Chapter 10
Mila
Why did I ever think that playing with bright blue playdough was such a good idea?
Now I’m on all fours in Jason’s living room, scrubbing furiously to remove the sticky, homemade mess from his grey sisal rug.
Jake, of course, managed to get some under his shoe and smeared it across multiple spots on the floor, turning our ‘fun little activity’ into one giant clean-up mission.
Thankfully, I still have three more hours to get this rug looking spotless before Jason gets home from work.
All day I’ve felt anxious and on the verge of a meltdown.
Yet somehow, I managed to hold it together for Jake.
I kept a smile on my face, stayed active and alert, and gave him my full attention, even though I was struggling on the inside.
And the source of my turmoil? Jason was out on a date with a young blonde bombshell.
When I arrived at his house this morning and Jason opened the door, my jaw practically dropped to the ground.
He looked devilishly handsome in his black button-down linen shirt and light grey chino shorts that stopped just above his knees, perfectly highlighting his tanned, muscular calves.
And the way his Ray-Bans sat on top of his effortlessly sexy messy hair almost had me undone.
It was then that I felt a sharp pang of envy for his date. She’d get to spend the day gazing at him, surrounded by his intoxicating scent and his warm touch as they walk hand in hand. Watching him drive away to pick up his date was nothing short of pure torture.
Just thinking about it again has me scrubbing the rug with so much force I’m nearly tearing through the fibres. I dip the sponge back into the warm, soapy water and collapse onto the floor, exhausted. I need to get a grip before this jealousy begins to consume me entirely.
The sound of the front door unlocking jolts me to my feet, quicker than a flash of lightning. Jason isn’t due home for another three hours, so I have no idea who would be visiting at this hour.
I grab the bucket of water and place it in the laundry sink.
As I step into the hallway leading to the front door, I see Jason standing by the key bowl, absorbed in something on his phone.
He looks worn out and a little disheveled.
His hair is sticking up in various places and the top few buttons of his shirt is undone.
It almost looks as if he just woke up from a long nap.
“You’re home early?”
His head whips around at the sound of my voice, his eyes widening in surprise as he suddenly realises I’m standing across from him. “Uh, yeah... I didn’t end up working tonight. I just got back from my date actually,” he says, smoothing his hair back with his hand.
It must have been one hell of a date for him to skip work, which I’m positive he rarely ever does. Trying to supress my displeasure at the thought of him spending extra time with his date, I manage a tight smile as I ask my next question.
“How did it go?”
He nervously rubs the back of his neck and clears his throat. “It was great. We did the Bridge Climb, and did a lot of walking around the city. Gemma and I got along really well, so that was a bonus.”
My jaw tightens, and a burning ache spreads through my chest. “I’m so glad to hear you guys had fun,” I lie through my teeth. “Will you be seeing her again?”
“Yeah, I am actually. I’m seeing her again next Sunday.”
And just like that, this has been the worst day of my life.
“Oh, that’s great. I’m really happy for you, Jase,” I say with a forced smile, hoping my eyes don’t give away how I truly feel. “Well, now that you’re here, I should probably head out. Jake’s asleep and I’ve just finished cleaning the place, so you can just chill for the rest of the night.”
I brush past him, grabbing my purse from the hallway table, and fish for my keys.
“Wait!” His brows knit in concern as he gently grips my elbow, stopping me from heading out the door. “You’re leaving already? I was just about to grab us some beers and continue the game out on the deck.”
“Not tonight, Jason. I’m feeling a little tired. Could I get a rain check?”
A trace of disappointment crosses his face, but he manages a slow nod. “Yeah, of course.”
He releases my elbow and steps aside, but as I turn towards the door, his hand shoots out to grasp my wrist this time, halting my movements once more. “Hey, is everything okay?”
I nod, forcing a half-hearted smile. “I’m just exhausted, that’s all. I’m fine, Jase. I swear.” His gaze lingers on mine, and for a brief moment, I wonder if he perceives the hurt in my eyes. Then, without another word, he steps back.
As soon as I leave the house, I race to my car and tear out of the driveway without a second glance back.
I make a mental note to stop at the bottle shop on the way home because if I’m going to get through this disaster of a night, I might as well do it with a bottle of wine and some good ol’ trashy TV.
