Jake’s Sideways Glance
Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Jake quickly shot a glance over at Rick. It was subtle, but the look on his face told a story—he was silently pleading for backup, or at the very least, a nod of support. His usual confidence seemed to waver for the first time. But Rick, always the more reserved one, only raised an eyebrow in response, his gaze unreadable. He didn’t say a word, and that silence spoke volumes. It was clear that even Jake’s usual partner in crime wasn’t so sure about continuing this back-and-forth.
Without Rick’s steady presence to back him up, Jake’s swagger began to crumble. The bravado that had once filled him with such certainty started to feel hollow, like a mask slipping off. His posture shifted, his movements less sure, and the cocky grin he wore now seemed forced. It was as if the weight of the situation was finally sinking in, and without his usual support, Jake didn’t look nearly as untouchable as he once had.
