Chapter 8
Mila
I’ve finally made it back to my apartment safely after the disastrous drive from Jason’s restaurant.
I was so distracted on the way home that I think I ran through not one, but two red lights.
The evening began so perfectly—laughing with Sof over drinks, for once unburdened by uni deadlines and submissions.
I didn’t realise then how terribly the night would end.
When I didn’t see Jason at the restaurant all evening, I admit, I was pretty let down, especially after putting in a little extra effort to look good tonight.
The moment I found him outside in the carpark, talking to a stunning young blonde, and then hearing him ask her out—it felt like someone had sucker punched me right on the ribs.
To say I was sad and disappointed would be an understatement. I was completely crushed.
I did my best to conceal the hurt in my eyes, forcing a casual smile even when it pained me to do so. Our whole interaction felt awkward and uneasy, unlike our usual effortless banter. All I wanted to do was just hurry out of there and escape him.
Desperate for the night to be over, I escape to the bathroom for a long, hot shower, hoping the water can wash away the lingering traces of the evening.
I’m starting to undress when I hear the heavy vibration of my phone on the bathroom sink.
Speaking of the devil, I glance at my screen and see a message from Jason. Without hesitation, I open it and read.
Jason: Hey, Mila. I’m sorry to bother you so late, but I just wanted to know if you’re available to babysit Jake for a few extra hours next Sunday?
Oh, for goodness sake! Could he not have waited to ask me in the morning, or better yet, in person, when I’m babysitting Jake again.
Is he really that eager to go on a date with that woman?
I’m literally on the verge of screaming or hurling my phone into the toilet, but instead, I force myself to inhale deeply before replying.
Me: I’ll be free. What time do you want me to start?
Jason: Thanks, Mila! You’re amazing! Could you start at 10:30 a.m.? Me: Sure! I’m more than happy to hang out with Jake all day ?
Jason: Great! You’re the best! xo
Clearly, I’m not though—if I’m being treated like the hired help, called upon when it’s convenient, while he goes off and takes women on dates.
Great! Now, I’m turning into a bitter old cow.
Well, it’s official—tonight was an epic disaster, and I’ve somehow turned into this jealous, bitter old cow. If I have any hope of making it through the rest of the night, I’d better get a few hours of sleep and pray I’m not disturbed by thoughts of Jason and that infuriatingly hot blonde.
The time on the screen reads 11:57 a.m., three minutes before my scheduled FaceTime with my sister.
I’m perched at the kitchen counter, gripping my phone tightly in one hand while downing the last of my coffee.
I made sure to make it extra strong this morning, knowing I’d need it after a very restless sleep.
My phone rings and I see Skylar’s name flickering brightly. I quickly swipe across to accept her call, and her dimpled, smiling face instantly fills my screen.
“Good afternoon, sister. Right on time too,” I greet her.
“I’m always on time, thank you!” she says, her tone mocking. “How’s my baby sis doing? Is Jake still schooling you in the big, wide world of insects?”
I let out a tiny chuckle. “Yup! The latest lesson was on the spiny leaf insect, or as we call it, the Australian walking stick. He insisted that we eat peanut butter sandwich for dinner because he claims they smell like peanut butter.”
Skylar tips her head back and laughs. “God, I miss that kid,” she murmurs, her expression soft with longing.
Several weeks have passed since my sister left everything behind—her home, job, marriage, family, and friends in Sydney—to forge a new life in Brightly Bay, Melbourne.
It’s been lonelier here without her, and I miss her terribly, so I can’t even begin to imagine how she’s feeling over there, with no one to keep her company.
“How’s everything in Brightly Bay?” I ask.
She exhales a long, tired breath. “Things could be worse, so I can’t really complain.
On the bright side, the rest of my furniture is being delivered today, and then I just need to decorate it to make it feel more like home.”
“That’s wonderful, Sky! It sounds like you’re nearly settled in. Have you had a chance to get out and explore much?”
