry."

I leaned back against the headrest and stared at the ceiling of the truck.

"Ever since I became Ian's legal guardian, I made it a goal to make sure he turns out well. That's what our parents would have wanted. That's the only thing I promised myself I wouldn't fail at."

"Nora, you're putting too much of this on yourself. Ian makes choices too."

"He's not eighteen yet. Technically, he's still under my care. I am responsible for him." I pressed my palms against my eyes. "And I don't know what to do, because nothing I say is getting through."

Knox turned to me. "I'm probably the wrong person to talk to about this. I'm a youngest son. But I do know how to cheer you up."

I dropped my hands. "How?"

He turned on the engine. "Come on."

"Where are you taking me?"

"Just trust me."

Knox turned into The Lantern's parking lot and pulled into a spot near the door.

"Knox, I don't really feel like drinking right now."

"We're not drinking."

He hopped out, came around to my side, and opened the door as I was stepping out. He took my hand, locked the truck with the other, and walked me to the entrance.

The Lantern was quiet for a Friday. A few regulars at the bar, someone playing the jukebox in the corner. The crew wasn't there. It was just the bar, the low light, and the two of us.

Knox led me to a booth in the back, then held up a finger. "Give me a minute."

He walked up to the bar and leaned over to talk to Selena. I couldn't hear what he said. She glanced at me, smiled, and disappeared into the kitchen.

Knox came back and slid into the booth beside me.

"Have you not had dinner yet?"

"I have. But I feel like you need an after-dinner snack."

A few minutes later, Selena came out of the kitchen carrying a plate and a small container. She set both down in front of me.

"Garlic parmesan tenders and buffalo ranch dip." She winked at me, then walked away.

I looked at the plate. Then I looked at Knox.

"What's this?"

"What does it look like?"

"But The Lantern doesn't serve tenders."