The shiraz leaves a warm, bitter taste on my tongue as I down my third glass of red wine. I’m not usually one for heavy drinking but tonight feels like an exception. Surprisingly, the wine is doing its job because I’m starting to feel relaxed and slightly buzzed.
It’s been two hours since I left Jason’s place in a hurry, and I haven’t budged from my spot on the couch since.
The TV hums quietly in the background, airing some ridiculous dating show with the most irritating contestants imaginable.
It’s got me shouting all kinds of obscenities at the screen, as though they might actually hear me.
Tonight has been such an emotional whirlwind, shifting from anger to sorrow, frustration to pain, until all that’s left is numbness.
The truth is, I’m not even sure why I’m so worked up about Jason’s date going so well. He’s not mine—he never was, and now that he has Gemma, he never will be. In the end, I’m nothing more to him than his son’s young, ditsy babysitter.
The realisation is exactly why I need to let go of this stupid infatuation once and for all. Jason will never see me the way I see him, or feel the way I feel for him, no matter how much time we spend together. I’m done chasing after some foolish fantasy.
I can’t tell if it’s the rush of emotions or the alcohol currently bubbling through my system, but suddenly Sofia’s offer to set me up with one of her boyfriend’s dumb friends doesn’t seem like such a bad idea right now. In fact, I think I might just see if she’s still up for the challenge.
I reach for my phone on the coffee table and quickly check the time. It’s 10:35 p.m., so it’s likely that Sofia’s staying over at Brody’s place. Being a night owl like me, she’s probably still up, watching a psychological thriller she’s seen for the millionth time.
Opening our message thread on my phone, I quickly shoot her a text.
Me: Tell me I haven’t caught you in the middle of having sex again?
A few minutes later, she replies back.
Sofia: Ha ha! Real funny, bitch! I’m with Brody at the drive-ins. Why, what’s up?
Me: Nothing much. Just polishing off an entire bottle of red on my own. I need to ask a favour.
Sofia: It’ll cost you, though.
Me: Yes, I know—my self-respect because after this, I’m pretty sure I’ll be down to none.
Sofia: LOL! That bad?
Me: Well, it depends on how good your match-making skills are.
Sofia: WHAT! Are you finally asking me to hook you up on another date??
Me: That’s exactly what I’m doing! So, can you help me or not?
She’s silent for what feels like a lifetime, leaving me wondering if she’s abandoned both me and my idea. But then the typing dots start bouncing on my screen. A minute later, her reply finally comes through.
Sofia: Sorry for the delay. I was just talking to Brody, and he said he thinks he might know someone you’d probably get along well with.
Me: Wow, already? Okay. Who’s the guy?
Sofia: It’s someone he knew at uni. You can check out his insta, just type Dean Foster and his profile picture is of him in a sexy navy suit and sunglasses.
I exit our message thread and open my Instagram app to search for this Dean Foster guy. A photo matching Sofia’s description appears at the top of the list, and I click on his profile, grateful that his account isn’t set to private.
As I quickly scroll through his page, I can’t help but notice the countless gym selfies showcasing his impressively sculpted physique.
Dean looks every bit the young male model—tall, handsome, impeccably dressed, with sun-kissed skin, golden hair, and striking cerulean eyes.
It’s obvious he takes great pride in his appearance.
Having earned my tick of approval, I return to my messages and reply to Sofia.
Me: Holy, fuck! Dean is hot!
Sofia: Brody said he thought you’d be impressed.
Me: And there’s nothing shady about him?
Sofia: Not that I know of. I met him once and he was very friendly. He’s 24, from the Northern Beaches, and his family owns a prestigious boat hire and Harbour cruise company. So, if you’re lucky, you might get unlimited access to their luxury yachts.
Me: Oh, that’s not important to me. I just hope he’s decent.
Sofia: Go on a date with him and find out.
Me: Fuck it! Why not! Tell Brody to send him my way.
Sofia: Fuck, yeah! My girl is finally gonna score some D. I want all the details!
Me: LOL. If we can manage to get past the first date, then we’ll see.
Sofia: Sweet as! You’ll be hearing from him real soon. Gotta go! The movie is about to get to the good part. Love ya! Me: Love you too xoxo
I switch off my phone screen and set it back on the coffee table. I’m feeling tipsy and maybe a little impulsive, but hey—at least I might have a date lined up.
Now, let’s hope I don’t end up regretting this.