The Remedy (The Program 0.5)(68)

“Not to mention,” Jason continues, “that I’m way better than you at baseball. So you’re good for me, too.” We both snort a laugh.

Isaac finishes, clearly proud of his ass-kickery, and comes back over to the table. He reaches out to take the hat from my head and puts it back on his. “Well, I’m starving,” he says, looking between me and Jason.

“I’ll get us some hot dogs,” Jason says, climbing down from the table.

“I’ll come with,” Isaac adds. He puts his hand on the table and leans in to kiss my cheek. “You want one?” he asks. I nod, enjoying the closeness. He puts his other hand on the other side of me, boxing me in. He leans in and kisses my lips. And then again. “Be right back,” he whispers, and then jogs to catch up with Jason, who is already on his way to a little store on the other side of the cages.

I watch them, feeling content in a way I haven’t in a while. I lean back on my arms, my legs stretched in front of me. My phone buzzes in my pocket and my posture stiffens. I don’t want to talk to you, Aaron, I think, ignoring the call. Just leave us alone.

“Quinn?” There’s a sharp pain in my heart, and I spin around and find Deacon just inside the fence, not far from where we’ve been sitting. He lowers the phone from his ear, devastation painting his features. He looks toward Isaac and Jason, who are thankfully out of earshot, and then back at me. I know he’s seen everything.

“Deacon,” I say, climbing down from the picnic table. He can’t be here; he can’t let Isaac see him. How would I explain? I’d have to break character in front of Jason. That would ruin everything. “I can’t talk right now,” I say, shooting a look over in time to see Isaac and Jason disappear inside the store.

I cross the pavement to where Deacon stands and put my hands on his chest, walking him back a few steps and out of direct view. He doesn’t fight me; he only stares in disbelief. His fingers close around my wrists, holding me to him.

“What are you doing?” he asks pleadingly. “What have you done?”

His pain rolls over me, and I want to apologize—but doing that would be admitting I did something wrong. And frankly, this isn’t any of his business.

“I’m on assignment,” I say, pulling my arms from his grip. “I’m working, Deacon. You can’t be here.”

“You’re living. You’re not working.”

“I’m helping him,” I say.

“You’re helping yourself.”

My soft spot hardens and I cross my arms over my chest. “Don’t be a dick.”

“Me?” he says. “You’ve dodged Aaron for three days. Marie’s grown concerned. Hell, we’re all concerned, Quinn. She sent me to check on you so it’d be off the books—that should tell you something.”

The mention of Marie irks me, and I sneer. “What should it tell me?” I ask him. “That they want more control over how I provide closure? That they think you can manipulate me better than Aaron? I’m doing my job, Deacon. Tell them that.”

Deacon’s face contorts, tightens as if he’s in pain. “I saw you,” he says miserably. “I saw you kiss him.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, but I do my best to keep up my facade. “I’ve already told you that I’m helping him,” I whisper harshly. “There are only a few days left. I think the department can live without me until then.” I take a breath, trying to calm my appearance, and start back toward the table.

“And what about me?” Deacon calls. “What if I can’t live without you?”

It’s a punch to my gut. I turn back fiercely. “Don’t,” I say, pointing at him. “Don’t you dare.” Deacon is not allowed to use this against me, to manipulate me with his feelings of hurt and jealousy. He’s already broken my heart twice. I won’t give him the chance to do it again.

Deacon stares, surprised by the ferocity of my response but also devastated by my rejection. He glances at the store and then takes a step toward me. “You’re killing me,” he murmurs.

“Go home, Deacon,” I say, and turn my back on him. I feel sick, but I keep my posture strong as I stride away and return to the table. My hands are shaking, but my face is emotionless. I force myself numb. I won’t let him in. I can’t.

It’s quiet behind me, and when the screen door of the concessions shop opens and Isaac and Jason walk out with trays of food, laughing about something, I finally glance over my shoulder. Deacon is gone.

There’s a quiet loss, and I turn away. I wonder briefly if he’ll report what he saw—me kissing the boyfriend of an assignment. A client, even. But I know he won’t. Deacon would never betray me to the department, even if it’s for my own good.

CHAPTER FOUR

ISAAC HAS A GAME ON Tuesday night, and although I’ve never been to a high school baseball game, I decide to attend. I’m nervous that someone will call me out for being there, but I’ve been living so effortlessly the past few days that the threat seems far away now. I’ll be careful. I’ll wear my hood up, keep my eyes downcast. I’ll sit in the back.

Those people can’t stop me from living. Isaac wants me there, and I want to be with him. It’s simple now—easier than any assignment I’ve ever had. Even at dinner tonight, my parents were all smiles. There was no pain. I’ve taken it all away.