Everything written is a work of fiction (AKA not real in any way, shape or form.) Fan fiction is purely for entertainment purposes and not intended to offend or misrepresent anyone or be disrespectful in any way.
All writing is original work by @harlowcomehome and is not to be used or posted on any other platform by anyone that is not me. Thank you.
Iâve been thinking about this for a long while now and I finally have come to the decision that I will not be using this blog anymore. Iâd like to keep my blog up for the sake of keeping my written work here but the blog itself will now be inactive.
However in the future, if I see fit I will likely deactivate as a whole but as of right now, that is not the case.
This post honestly feels so dramatic to make but I feel that itâs somewhat necessary after years of posting.
I love and appreciate everyone who I met and have become friends with on this app. Thank you for being so kind and offering me a community of people to relate to. I hope 2025 is good for every single one of you!
Everything written is a work of fiction (AKA not real in any way, shape or form.) Fan fiction is purely for entertainment purposes and not intended to offend or misrepresent anyone or be disrespectful in any way.
All writing is original work by @harlowcomehome and is not to be used or posted on any other platform by anyone that is not me. Thank you.
High school sweet hurts series:
Part 1: Backstory as to how you and Jack became high school sweethearts.
Part 2: The breakup.
Part 3: Jack and Jace.
Part 4: Banner Ceremonies & Heartaches.
Summary: You and Jack spent a majority of high school together, but when life started getting serious things changed.
âWhatâs the best way to cheat on someone?â
Summary: Tiktok trend gone wrong with Jack.
Fatherâs Day tears and flowers:
Summary: Early Fatherâs Day fic where Jack gets emotional about all youâve done.
Hazel and Jade studio days:
Summary: Hazel and Jade talk Jack into letting them come with him to the studio.
Classroom bunnies
Summary: Jack always pretends to be allergic to animals simply because he doesnât want any, that finally backfires.
Bentleys and babies
Summary: Fatherâs Day fic where you gift Jack something special.
Remember when?
Summary: Jack and Y/N have a date night at home to themselves and start reminiscing. (Fluffy!!)
Rage room meltdowns
Summary: Jack is having a hard time dealing with his emotions so you take him to a ârage roomâ to blow off steam.
Gonzaga Jeremy
Summary: Based off Jacks character in WMCJ, this fic is about Jeremy and his torn ACLS.
Blue eyes
Summary: Jade and Jack are spending some time alone when Jade realizes Jack has blue eyes and she doesnât.
Your best guy friend:
Summary: Your best guy friend has been in love with you for years but you never noticed it until Jack pointed it out. Now your friendship is in a compromising position.
Stargazing and reassurance:
Summary: Jack is having an off night and canât sleep so you surprise him with a gift you had been saving.
Mommy & Jade day:
Summary: Jack chaperones Hazels end of the year class trip leaving you and Jade to spend the day together.
Sleep away camp:
Summary: Hazel goes to sleep away came and y/n has a business trip to attend leaving Jade and Jack alone.
Youâre not that funny:
Summary: You go with Jack to a music video shoot and you get jealous about how one of the models is acting around Jack.
In my head:
Summary: Youâre feeling insecure and Jack reassures you not to.
Roller skate date:
Summary: Fluff piece about roller skating with Jack.
School supply shopping:
Summary: Jack goes school shopping with you for both of the girls.
Jaded
Summary: Your insecurities make you push Jack away but heâs willing to be patient with you.
Arts and concerts:
Summary: Hazel and Jade make some bracelets for Jack and to trade at his NPLH concert.
Coffee and rainy days:
Summary: You and Jack get rained out while youâre walking around on a mini vacation.
Beverly Hills & Basketball:
Summary: (Based off Jacks character in WMCJ.) Jeremy and you both come from very different backgrounds but make it work.
Divorce and take out menus:
Summary: One of Hazels friends is dealing with the split of her parents making Hazel worried about yours and Jacks future.
Daddy-daughter dates:
Summary: School is starting in a few days and Jack takes the opportunity to spend the day alone with Hazel and Jade.
Wigs and secret dates:
Summary: Jack had been stressed about work lately so you plan a day full of dates for the two of you, going out in disguise.ïżŒ
You deserve better:
Summary: Jack is constantly calling you to confide in you about his girlfriend who isnât very nice to him, he knows you have feelings for him but canât stop himself.
Baby thatâs a Kentucky accent:
Summary: Jack is following you around doing an over exaggerated version of his accent to make you giggle. Fluff piece! ïżŒ
Mullet concept:
Summary: Jack debuted a new hairstyle IRL, so I wrote a small blurb about it.
Lies and football games:
Summary: You planned a date night for you and Jack but a football game became more important, making Jack fake an illness to get out of plans with you.
Long distance decisions:
Summary: You and Jack have been dating long distance for a while now and a decision has to be made.
The wedding guest:
Summary: You meet Jack at a wedding and the two of you hit it off.
Silent treatment with Jade Harlow:
Summary: Jade gets upset with Jack and gives him the silent treatment.
Pumpkin spice and everything nice:
Summary: Reader is pregnant and obsessed with pumpkin flavored items so Jack and her go shopping.
Thanksgiving on the road:
Summary: A bad snowstorm prohibits, you and Jack from going home for Thanksgiving, so you have a makeshift Thanksgiving at the hotel.
Something about Waffle House:
Summary: Jack canât sleep and is feeling anxious about NPLH so you have a breakfast date to get his mind off things.
Youâre home to me:
Summary: You and Jack have a relaxing night after a long day. (Fluffy!!)
Gas station snacks:
Summary: Hazel and Jade go inside the gas station with you to get some snacks before the family of four go on a road trip.
Hazel and Jadeâs damn cat:
Summary: Jade has wanted a cat for a long time and Jack finally applies the pressure when Urbans friends cat needs to be rehomed.
Christmas card mix ups:
Summary: Jack forgets about your planned Christmas card photo shoot.
Canât sleep:
Summary: Jack is at home with the two girls while youâre away and when Jade canât sleep she gets into the kitchen and makes a mess.
Wrapping your room:
Summary: Hazel sees a TikTok prank online that she wants to do to Jack.
Salt dough ornaments:
Summary: You make some ornaments for Christmas with your nine month old Hazel.
So sick of love songs:
Summary: A fic based off the song âSo sickâ by Ne-yo.
A modern Cinderella story:
Summary: You meet Jack on NYE and hit it off.
Made for me:
Summary: A fic based off the song âMade for meâ by Muni Long.
Chores and soap bubbles:
Summary: You are overwhelmed and exhausted from always having to do the house chores, Jack has been distracted lately and Hazel and Jade try to help. ïżŒ
Love somebody like you:
Summary: Jack is recently divorced, and youâve been his shoulder to lean on. Does it become too much?
Dollhouses & haircuts:
Summary: Jack fall asleep while he was supposed to be watching Jade. She ended up cutting a piece of his hair, hence how the mullet was born. ïżŒ
PG and Paper Rings:
Summary: Hazel borrows Jacks PG ring and it gets stolen from her at school.
Morning workouts:
Summary: Jack comes homes form a workout and you canât keep your eyes or hands off him.
Grammy award-winning:
Summary: You and Jack skip the Grammys and talk about future plans. (Very short fic.)
Vintage Celine and birthday showers:
Summary: Celebrating your birthday with Jack and getting some nice gifts too!
Canât keep loving you from a distance:
Summary: Friends -> Lovers! You and Jack hadnât each other in a while and with some help from your friends maybe things change between the two of youâŠ.
Runaway husband:
Part two
Summary: Jack gets cold feet on your wedding day but thatâs not the last youâll see of himâŠ(angst!)
