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	Jackson had a big grin on his face the whole time that Ash was talking. Even as they ate, noises of food smashing between their teeth, gums smacking, and throats swallowing, Jackson still had a smile on his face. Maybe it was the way she would openly feed him without a care in the world and how Jackson would welcome that with an open mouth and a wink of his right eye. It wasn’t subtle. Jackson Drake wasn’t known for subtlety.

	As he swallowed, loving the taste of what he was just fed, Jackson was ready to smile even more. However, before he would be able to, he heard Ash ask about the music that was playing. Jackson kind of froze for two reasons. One, obviously, was that they kind of were. In all honesty, Jackson constantly keeps track of East of Eden. He goes to concerts whenever he can catch them. He follows them on all available social media: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and their official website and message boards. He even follows the individual band members. 

	Yes, Jackson Drake has followed them ever since he was in the same high school with their lead vocalist, Evelyn Harding. “[color=crimson]Yeah, they’re pretty famous. They hit it big about four years ago. They got scouted by Century Media Records. Evelyn, the lead vocalist, appeared on a lot of talk shows. They recently had a special guest appearance on That Metal Show. I actually saw them last week in Pasadena. They were great. She was great.[/color]” Jackson said, telling Ash exactly what she had asked. 

	He could feel his stomach tossing and turning. If only Ash knew the true history behind Jackson and Eve. He couldn’t bear to tell her because it almost seemed real. The girl of his dreams was in front of him and Jackson was thinking of that one-time-only that he got to be with a celebrity. It was great, but Jackson felt guilty about feeling like maybe he should have done something more when it came to Eve. After that one night was when they got that call, and he never saw her again. Maybe he should have reached out. Maybe he should have at least kept in contact somehow, but perhaps that it wasn’t meant to be. 

	Jackson shook his head, hearing Ash speak about the cleaning supplies in his closet. He smiled at her. Even though he didn’t miss this nagging side of hers, he knew it came from a place of compassion. Perhaps it was time for Jackson to heed her words, and start showing an effort to take better care of himself and where he lives. He’s older now. He needed to make changes. There was a slim chance of him and Ash getting together, but he needed to make this change for himself.

	“[color=crimson]Ash,[/color]” Jackson looked at her. He placed his right hand on her right one. He stared into her chocolate-colored eyes, giving her a smile. “[color=crimson]Thank you.[/color]” Jackson said sweetly. Something was definitely going on inside his mind, that much was obvious.

	Soon, as they both came to the end of their meal, JAckson would offer to take their plates to the sink. As he took her plate and cup, Ash would inquire to Jackson about the time that she and Emi got into that mud wrestling match. “[color=crimson]Yes, I remember that clearly. You looked really good that day.[/color]” Jackson laughed, but then he turned around to Ash. “[color=crimson]How am I the dork when you’re the one that fell into a pit of mud? You might be the dork there, silly.[/color]” Jackson made a gesture akin to sticking his tongue out at her. Perhaps he hasn’t changed much after all.

	Jackson leaned against the edge of the sink, his arms folded across his chest. “[color=crimson]So, Ash, how’s about we clean up, and I take you home? As much as I would love to catch up on old times and have you in my apartment, I’m sure your fiance is worried about you. Plus, I have a few errands I need to complete this morning. I have to meet with the president of that MMA League today. And not to mention, pick up Adielle from her place. I’m sure you got loads to do as well.[/color]”