An Offer She Can't Refuse

The moment Jax Riot and his band walked into Ernie's Diner, it was like the entire place shifted.

The usual warm, buzzing atmosphere had turned tense, almost electrified. The staff whispered behind the counter, eyes darting toward the famous rockstars. Customers craned their necks, whispering, some even fumbling with their phones as if trying to figure out if they were actually seeing the Jax Riot in their tiny neighborhood diner.

Grace, however, wasn't impressed.

She had no idea how she'd just spent the last ten minutes stuck in a car with one of the most famous musicians in the world, yet here she was, still just as unimpressed as before. If anything, Jax had managed to annoy her even more.

And now, he was here. In her diner. In her workplace.

Beside her, Finn still hadn't recovered. He stood frozen, hands gripping his notepad like he might pass out at any moment. "Grace," he whispered, "do you realize what is happening right now?"

"Yes," she muttered, rubbing her temples. "Unfortunately."

Finn grabbed her wrist, his eyes wild. "We are in the presence of LEGENDS."

Grace yanked her arm free. "Relax before you hyperventilate."

Before Finn could respond, Marnie, their manager, rushed over, still wearing that fake, customer-service smile that Grace had seen a hundred times. Only this time, it wasn't for a paying customer—it was for opportunity.

"Mr. Riot, welcome again!" Marnie practically beamed, her voice a little too high-pitched. "It's an honor to have you and your band here."

Jax, who had been scanning the diner like he was rating it a solid 4 out of 10, turned lazily toward her. He flashed an easy, charming grin—one that was clearly practiced. "Appreciate it."

Liam Steele, the blonde guitarist, raised an eyebrow at Marnie. "You didn't tell your staff we were coming?"

Marnie let out a nervous laugh. "Ah, well, we, uh... wanted it to be a surprise!"

Grace crossed her arms. "Yeah. Great surprise."

Jax glanced at her, amusement flickering in his blue eyes. "You know, sweetheart, you're really killing the whole lucky fan vibe."

Grace scowled. "I am not your fan."

Finn gasped like she had committed a crime.

Zane Carter, the drummer, let out a low whistle. "Damn, Jax. Guess your charm doesn't work on everyone."

Jax smirked. "Give it time."

Grace rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw the inside of her skull.

Meanwhile, Victoria Riot—Jax's mother and manager—stood slightly apart, her phone in one hand, typing furiously. She looked unimpressed, her sharp gaze flickering around the diner like she was assessing whether it was worth breathing the same air as the rest of them.

Then, abruptly, she spoke.

"Marnie," she said smoothly. "Make sure this place is locked down. We don't need any unexpected guests."

Marnie nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! We'll ensure that nobody else comes in. This is a huge opportunity for us!"

Grace frowned. "You're acting like the President just walked in."

Finn shot her a warning look, but Jax just smirked. "I mean... I am pretty important."

She turned to him, deadpan. "You're insufferable."

"And yet, you offered to drive me here."

She opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Marnie clapped her hands together.

"Alright, alright!" she said. "Grace, Finn—back to work!"

Finn practically vibrated with excitement as he grabbed his notepad. "Can I take their order?"

Marnie smiled. "Yes. But do not mess it up."

Finn nodded way too eagerly before turning to Jax and the others. "What can I get you?"

Jax leaned back in the booth, stretching an arm along the backrest, completely at home. "What's good?"

Finn stared at him like he had just asked for the meaning of life. "You're Jax Riot. You can have anything."

Jax smirked. "And yet, I'm still asking."

Grace, who was still standing nearby, sighed loudly. "Just get the damn cheeseburger, Riot. It's what we're known for."

Jax turned to her, grinning. "Is that what you'd order?"

Grace raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to copy me now?"

Jax laughed. "Alright. Cheeseburger it is."

The rest of the band ordered quickly, and as Finn rushed off—probably to scream into the fridge—Grace grabbed a trash bag from behind the counter.

"Where are you going?" Marnie asked.

Grace lifted the bag. "Taking out the trash."

Marnie nodded, then turned back toward the rockstars with a huge grin.

Jax, however, was still watching Grace.

The night air was cooler now, a welcome contrast to the heat of the diner. Grace stepped into the alley behind the restaurant, tying the trash bag shut before tossing it into the dumpster.

She was so done with today.

But just as she turned to go back inside, the sound of footsteps made her pause.

She spun around—only to see Victoria Riot standing there, perfectly poised, like she had been waiting for this moment.

Grace frowned. "Uh... can I help you?"

Victoria smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Actually, dear, I can help you."

Grace's brow furrowed. "What?"

Victoria took a step closer, her heels clicking against the pavement. "Let's be direct, shall we? I saw the way my son was looking at you."

Grace scoffed. "Oh, please."

"Don't play dumb, Grace." Victoria's smile was razor-sharp. "The media will eat this up. You and Jax, standing here, alone. It doesn't matter what really happened—what matters is what it looks like."

Grace folded her arms. "And what exactly do you want from me?"

Victoria tilted her head. "A deal. A very beneficial one, I might add."

Grace hesitated. "...What kind of deal?"

Victoria's smile grew. "You're struggling, aren't you? I did some research—no college fund, parents who can't help, a sister who refuses to support you."

Grace stiffened.

"I'm offering you a solution," Victoria continued smoothly. "You will date Jax—publicly, of course. In exchange, I'll pay for your education. I'll make sure you have everything you need." She reached into her pocket, pulled out a sleek black business card, and held it out.

Grace stared at it.

"You don't have to decide now," Victoria said. "But I'd suggest you think about it. Because an opportunity like this?" She leaned in slightly. "It doesn't come twice."

And with that, Victoria Riot turned and walked away, leaving Grace standing alone in the alley—her heart pounding as she stared at the card in her hand.