Burnt out sleepovers:
Summary: Youâre overwhelmed with the kids so Jack steps in to host a sleepover.
Love is blind x Louisville:
Summary: Jack goes on the Netflix show love is blind.
Birthday cakes & vacations:
Summary: You and your daughters make Jacks birthday extra special.
CALYPSO:
Summary: Based off Bryson Tillers song Calypso. (Smut)
Kentucky Derby: Glitter and Horse Races.
Summary: The Harlow family getting ready for the derby! (Hazel and Jade included.)
Babysitting gone wrong:
Summary: Hazel watches Jade for the first time by herself.
Easy:
Summary: Based of Ella Maiâs song called Easy. Angst! Friends to lovers!
Breathe-right strips:
Summary: Short fic about Jack falling asleep as he was waiting up for you.
Pheromone perfume:
Summary: Putting on pheromone perfume around Jack.
Food poisoning and Sock puppets:
Summary: Jack has food poisoning and the girls put on a sock puppet performance to make him feel better.
Distance:
Summary: Based off the song Distance by Normani.
Lemonade stand competitions:
Summary: Hazel and Jack and you and Jade compete against one another to see who can make more money with their lemonade stands.
Iâm worried Iâll snore:
Summary: You are sleeping over at Jacks for the first time and worried heâll be annoyed by your habits.
Ladies night:
Summary: Jack picks you and your friends up after a tipsy night out.
Spa weekend:
Summary: You plan a weekend getaway for the two of you.
Premieres and press runs:
Summary: As a family the four of you get ready for Jacks big movie premiere!
Scalvo & the donut shop:
Summary: Scalvo (from the instigators) and y/n meet at his ânormalâ job.
Would they lie for you:
Summary: TikTok trend where your significant other sees if your best friend will lie for you.
Paul and Ericka Scalvo:
Summary: This story gives Paul Scalvo III (Scalvo from the instigators) some background. We get to meet the older sister that raised him like her own and get a little more backstory on who Scalvo is⊠or was.
Dog mom:
Summary: You and Jack meet organically and begin to see each other, shortly after he gets a dog.
Everything written is a work of fiction (AKA not real in any way, shape or form.) Fan fiction is purely for entertainment purposes and not intended to offend or misrepresent anyone or be disrespectful in any way.
The mall was filled with people rushing to get their last minute shopping done for the holidays as Jack and Maryse pushed Noah and London in their stroller towards the Santa photo area. Noah and London, were bundled up in matching red-and-white outfits, complete with tiny Santa hats. It was their first Christmas as a family of four, and they wanted to make it memorable, even if they werenât sure how their 10-month-olds would react to meeting Santa.
As they reached the front of the line, Jack adjusted Noahâs hat while Maryse cooed at London who was babbling happily in her arms. âThink theyâre ready for this?â Jack asked with a smirk, glancing at all the chaos in front of them.
Maryse laughed softly. âLondon? Definitely. Noah⊠not so much,â she teased, glancing down at their son, whose expression was a look of mild concern.
When it was their turn, Santa greeted them warmly, his jolly demeanor instantly winning over London, who squealed and reached out toward him. Noah, however, clung tightly to his dad, his lip trembling. âItâs okay, buddy,â Jack reassured him as he gently set him on Santaâs lap.
The moment Noah touched Santaâs lap, his face crumpled, and he let out a loud wail that echoed across the mall. Maryse quickly knelt beside him, rubbing his back, while Jack tried to distract him with his favorite stuffed reindeer.
London sat beside Santa, giggling and clapping her tiny hands. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she reached up and grabbed a handful of Santaâs fluffy white beard. âLondon!â Maryse exclaimed, trying to gently pry her daughterâs fingers away. Santa chuckled good-naturedly. âSheâs strong for such a little one,â he said, laughing.
The photographer managed to snap the moment: Noah mid-scream, London mid-giggle, and their parents laughing.
As they walked out of the mall with the twins bundled up in their stroller, Maryse let out an exaggerated sigh, glancing over at Jack, who was still chuckling to himself.
âOkay,â she started, holding back a laugh, âwe are never doing that again.â
Jack smirked, pushing the stroller with one hand and slipping his free arm around her shoulders. âCome on, it wasnât that bad,â he teased. âLondon had the time of her life. Look at herâsheâs still smiling.â
Maryse leaned over to check on their daughter, who was happily sucking on her fist, her eyes wide with curiosity. âYeah, well, Noah was screaming like Santa stole his favorite toy,â she shot back, glancing at their son, who was now fast asleep, cheeks still a little red from his earlier meltdown.
âHe was just⊠expressing himself,â Jack joked. âIt builds character.â
Maryse gave him a playful shove. âExpressing himself? Babe, he cried so hard Santa was ready to retire on the spot!â They both laughed as they reached the car.
Jack helped fold the stroller and load the twins in their car seats. Once they were both settled, he turned to her with a grin. âYou know,â he said, leaning against the door, âweâll probably do it again next year.â
Maryse groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. âUgh, youâre probably right.â Then she smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. âBut if we do, you get to hold Noah.â
âDeal,â he replied with a wink, leaning in to kiss her forehead. âBut only because I love youâand our two little elves.â
Maryse laughed as she climbed into the car, glancing back at their sleeping twins. âTheyâll thank us one day⊠or maybe not..â
***
an: idea from anon who said Noah would cry if he met Santa đ
Jack and Maryse walking through one of those neighborhood Christmas lights show and they start talking about how they would decorate their own house together one day đ„č
Flashing Lights Concepts
Their first Christmas together was already shaping up to be unforgettable. Jack had taken Maryse to Kentucky to celebrate with his family, eager to share the traditions heâd grown up with. Sheâd been a little nervous at firstâmeeting everyone and stepping into his worldâbut his family welcomed her like sheâd always been part of it.
That night, after a dinner filled with laughter and way too much food, Jack gathered with his friends for their annual walk through the neighborhood Christmas lights show. It was a tradition heâd told her about countless times, and this year, he was thrilled to have her by his side.
Bundled up in coats and scarves, they strolled through the glowing streets. Lights twinkled in every yardâsome houses simple and classic, others overflowing with inflatable Santas, reindeer, and enough neon to rival a city skyline.
Jack walked close to Maryse, their gloved hands brushing against each other until he finally reached out to take hers. âThis right here,â he said, gesturing to a house with a perfectly synchronized light show to Christmas music, âwas always my favorite spot when I was a kid. They go all out every year.â
Maryse smiled, leaning into him as she watched the lights dance to the beat. âI can see why. Itâs beautiful.â
Urban laughed and nudged him. âYou ever think about doing something like this at your own place? You know, once you settle down?â
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. âMan, I donât even know if Iâd know where to start. But yeah⊠one day.â He glanced at Maryse, his eyes soft. âWhen weâve got our own place, weâll make it ours. Something simple, something that feels like us.â
Maryse cheeks flushed, not from the cold but from the warmth in his words. âYou mean, youâre gonna let me take over?â she teased, squeezing his hand.
âOh, for sure,â he replied with a grin. âYouâre gonna be in charge of all the classy stuff, and Iâll handle the fun. Like⊠lights synced to my songs, maybe a giant blow-up Santa on the roof.â
She laughed, shaking her head. âIâm vetoing the Santa, but weâll talk about the lights. And maybe some reindeer for the lawn?â
âDeal,â he said, his smile widening.
They kept walking, his friends joking about which house was the most over-the-top, but Jack and Maryse were in their own little bubble. The idea of decorating their future home together felt so simple, yet so special.
As they passed a house with a glowing âMerry Christmasâ sign, Maryse leaned her head against his shoulder. âI think itâs sweet that you want to make traditions of our own one day,â she said softly.