“I’ve been spending quite a bit of time at the beach and shopping for the apartment. I also met my new neighbours, and they all seem really friendly. Except for this one woman two doors down from me who gives off some serious watchdog vibes.”
I snort out a laugh. “What do you mean?”
“Let’s put it this way, she’s a typical ‘Karen,’ always meddling in others people’s business and keeping tabs on everything that goes on in the building. I’ve learned it’s best to just steer clear of her altogether.”
“She sounds like an absolute delight.”
“Yeah, right!” She scoffs. “Anyway, that’s pretty much been my life these past several weeks. What about you? How has it been working for the big guy?”
Well, let’s see—how do you tell your older sister—the one who’s long been close friends with the man you’ve quietly pined for—that your feelings for him have begun to deepen beyond a mere crush?
“It’s been great, actually. He’s been nothing but accommodating.” And sweet, kind, funny, charming, sexy…I could go on forever! “Honestly, most of the time it doesn’t even feel like a job. Jake’s a wonderful kid, and Jason’s an incredible father. I’m really glad I gave it a go.”
“I had a feeling you’d be the perfect fit for the Hawkins’ when I recommended you to Jason.” She smiles warmly. “He’s a genuinely good guy, so I wanted him to hire someone I knew he could trust. By the way, have you met his ex-wife, Elena, yet?”
I shake my head. “No, I haven’t, and to be honest, I’m not sure why we haven’t been introduced yet. I’ve been babysitting Jake for a few weeks now—you’d think I would’ve met his mother by now.”
That’s something that’s been weighing heavily on my mind lately—the fact that Jason still hasn’t introduced me to Jakes’s mother, his ex-wife, Elena.
I barely know a thing or two about the woman, and from the small details I’ve managed to gather from the conversations I’ve had with Jason and my sister, I’m not really sure what to expect.
“Look, just trust me when I say that if Jason hasn’t introduced you two yet, there’s probably a good reason behind it.
Elena isn’t the easiest person to get to know.
Even I struggled to build a friendship with her, and I get along with everyone,” she says, releasing a soft, breathy laugh.
“I still remember when I first met her at Jason’s restaurant opening.
She was gorgeous and freakishly smart. It was quite intimidating, but Jason was hooked the moment he saw her. ”
Of course he was. She seemed like the perfect woman for him. Otherwise, he would’ve never married her. I grit my teeth, swallowing my jealousy as my sister goes on.
“At first, she might seem a little condescending. As an academic and scientist, she clearly has a high opinion of herself. But as you get to know her better, you’ll start to see a different side to her.
One that is passionate and loves everything about nature.
I truly believe she loved and cared for Jason, even after she did what she did that ultimately ended their marriage. ”
“And let me guess, you won’t tell me what that reason was?”
“Nope. It’s complicated. And like I said before, Jason will share that with you when he’s ready. But trust me when I say, he is far better off without her.”
“Well, now I’m not sure I’m ready to meet this woman. Should I start rehearsing a speech?” I ask with sarcasm, though deep down, the thought of meeting Jake’s mum has me on edge.
“Nah! You’ll be fine,” she says, like it’s no big deal. “Just be yourself, Milz. And if she’s being rude, let me know. I’ll give her a call. I know exactly how to deal with her.”
“Thanks for having my back.”
“Always.”
She opens her mouth to say more, but a knock on a door echoes from her side of the line. “That’s probably the delivery guys. I have to go, but I’ll call you once I’m done furnishing the apartment. Might need your opinion on a few things.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Have fun putting all the furniture together by yourself,” I say with a smirk, knowing full well how much she loathes assembling furniture.
She flips me off, and I laugh out loud. “Good luck meeting Elena,” she shoots back, her grin wicked and teasing. Just as I’m about to say something snarky, she hangs up on me. Bitch!
I sink into the bar stool, turning over Skylar’s words about Jake’s mother in my mind.
As if meeting Jason’s new date wasn’t enough, now I also have to deal with his uptight, bitchy ex-wife.
This is shaping up to be a real fucking shitshow!