He kissed the top of her head, his voice low and full of promise. âOne day, baby. And itâs gonna be everything weâve ever wanted.â
The only concept I can think of right now is Jack surprising maryse with dedicating âcanât helping falling in love with youâ to her đđ She usually loves to watch him practice and do sound checks but he didnât let her this time because he wanted to surprise her. Marsye would want to joke and call him mushy but I feel like even she couldnât help but to love it.
Flashing Lights Concepts
The night of the annual No Place Like Home show in Kentucky was finally here, and it was nothing short of magical. This yearâs event was unlike any beforeâa black-tie gala in collaboration with the Louisville Orchestra. The venue was filled with fans and dressed to the nines, buzzing with anticipation for Jack's performance.
Maryse sat in the audience, her excitement barely contained. She had been dying to watch him rehearse, but heâd been unusually secretive this time, insisting she stay away from the soundchecks. âYouâre just going to have to trust me,â heâd teased with a sly grin, kissing her forehead.
As the lights dimmed, the orchestraâs strings swelled, and Jack took the stage in a sleek black tuxedo. His energy filled the room as he performed hit after hit, his verses blending with the strings. Maryse couldnât take her eyes off him, her heart swelling with pride as the crowd sang along to every word.
Near the end of the show, the stage lights softened, and Jack stepped forward, his voice quieting the room. âThis show means a lot to me every year,â he began, his Kentucky accent thick as he spoke into the mic. âItâs about home, family, and love. And tonight, I want to dedicate this next one to someone who makes every day feel like home.â
Maryseâs breath caught in her throat as he glanced in her direction, his gaze softening. âBaby,â he said, his voice thick with emotion, âthis oneâs for you.â
The orchestra began to play the soft, iconic opening notes of Canât Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, and the crowd erupted in applause. Jackâs voice was tender as he sang the timeless song, his raw emotion filling every note. Maryseâs eyes glistened with tears, her hand covering her mouth as she listened. She had no idea heâd been rehearsing this, and the thought of him stepping outside his comfort zone for her made her heart ache in the best way.
The orchestraâs strings swirled around his voice, creating a breathtaking moment as the crowd sang along. The audience swayed, their phones lighting up the room like stars.
When the final notes faded, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but Jack only had eyes for Maryse. âI love you,â he mouthed, his smile soft and full of meaning.
Maryse wiped at her tears, her cheeks hurting from smiling so hard. She knew sheâd remember this moment forever.
As soon as Maryse made her way backstage, she spotted Jack standing near the dressing room, laughing with a few members of the orchestra. He still had his tux jacket on, but his tie was loosened, and his face lit up when he saw her approaching.
Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. âYou are so lucky I didnât jump on that stage,â she teased, her voice thick with emotion.
Before he could respond, she started planting kisses all over his faceâhis cheeks, his forehead, the tip of his nose, and finally his lips. He laughed, trying to dodge her affection but clearly loving every second of it. âYouâre getting lipstick all over me,â he murmured between kisses, grinning like a fool.
âAnd I donât care,â she replied breathlessly, pulling back to admire her work. His face was now dotted with red marks, and she giggled, running her fingers over his jaw. âYou were so mushy tonight. So mushy. I didnât know you had it in you!â
He shrugged, still holding her close. âGuess you bring it out of me,â he said with a smirk, but there was a softness in his eyes that made her heart flutter.
âWell,â she said, her voice dropping to a more serious tone, âI loved it. I loved you. That cover? It was perfect. Youâre perfect.â
He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away the few tears that had escaped during the show. âNah,â he said quietly, âyouâre the perfect one. I just had to make sure everyone knew it.â
Maryse kissed him again, slower this time, letting the cheers and commotion of the night fade into the background. âI love you,â she whispered against his lips.
âI love you more,â he replied, his voice low and sure, pulling her back into his arms.
Maya sat at her desk in class, mindlessly scrolling through her phone as she waited for class to start when a text from her best friend popped up.
âYou didnât tell me that your mom dated JACK HARLOW?!â
She stared at the screen, confused, thinking it had to be a joke. Her mom had never mentioned anything like that. Maya quickly texted back;
âWhat are you talking about????â
Her friend responded immediately, sending a link along with a string of shocked emojis. Maya hesitated, her heart racing, before clicking on the link.
âScarlett Hayes Spotted at Jack Harlowâs Concert: Former Lovers Reunite After 20 Yearsâ
The headline was followed by pictures of her mom at the concert, and old photos of her and Jack together from years ago. Her stomach dropped.
Frantically, she started googling more. Article after article talked about her momâs past relationship with Jack Harlow, with pictures she had never seen before â her mom smiling, holding his hand, standing close to him on red carpets.
She couldnât believe it. The world was going crazy over this. And she had no idea it had ever happened.
Mayaâs fingers tightened around her phone, her mind racing. Why didnât her mom ever tell her about this? Why did she have to find out from the internet like everyone else?
She spent the rest of the school day thinking about what she read about her mother and her favorite artist in the world.
Since it was her week to stay with her dad, when he picked her up after school, Maya was unusually quiet, staring out the window. He glanced over a few times, sensing something was off but waiting for her to speak.
As they pulled into the driveway, she finally blurted out, âIâm really mad at Mom.â
Her dad frowned, cutting the engine. âWhat happened?â
She took a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts, but the frustration bubbled over. âI found out that she used to date Jack Harlow?! And she never told me. I had to find out from some stupid article online!â
Her dadâs expression softened as he realized what she was talking about. He leaned back in his seat, letting out a slow breath. âAhâŠâ
âI mean, how could she keep that from me?â Maya continued, her voice rising. âAll this time, Iâve been a fan of his, and she didnât say a word! I had no idea, and now everyone knows! All my friends are sending me messages like I should have known!â
Her dad nodded, his face sympathetic. âI understand why youâre upset. Itâs a big thing to find out like that.â
The daughter looked at him, her eyes filled with hurt. âDid you know?â
He hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. âYeah, I knew. It was before you were born, before we even met. Your momâs always been private about her past relationships.â
âBut why didnât she tell me? It feels like sheâs been hiding this huge part of her life from me,â Maya said, her voice cracking.
âI canât speak for your mom,â he said gently, âbut I donât think she was trying to keep secrets to hurt you. Maybe she just didnât know how to bring it up, or didnât think it was something you needed to know. But I get it, you have every right to feel upset.â
Maya looked down at her hands, still angry but also conflicted. âI just⊠I donât know what to say to her.â
Her dad gave her a reassuring look. âTake some time to process it. And when youâre ready, you can talk to her. Sheâll explain everything.â
She sighed, leaning back in the seat. âI donât even know if I want to talk to her right now.â
The daughter sat in silence for a moment before she looked at her dad, her brow furrowed with uncertainty.
âOne of the articles said that Jack was the reason you guys got divorced because she could never get over him. Is that true?â
Her dad shook his head gently, giving her another sad smile. âNo, sweetheart, he wasnât the reason.â He took a deep breath, trying to explain without overwhelming her. âYour mom and I⊠we realized we were better as friends. It wasnât anyone else. It was just something we figured out over time, and we both wished weâd realized it sooner.â
He paused, glancing over at her, seeing the mixture of confusion and pain in her eyes. âBut that doesnât mean we didnât care about each other. We still love each other, just in a different way now. And no matter what, our marriage brought us you. Youâre the best thing that ever came out of it.â
She looked down, biting her lip. âSo, you guys were never⊠unhappy because of him?â
Her dad shook his head again. âNo, our marriage ended because we grew apart. Nothing more than that. Your momâs past with Jack has nothing to do with what happened between us.â
Maya nodded, her emotions still a whirlwind but feeling some of the weight lift off her shoulders. âI just donât understand why she kept it from me,â she whispered.
âI know,â her dad said softly. âBut I think sheâs probably been carrying this for a long time, not knowing how or when to tell you.â
Maya sighed, leaning her head against the window, still trying to make sense of everything. âI guess.â
âMaya knows.â
Scarlett sat in her publicistâs office, her heart sank, and her stomach twisted in knots as she read her ex husbandâs text. She had hoped she could explain things to Maya on her own terms, but now the timing was completely out of her control.
âTheyâre going to release the photos any minute now,â the publicist said, looking up at her. âYou being at Jackâs concert⊠itâs already blowing up online. We need to get ahead of the story, make a statement, or at least spin this in a way thatââ
Scarlett cut her off, her voice sharp with frustration. âHeâs ruining my life again. Twenty years later, and somehow, heâs still a problem. I canât believe this.â
Her publicist sighed, trying to remain calm. âWe need to act fast. The press is going to eat this up, and if we donât address itââ
âI said Iâll handle it,â she snapped, standing up abruptly. Scarlett couldnât believe she was in this position again, with the past she had tried so hard to bury now being dragged out for everyone to see.
Her publicist frowned. âHow are you going toââ
âIâm going to fix it. Donât worry about it,â Scarlett said firmly, already grabbing her coat and bag. âHeâs still in town. I know he still has a place here in Atlanta.â Her eyes were blazing with determination as she headed for the door.
âWait, what are youââ her publicist began, but she was already out the door, leaving her with no choice but to watch Scarlett go.
The drive to Jackâs place felt like it took hours, though it was only across the city. She hadnât been to his home in years, but she still knew the way like the back of her hand. Pulling up in front of the familiar house, she sat in the car for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. This wasnât how she wanted to deal with this, but she couldnât let him destroy her peace again.
Scarlett got out of the car, her heart racing, and walked up to the front door. Without hesitation, she knocked, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood.
For a moment, there was nothing, just silence. But then, the door opened, and there he wasâJack, looking just as surprised as she felt furious.
The door barely opened before Scarlett shoved past him, storming inside without so much as a glance in his direction. Jack staggered back, shocked by her bold entrance, but before he could say anything, she came to a halt.
Two girls were sitting on the couch, wearing barely anything. They looked up in surprise, caught off guard by the actress standing in the middle of the room with an icy glare. Scarlett crossed her arms, her expression hard as steel. âI suggest you both leave. Now.â
The girls exchanged nervous glances, knowing exactly who she was and not daring to argue. Without a word, they gathered their things and hurried out of the house, leaving an awkward silence in their wake.
As soon as the door shut behind them, Jack turned to her, his frustration clear. âYou canât just walk into my house and kick my guests out like that!â
Scarlett whipped around to face him, her eyes blazing. âWell, I just did,â she snapped, stepping closer. âAnd Iâm not here to deal with whatever⊠situation that was.â
Jack shook his head, still trying to process what had just happened. âWhat the hell do you want, anyway?â
âHave you seen the news?â she asked, her voice sharp. âOr are you too busy with your little party to notice how your concert has blown up every tabloid?â
He looked confused for a moment before realization dawned. âWhat are you talking about?â
She threw her hands up in frustration. âYouâre ruining my life again! Just like you did twenty years ago! I canât believe I let my daughter talk me into going to your stupid concert, and now the whole world knows! The headlines are everywhere, and Iâm not dealing with another scandal because of you.â
Jack stared at her, his expression shifting from confusion to irritation. âYou canât be serious.â
âOh, Iâm very serious,â Scarlett said, her voice trembling with anger. âIâve worked my whole life to put that mess behind me, and now, because of one stupid concert, everyoneâs dredging up the past. I donât owe you anything, but Iâm telling youâthis is the last time you mess with my life.â
He stepped closer, his voice low but firm. âYou think I did this on purpose? You were the one who came to my concert, and now you want to blame me?â
She scoffed. âI didnât come for you. I came for my daughter, whoâs obsessed with you, by the way, and now she knows that we used to be together. And I have to deal with the fallout!â
Jack crossed his arms, his jaw clenched. âThatâs not on me.â
âOh, really?â Scarlett shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. âBecause it sure feels like youâve been a problem in my life since the day we met.â
Jack clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm, but Scarlettâs words stung. He could feel the familiar tightness in his chest, the kind he hadnât felt since theyâd broken up all those years ago. But he wasnât going to let her get to him this time.
âItâs not my fault you tried to cover up something that can be easily looked up,â Jack shot back, his voice low but steady. âYouâre mad at me for what? For living my life? You knew this would come out eventually. Maybe you shouldâve been honest with Maya in the first place.â
Scarlettâs face flushed with anger, and she took a step toward him, her hands balling into fists at her sides. âHonest?â she spat. âYou donât get to lecture me about honesty, Jack. Not when you left me with no explanation, no reasonânothing. And now youâre going to tell me how I should live my life?â
Jack didnât flinch, though her words cut deep. âYou wanted to move on, and you did. So did I. But thatâs not on me if your daughter didnât know. If she was gonna find out, it was always gonna happen.â
âYou think I donât know that?â she shot back, her voice rising with each word. âBut now sheâs hurt and confused, and the whole world is watching, making assumptions! I donât need this in my life. I donât need you in my life.â
He raised an eyebrow. âThen why are you here?â
âBecause you need to fix this,â Scarlett demanded, her voice sharp. âI donât care how, but you need to figure out a way to make this go away. Iâve got enough to deal with, and Iâm not going to let you screw everything up again.â
Jack scoffed, folding his arms across his chest. âYou think I can just make the headlines disappear? Thatâs not how this works. You walked into my concertâyou knew what that could mean.â
âI didnât expect the world to lose its mind over it!â she shot back. âFix it, Jack. Or at least stay out of my way while I do.â She stared at him, her chest rising and falling with frustration, before turning toward the door. âIâm not going to let you ruin my life again.â
Jack watched her leave, feeling the weight of her words hang in the air. As the door slammed behind her, he stood there, feeling the sting of the past and the mess they were both tangled in once again.
Scarlett got back into the car, slamming the door harder than she meant to. Her hands gripped the steering wheel as she tried to steady her breath, but the frustration and anger boiling inside her were too much to contain. The words they had exchanged echoed in her mind, hitting her harder now that she was alone.
She inhaled sharply, willing herself to calm down, but instead, a sob broke through her clenched jaw. She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes stinging with the tears she was desperately trying to hold back. Her whole body trembled with the mix of rage and sadness, and she leaned her head back against the seat, closing her eyes tightly as if that could stop the flood of emotions.
Why does he still get to me like this? Scarlett thought, her chest heaving. The weight of everything felt suffocatingâthe media storm, Maya finding out the truth, and Jack standing there, as if he hadnât left her broken all those years ago. She felt the tears spill over, and for a moment, she was thankful for the tinted windows, knowing he couldnât see her like this.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally wiped her eyes, taking deep breaths as she tried to pull herself together. She stared out the windshield, her face still damp, and forced herself to focus on what mattered now. Maya. She needed to explain things, to make things right with her.
With shaky hands, she started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, not glancing back at Jackâs house. As she drove, she tried to gather her thoughts, mentally preparing herself for the conversation with her daughter. It wasnât going to be easy, but it was time. She owed Maya the truth.
Before long, she found herself pulling up to her ex-husbandâs house. Her stomach knotted with anxiety as she parked the car and sat there for a moment, trying to prepare herself for what was to come. After a deep breath, she got out, determined to fix things with Maya, no matter how painful the conversation would be.
She stood at Robertâs door, her fingers anxiously fidgeting with the strap of her purse as she rang the doorbell. She hadnât even realized sheâd forgotten her key in her rush to get there. Her heart pounded as she waited for him to answer, her mind racing with thoughts of Maya and how she was feeling.
A few seconds later, the door swung open, and Robert stood there with a knowing look in his eyes. He didnât say anything at first, just gestured for her to come inside. She stepped in, glancing around the house she used to share with him, memories flashing before her. But now wasnât the time for nostalgia.
âWhereâs Maya? How is she?â she asked, her voice tight with worry.
Robert looked at her, his expression serious, and said, âLast I saw, she was burning all your pictures together.â
Her eyes widened in shock, and before she could say anything, he cracked a smile. âRelax, Iâm kidding.â
She smacked him on the arm, exasperated. âThatâs not funny, Robert!â
He laughed softly, but there was warmth in his eyes. âMaybe not, but it got you to lighten up a bit. I can tell youâve been crying.â
Scarlett paused, realizing her eyes were probably still red and puffy from her meltdown in the car. She tried to brush it off, but Robert had always been good at reading her, even after all these years.
âIâm justââ she started, but her voice cracked, and she stopped herself, taking a deep breath. âI donât know what to say to her. I never wanted her to find out like this.â
Robertâs teasing tone softened. âI know. But itâs Maya. Sheâs upset, yeah, but sheâs also smart and she loves you. Youâll figure it out.â
She nodded, taking some comfort in his words but still feeling the weight of what was to come. âWhere is she?â
âIn her room,â Robert said. âShe asked to be alone for a bit, but Iâm sure sheâll talk to you when youâre ready.â
With that, she headed toward the stairs, mentally preparing herself for the conversation that had been a long time coming.
Robert watched her with a concerned look as she started toward the stairs. Before she could take the first step, he gently called after her, âDo you want me to be there when you talk to her?â
She paused, turning to face him. Part of her wanted to say yes, to have someone there with her for support, but deep down, she knew this was something she had to do alone. This was her past, her truth, and her responsibility to explain to their daughter.
She shook her head. âNo. I need to do this on my own.â
Robert gave her a soft, understanding nod, stepping back to let her go. âAlright, but Iâm here if you need me.â
Taking a deep breath, she made her way upstairs to Mayaâs room, her heart pounding with every step. Once she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, listening for any sounds from inside. Hearing nothing, she gently knocked.
âMaya?â she called softly. âCan I come in?â
Silence.
Scarlett waited for a few seconds, hoping for some kind of response, but there was none. Deciding not to push too hard, she slowly turned the handle and stepped inside. Her eyes landed on Maya, who was lying face down on the bed, her body unmoving, clearly in her own world.
Seeing her daughter like that, her heart broke even more. She carefully approached the bed, sitting down on the edge, unsure of how to start.
âMaya,â she said softly, her voice full of love and concern. âCan we talk?â
Still, Maya didnât move, she didnât know if Maya was ignoring her on purpose or just too upset to respond. Either way, she knew this conversation wasnât going to be easy, but it had to happen.
She hesitated for a moment, watching her daughterâs still form, before deciding to lie down next to her. Maya didnât flinch or acknowledge her presence, but that was okay. She wasnât expecting a response just yet. The important thing was that she was there, and she needed to say what had been held back for so long.
âOkay,â she whispered, her voice soft but steady, âyou donât have to say anything. Iâll do the talking.â
She stared up at the ceiling, gathering her thoughts before continuing. âI didnât tell you about Jack because⊠well, there are a lot of reasons, I guess. At first, it was because I wanted to protect you. You were so young, and your dad and I had our own relationship by then. I didnât want you growing up thinking things were more complicated than they needed to be.â
Her voice wavered slightly, but she kept going. âAnd then as the years passed, I thought it didnât matter anymore. Jack was a part of my pastâsomething I had locked away. You see, we were together a long time ago, and what we had⊠it was intense. When he broke things off, it hurt me in ways I wasnât ready to talk about. I thought that by not telling you, I could pretend that part of my life didnât exist. I thought it would be easier if I never had to relive it. But now, looking at everything, I realize that keeping it from you only made things worse.â
Scarlett swallowed, feeling the weight of her own words. âI didnât want you to find out like this, Maya. I shouldâve told you sooner, and for that, Iâm sorry. I didnât want to hide anything from you, but I guess I was still hiding from myself.â
Her eyes drifted over to Maya, who still hadnât moved, but she could see the slight rise and fall of her shoulders, hear the quietness of her breathing. Maybe she was listening.
âJack wasnât the reason your dad and I split up,â she continued, wanting to make that clear. âYour dad and Iâwe loved each other, and we always will because we have you. But we realized that we were better as friends. It had nothing to do with Jack or my past with him. It was just⊠life.â
She let out a soft sigh, her emotions starting to overwhelm her. âI know youâre upset, and you have every right to be. I just hope you understand that I never meant to hurt you, Maya. I love you more than anything, and I hope we can talk about thisâreally talk about itâwhen youâre ready.â
Maya shifted slightly before turning over onto her back, her eyes meeting her momâs for the first time since the conversation started.
âWhy did he break off the engagement?â Maya asked, her voice quiet but direct. âAnd⊠do you still love him?â
Scarlett felt her heart tighten at the question. She had expected something like this, but it still hit her harder than she thought it would. She blinked, taking a deep breath before responding.
âI⊠I donât know,â she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. âI might never find out why he ended things, Maya. He didnât give me a reason, and Iâve spent a long time trying to figure it out. Sometimes I still wonder, but⊠he just walked away without an explanation. And that was hard.â
Mayaâs gaze didnât waver, and it was clear that she wasnât going to let the conversation drop there.
âAnd the other question?â Maya pressed, her eyes softening as if she was almost afraid to hear the answer. âDo you still love him?â
Scarlett hesitated, the weight of the question hanging between them. She wanted to be honest with her daughter, but the truth was complicated. It always had been.
âItâs⊠complicated,â she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. âI donât know if I can even answer that right now. What I felt for Jack back thenâit was real. It was strong. And losing him⊠it hurt me more than I can explain. But love? I donât know. After all this time, Iâve tried to move on, but part of me will always wonder. Part of me will always remember the good moments we had. But itâs not the same as it was. People change. Iâve changed.â
Maya searched her motherâs face, trying to read the emotion behind the words. There was so much she didnât know, so much she couldnât understand yet.
âSo⊠you donât hate him?â Maya asked quietly.
Scarlett closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them with a sigh. âI donât know if I could ever hate him. But that doesnât mean I still love him the way I used to. Itâs just⊠complicated.â
Maya shifted closer, wrapping her arms around her mother in a tight hug. âIâm sorry you went through that,â she whispered softly. âIf it makes you feel better, I wonât listen to his music anymore.â
Scarlett chuckled despite herself, hugging Maya back with a warmth she hadnât felt in a while. âOh, sweetie,â she said, pulling back just enough to look at her. âIâm not going to stop you from listening to his music. As much as I hate to admit it, his music is pretty good.â
Maya smiled, the tension in the room easing with a bit of humor. âReally?â she asked.
âYeah,â Scarlett replied with a playful roll of her eyes. âI might not be able to stand the man, but his talent? Thatâs something else entirely.â
They both laughed, the heaviness between them starting to lift.
***
AN: tell me what ya thinkkkkk
Tag List
(message me if you'd like to be added or removed)
*recently made a new tag list so if your name is missing please let me know*
âAre you trying to hurt me?â Scarlett whispered, her fingers curled around the edge of the chair, as if holding on to something, anything would keep her from crashing out.
Jack couldnât even look at her. He knew her eyes were full of questions that he didnât have the strength or balls to answer. Jackâs chest tightened as her voice grew louder, more desperate.
âTalk to me! Weâve been through too much for you to just walk away like this. You owe me a reason.â
He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. The words were stuck in his throat, a tangled mess of guilt, fear, and love. How could he tell Scarlett that it wasnât her fault? That he was breaking her heart to save her from something worse? That deep down, he wasnât sure he was the man she deserved?
âI canât,â he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
Scarlett stood up, the chair scraping harshly against the floor. âYou canât what? You canât explain? You canât love me anymore? What?â Her frustration spilled over, and she ran a hand through her hair, pacing the room. âDo you even care about how this is affecting me? I thought we were happy, I thought we were going toââ
âStop.â Jack's voice cracked. He could barely stand hearing her hope shatter with every word. But still, he couldnât give her the explanation she wanted. What was he supposed to say? That he wasnât ready? That he felt like he was losing himself in this life they were building? That his career, his demons, and the past he carried were dragging him away from the future they were supposed to share?
âI canât do this right now,â he muttered, his eyes glued to the floor. âIâm sorry.â
Her eyes welled up, and she stood there for a moment, staring at him like he was a stranger. He knew what she was thinkingâhow could someone who claimed to love her so deeply suddenly become so distant?
âI deserve better than this,â she finally said, her voice barely holding together. âI deserve to know why.â
Jack clenched his fists, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms, to kiss her forehead like he used to and tell her everything would be alright. But he couldnât make that promise anymore. The truth was, he didnât trust himself not to hurt her again. He wasnât the man she needed him to be.
âIâm sorry,â he said again, and it felt hollow, emptyâjust like him. He stood up and walked toward the door without looking back. She didnât try to stop him this time.
Just as his hand reached for the doorknob, her voice pierced the silence, sharp and broken.
âI hate you.â
Jack froze, his back still to her. The weight of those three words hit him harder than anything she could have said. He felt it in his chest, a pain so deep it was almost physical.
âYouâre pathetic, I hate you,â she said again, louder this time. âAnd Iâll always hate you.â
He stood there, unable to move, Scarlettâs words echoing in his mind. He deserved them. Every last syllable. But that didnât make it hurt any less.
Without turning around, he opened the door and walked out, leaving behind the woman he loved more than anything, knowing she would never forgive him. Knowing he had lost her forever and it was all his fault.
***
Twenty years later, Scarlett sat in front of a row of reporters at a press junket for her latest film. The years had been kind to herâsheâd rebuilt her life, piece by piece, becoming one of the most respected actresses in the world. She was on the brink of becoming an EGOT winnerâa feat few could claim.
Life had moved on, and so had she. Sheâd married another actor a few years after the breakup. They had a beautiful daughter together, though the marriage didnât last. Despite the divorce, she and her ex-husband had managed to co-parent well, and their daughter, Maya, now 14, was the light of her life.
Yet, certain memories from the past had a way of creeping into her mind when she least expected it.
As the last few questions were being asked, one reporter raised their hand. âWhat advice would you give to the person you were 20 years ago?â
Scarlett paused. The question wasnât unusual, but it took her by surprise. Twenty years ago. The number tugged at her, pulling her back to a version of herself she hadnât thought about in a long time. A version whoâd just had her engagement broken off without an explanation. A version who felt shattered, blindsided, and unsure of where to go next.
She took a breath before answering, her voice calm and thoughtful. âI would tell her to trust herself more. To understand that sometimes the things that break you arenât meant to destroy you, but to reshape you into someone stronger.â She paused, her eyes softening, as if she were talking directly to her younger self. âAnd that the pain, as overwhelming as it might feel in the moment, will eventually become the foundation for the person youâre supposed to become.â
She smiled, a small, almost private one, as if the advice wasnât just for the person she was 20 years ago, but also for herself in the present. The reporters scribbled down her response, sensing there was more behind her words than just a general piece of advice.
But Scarlett didnât elaborate. She thanked the reporter for the thoughtful question and moved on to the next, keeping the rest of her thoughts to herself.
When Scarlett returned to her hotel room. She closed the door softly, the quiet of the room a welcome contrast to the frenzy of the press junket. Dropping her purse on the table, she exhaled deeply, trying to shake off the emotions that had surfaced when she answered that last question. Memories of the past always had a way of creeping back when she least expected it.
Maya was lounging on the couch, looking up from her phone as Scarlett walked in. She was 14, full of energy and curiosity, with the kind of bright eyes that reminded Scarlett of herself at that age. But there was also a resilience in her daughterâone that seemed far beyond her years.
âHey, Mom,â Maya called out casually, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. âHow did it go?â
She smiled, though it didnât quite reach her eyes. âIt went well. Same questions, different faces.â
Maya set her phone down, sitting up a little straighter. âYou look tired. Want me to order room service or something?â
Scarlett chuckled softly. âMaybe in a bit.â
Maya hesitated for a moment before her expression shifted to something more excited. âActually, I wanted to ask you something. And donât say no right away.â
âOh boy,â Scarlett said, playfully bracing herself as she sat down on the edge of the bed. âWhat is it?â
âWell,â Maya began, drawing out the word like she was preparing for a big reveal, âI found out that while weâre in town, Jack Harlow is performing. And⊠I really want to go.â
Scarlettâs stomach knotted instantly at the thought. Jack Harlow. The man who had walked out of her life without an explanation two decades ago. The rapper who had become even more successful over the years, topping charts with multiple number-one albums and winning five Grammys. He was everywhere, even if they had managed to avoid each other at every awards show, every industry event, every red carpet. They had perfected the art of pretending the other didnât exist.
Now, the idea of seeing him againâof watching him perform while sitting in the audience with her daughterâmade her chest tighten. But how could she say no to Maya? She adored her daughter, and Maya was at the age where she idolized the rapper, just like millions of others.
She swallowed, trying to keep her expression neutral. âJack HarlowâŠ.?â
âYes!â Her daughterâs eyes lit up with excitement. âIâve been dying to see him live, and itâs crazy that weâre here at the same time. Please, Mom? I know youâre busy this week, but I have to go to this concert. It would be amazing.â
Scarlett tried to keep her tone casual as she spoke. âYou know, sweetie, maybe your dad could take you to the concert instead? Iâm sure heâd love to go with you.â
Maybe paused, looking at her mom in disbelief. âDad?â she asked, as if the thought hadnât even crossed her mind. âNo way.â
She raised an eyebrow, âWhy not? He loves concerts, we used to go to concerts all the time together before you were born.â
Maya plopped down on the bed, shaking her head firmly. âMom, you donât understand. Dad can be so embarrassing sometimes. I mean, heâd probably try to rap along to the songs and think heâs cool, or worseâheâd make some weird joke in front of people. I canât have that happening in front of him,â she said, referring to Jack.
Scarlett stifled a laugh. She knew her ex-husbandâs quirky sense of humor all too well. He was a great dad, but yeah⊠maybe not the best choice for a situation like this. âIâm sure it wouldnât be that bad,â she tried.
Maya wasnât convinced. âMom, I love Dad, but heâs not exactly cool, you know? When you mention TikTok he thinks youâre talking about that Kesha song.â She rolled her eyes dramatically. âPlease, Mom. Youâre way cooler.â
Scarlett sighed, her plan to avoid the concert quickly unraveling. âI donât know, honey,â she said, hesitating. âItâs just⊠Iâve got a lot going on with the press tour, and I might be too tired. Maybeââ
Maya looked at her, wide-eyed and pleading. âMom, this is literally a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Youâre always working. Just this once, canât we do something fun together? Please?â
She felt a pang of guilt. She had been so focused on her career, the press, and everything else that had happened over the years that she hadnât made enough time for moments like this with her daughter.
But the idea of being at his concert, seeing him again, was terrifying. Still, as she looked at her daughter, who was practically begging her, Scarlett found herself trapped. Maya didnât deserve to be punished for something that had happened long before she was born.
âOkay,â she said, surprising herself with how steady her voice sounded. âWeâll go.â
Maya squealed, reaching over to hug her tightly. âThank you, thank you, thank you! This is going to be the best night ever!â
***
Backstage, Jack sat in front of the mirror, his head bowed as he tied his new balance. His crew moved in and out of the dressing room, prepping for another sold-out show. Tonight was special. Every show was, but something about performing in this city always felt like coming home.
His phone buzzed on the counter beside him, but he ignored it, focusing instead on the rhythm pulsing in his veins. It was the pre-show adrenaline, the high he chased every time he stepped on stage. The crowd would be chanting his name in a few minutes, and he needed to be in the zone.
Urban pushed through the door camera in hand and a knowing grin plastered on his face.
âYouâll never guess whoâs here tonight,â Urban said, his voice full of intrigue.
Jack didnât look up, a half-smile tugging at his lips. Urban always had something to say, always some gossip or story to break up the tension. He figured it was just one of the usual celebrity guests, a fan or two from another showbiz circle.
âWho?â he asked, humoring him as he stood and stretched out his arms, preparing himself mentally for the setlist.
Urban leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, that grin not fading. âIâm serious, man. Youâll never believe it.â
âAlright, then. Hit me with it. Whoâs in the building?â he asked, half-paying attention, still in his pre-show mode.
Urban paused for dramatic effect, letting the silence stretch just long enough before dropping the bombshell. âThe one that got away.â
Jack laughed, shaking his head as he grabbed his jacket from the chair. âMan, stop playing. I ainât got time for that.â
Urban didnât blink. Didnât laugh. Just stood there, his smile shifting into something more serious. âIâm not joking. Sheâs here. She came to see you.â
Jack froze, his hand hovering just above the jacket. For a second, he thought Urban was still messing with him. But Urban didnât play like thisâat least not about her.
He turned slowly, raising an eyebrow. âWho you talkinâ about?â
Urban didnât miss a beat. âScarlett Hayes.â
At first, all Jack could do was shake his head, the disbelief settling in. He laughed again, though this time it came out more as a breath of surprise than humor. âNah. Youâre trippinâ. No way.â
But Urbanâs expression didnât budge. âIâm telling you, sheâs here. Saw her myself. Came in with her daughter, I think.â
His heart stopped for just a moment. Her. After all these years?
Twenty years since theyâd last spoken, twenty years since heâd walked out of that apartment without looking back, twenty years since the day she told him she hated him. The memories flooded back in an instantâthe way her voice had cracked, the look in her eyes when he left her without an explanation. He had convinced himself long ago that he wouldnât see her again. Not face-to-face. Their worlds were too big, their circles wide enough to avoid each other. And they hadâfor two decades.
But now?
âSheâs really here?â he asked, his voice quieter this time, disbelief still hanging in the air.
Urban nodded. âYup. Sitting somewhere out there with her kid. And from what I heard, it wasnât even her idea to come. The girl wanted to see the show.â
Jack let out a low whistle, shaking his head as he processed it. Of all the people who couldâve been in the audience tonight, Scarlett was the last person heâd expected. Part of him had always wondered if theyâd cross paths again, if thereâd ever be a moment where the universe would force them into the same room, the same space. But after all these years, he had convinced himself it wouldnât happen.
And now she was here.
He cleared his throat, feeling the weight of it settle over him. âGuess she couldnât avoid me forever, huh?â
Urban chuckled. âSeems that way. But what you gonna do about it?â
Jack hesitated for a beat, staring at his reflection in the mirror, trying to reconcile the man he was now with the man who left her behind so long ago. He wasnât sure. He wasnât even sure if she would want to see him after everything that had happened.
âI donât know,â he muttered, shaking his head, trying to focus on the show ahead of him. âBut I know one thing. I ainât letting it mess up my set.â
Urban gave him a knowing look, camera still in hand. âGood call, but sheâs here, man. And something tells me the past ainât just stayinâ in the past tonight.â
With that, Urban turned and left the room, leaving Jack alone with the thought that after two decades, she was finally in his world again. And for the first time in years, he didnât know how to feel.
***
Jack stood center stage and took in the sold out crowd. This was his zone, his sanctuary, where nothing could touch himâwhere he controlled the crowd and their energy, night after night.
But tonight, something felt different. His mind kept drifting, thoughts circling back to what Urban had said backstage. Scarlett here. He had tried to shake it off, but the thought gnawed at him, even as he performed. The crowd roared louder as he transitioned into his next song, one that hadnât been on the original setlist but was a personal favorite for fans.
âCan I slow things down for a little bit?â Jack asked the crowd as he grabbed the mic stand. The opening chords echoed through the stadium, and a hush fell over the audience. They recognized it immediately. It wasnât one of the hits that charted on Billboard or made it onto the radio, but it was the song that fans knew had come from the deepest part of him. It was the song he wrote about Scarlett around the time he first met her.
Yeah, they fine, but they not you. You a catch and I caught you. I wanna pull up and flaunt you and take some pics for Getty Images. I like all your beauty marks and blemishesâŠ
The lights dimmed, and the spotlight shone solely on him as he moved across the stage when he looked out into the crowd, he saw her.
Scarlett was there, in the crowd, just like Urban said. In the sea of faces, she stood outâher face illuminated by the soft glow of the stage lights, eyes locked on him. For a split second, the entire world fell away. His breath hitched in his throat, the words almost dying on his lips as they stared at each other. It was like time had stopped, and all the years between them collapsed into this moment.
She hadnât changed muchâstill as stunning as she had been when they were younger, though there was something deeper, wiser about her now. She wasnât the woman heâd left behind; she had evolved, become someone bigger, stronger, untouchable in her success. But her eyes⊠her eyes still held that same fire.
The next line came out rougher, almost a whisper:
Girl, you're poison, poison, poison, poison, but the good kind. It's crazy how you're on my mind. Kind of crazy how you're on my mind
Jack remembered everythingâhow he left, how she had yelled at him, tears in her eyes as she said she hated him, how he hadnât been able to say a single word back. He had never told her the real reason, had never given her the closure she deserved.
The final beat hit, and the crowd erupted, cheering wildly, oblivious to the tension swirling beneath the surface. But he couldnât tear his eyes away from her. She hadnât moved, her expression unreadable from where he stood, but he could feel the energy between themâlike a cord that had been stretched thin for years was finally being tugged back into place.
For a moment, he thought about saying something, about calling out to Scarlett right there in front of everyone. But what would he even say? How do you fix something thatâs been broken for two decades?
Instead, he just stood there, the mic heavy in his hand, staring at the woman he had never really stopped thinking about, wondering if she would turn and walk away like he had so many years ago.
Urban standing off to the side of the stage with his camera, had been watching everything. He saw the moment Jackâs eyes locked with hers in the crowd. He knew his friend better than anyone, knew that despite all the bravado, all the fame and success, there was still a part of him that had never gotten over her. And there was no way in hell he was going to let this moment slip by.
Jack handed off the mic to his stagehand, blinking as if trying to clear his head, but Urban was already a step ahead. He turned to Jackâs manager standing near the stage, a determined look on his face.
âYo, get them backstage,â Urban ordered, his voice low but firm.
Kat raised an eyebrow. âYou meanââ
âScarlett Hayes. Her and her daughter. Bring them back here. Now,â Urban insisted, waving his hand toward where theyâd been sitting. âDonât make a scene, but get it done. Heâs not gonna have the balls to do it himself.â
Kat hesitated for a split second but then nodded, understanding the urgency. This wasnât just a regular concert guestâit was someone who could change everything for the man they all worked for. She quickly made her way toward the crowd, slipping through unnoticed as the concert continued.
Meanwhile, backstage, Jack had retreated to his dressing room, the rush of the show fading as reality crashed back in. He had avoided Scarlett for so long, convinced himself that whatever they had was buried in the past, but seeing her out there had brought it all rushing back. He ran a hand over his face, pacing the small space, still replaying that moment in his headâthe way her eyes had locked on his, the way she hadnât moved an inch, frozen in place just like him.
Urban burst into the room, camera hanging from his neck, smirking like he knew exactly what had to be done.
âWhat the hell was that, man?â Urban asked, leaning against the doorframe with a grin. âYou looked like you saw a ghost.â
Jack shot him a look, but his usual cocky demeanor was nowhere to be found. âI wasnât expecting to actually see⊠her.â He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of it all.
âNo kidding,â Urban said with a knowing smile. âYou gonna go talk to her?â
He hesitated. âMan, I donât know. Itâs been too long. Whatâs there to say?â
Urban crossed his arms, shaking his head in mock disbelief. âYouâre telling me after all these years, youâre gonna let this slip? Scarlett is here, in the same building, and youâre just gonna pretend like you didnât see her?â
Jack opened his mouth to argue but couldnât find the words. Urban was right. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, but the fearâthe same fear that made him walk away all those years agoâwas creeping back in.
Urban could see it. He rolled his eyes and stepped forward. âYou know what? Donât worry about it. I already handled it.â
Jack frowned. âWhat are you talking about?â
âI told Kat to bring her backstage,â Urban said nonchalantly, like it was no big deal. âFigured youâd need a little push.â
Jackâs eyes widened in shock, his heart leaping into his throat. âYou did what?â
Urban shrugged, unbothered. âRelax. I didnât have them drag her here or anything. Just made sure she knows sheâs welcome. I know you, man. Youâd never make the move on your own.â
Jack stared at him, panic swirling in his chest. Part of him wanted to bolt, to disappear before she showed up, but another partâmaybe the part that had been carrying this regret for twenty yearsâknew this was his chance. This was the moment he had been avoiding, but also the one he couldnât let slip away.
Before he could respond, there was a knock at the door.
His heart stopped.
Urban shot him a quick look, raising an eyebrow. âThatâs your cue.â
Jack took a deep breath, steeling himself as he walked toward the door. When he opened it, his breath caught in his throat.
There she was. Standing in front of him was the woman who had once been his entire world, but as soon as Scarlett saw him, her expression became eerily calm, like she was slipping into a role sheâd played many times before. She smiledâa smile he recognized all too wellâand extended her hand toward him, as though they were meeting for the very first time.
âHi,â she said smoothly, her voice dripping with polite indifference. âI donât think weâve met. Iâmââ
âNice to meet you,â Jack interrupted, his voice tense as he took her hand, gripping it lightly. The casualness of the gesture was almost unbearable. The weight of their history was right there between them, but she was pretending like it didnât exist.
Her daughter, Maya meanwhile, wasnât pretending at all. She stood beside her mother, wide-eyed and practically bouncing with excitement. The second she saw Jack, she let out a tiny squeal, covering her mouth with her hands, her gaze darting between him and her mother as if this were some kind of dream.
âMom! Oh my God, itâs really him!â Maya whispered loudly, her excitement spilling over. âYou didnât tell me weâd actually meet him!â
Scarlett, still holding onto her mask of politeness, glanced at her daughter with a calm smile. âWell, sweetheart, it was a surprise. I didnât want to get your hopes up.â
Jack blinked, momentarily stunned by the surrealness of the moment. Scarlett was really going to do thisâpretend theyâd never met, never loved, never been ripped apart at the seams. And her daughter had no idea.
The girlâs energy was infectious, though, and she stepped forward eagerly, her hands trembling as she extended her phone toward Jack. âCan Iâcan I please get a picture? This is like, the coolest thing ever! Iâve been a fan for years! I love all your songs!â
Jack glanced at Scarlett , searching her eyes for some kind of signal, but all he found was that same polite smile, so perfectly controlled. He swallowed his emotions, nodding toward Maya with a forced grin. âOf course. Anything for a fan.â
Maya practically jumped up and down, handing her phone over to Urban, who was grinning like he knew something nobody else did. The girl bounced to Jackâs side, beaming up at him as he put an arm around her for the picture.
Scarlett stood off to the side, watching the whole thing with a detached expression, her hands folded in front of her. She looked like a spectator in her own life, watching from a distance as her daughter unknowingly gushed over the man who had once broken her motherâs heart.
After the photo was taken, Maya looked up at Jack, her eyes wide with admiration. âI canât believe this is happening. Youâre such a legend! Iâve been to all your concerts. Mom, isnât this crazy?â
Scarlett smiled again, that same well-practiced smile. âItâs quite something,â she agreed lightly, not giving anything away.
Jack looked at her, his chest tightening. He could see what she was doingâhow she was keeping everything locked up, pretending like this was just another encounter, but it felt like a punch to the gut. He wanted to say something, anything, to break through that wall sheâd built, but every word he thought of got stuck in his throat.
Maya, still buzzing with excitement, pulled her phone back out. âOh! Can I get your autograph, too? I didnât bring anything to sign, but I have my concert shirt! Wait, do you need a pen?â She began frantically digging through her bag, clearly overwhelmed by the moment.
As Maya fumbled with her things, Jack looked back at the actress, who was watching him with that same unreadable expression. He couldnât take it anymore. He couldnât let this moment slip by without acknowledging what was really happening.
âYou sure we havenât met before?â he asked quietly, his voice low so her daughter wouldnât hear.
Scarlett paused for a moment, her eyes locking with his. For a split second, something flickered thereâsomething real, raw, and unguarded. But just as quickly, she blinked, and the mask was back in place.
âIâm sure,â she said softly, her tone as smooth as ever. âJust two strangers, passing through.â
And with that, she turned her attention back to Maya, who had finally found a pen.
Jack swallowed hard, nodding numbly as he took the pen from the girl. âYeah,â he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. âJust two strangers.â
***
AN: Hello hi ! New series! Please please please let me know what you think and if youâd like to see this series continued đââïž
Tag List
(message me if you'd like to be added or removed)
*recently made a new tag list so if your name is missing please let me know*
Sorry for the late response. Yesterday was quite crazy so I wasnât really on my phone that much. But things are still going good with YouTube. I think I might be able to hit 2K by the end of the year if everything goes right. Still uploading I actually have to upload a video today so Iâm trying to figure out what to do, but I think Iâm gonna do something like News related to the Sims.
Also, I have to share this photo because I literally just got my Apple replay and last year. Iâm pretty sure Jack was like in the top three of my artist that I listen to, but he didnât make the top 10. I honestly didnât think I listened to him that much this year but I guess I did I mean to be fair. This man has a whole playlist dedicated to all of his music on my phone that is titled missionaryjack. But how are you doing
Iâm so proud of you for sticking with it! Just know that it will definitely pay off! I know it!!
Thatâs so cool! I was thinking of switching but Iâve been using Spotify for years! I love that your music taste is all over!! Thatâs so interesting!!
Heyyyy! I havenât been on your page for a while and I missed you đ«¶đœ Im a little sad you wonât be writing anymore but Iâm so glad youâre still here interacting with usđ€đŸ
Hi babe. Bless you for this lol I really needed some kind of encouragement today. đ„șđ
