Chapter 12
Mila
A deep sense of joy swells within me as I watch Jake stride across the makeshift stage to receive his certificate from his teacher, clad in his tiny black robe and hat.
Jason’s piercing whistle and Elena’s enthusiastic cheers slice through the thunderous applause of the otherwise packed room.
Stealing a quick glance at Jake’s whole family, it’s impossible to miss the overwhelming love and support they have for him, especially on the day of his preschool graduation.
My eyes move to Elena, seated to Jason’s right, looking elegant in a white satin blouse, a black pencil skirt, and stiletto heels.
Her strawberry-blonde hair is styled in a sleek modern French twist, with loose strands softly framing her delicate, slender face.
Skylar hadn’t exaggerated when she said Jason’s ex-wife was stunning.
Everything about her radiates elegance and confidence.
She and her parents arrived just as the ceremony began, so we only had time for a brief introduction. However, the curious glances she’s been shooting my way since she walked into the hall make it obvious she’s itching to sit me down for an interrogation—one I’m not sure I’m ready to face just yet.
After the ceremony, the families are ushered outside for photos, and when it’s their turn, Jason unexpectedly pulls me in a few of the family shots.
It’s hard not to feel out of place when Jason’s family looks like they belong on the cover of a lifestyle magazine—picture-perfect smiles, effortless poise, the whole polished package.
And through it all, I can feel Elena’s gaze searing into me, sharp and unrelenting, as if she’s trying to burn a hole straight through my skin.
I have no idea what her problem is with me.
We’ve barely met, and yet I can already tell that getting to know her is going to be one hell of a challenge.
Twenty minutes and a hundred photos later, we leave Jake’s preschool and head out for dinner to continue the celebration.
We’re finally at the restaurant, where Elena’s parents, Joseph and Marija, generously treat us to an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner.
I’m seated between Jason and his dad, Jim, while Elena and her parents sit across from us.
Of course, Jake—the real star of this evening, takes the spot at the head of the table.
“It’s great to finally meet you, Mila,” Elena says, her smile devoid of genuine warmth.
“Although, I can’t help but wonder why it’s taken over a month for me to be introduced to my son’s babysitter.
” Her gaze flicks to Jason as she finishes, and he meets my eyes for a brief second—a flash of guilt in his expression, before returning his attention to his ex-wife.
“Well, Elena, I wanted to give Mila and Jake a chance to get to know each other, and build trust, especially since you always think I hire unsuitable babysitters for him.”
“I only want the best for my baby,” she retorts.
“Mum! I’m not a baby! I’m going to big school!” Jake cuts in, earning a chuckle from his grandparents—and me.
Jason gives a gentle pat on his shoulder. “That’s right, bud. You’re our little man now,” he replies with a playful wink.
“As I was saying,” Elena continues, her eyes connecting with mine, “tonight, I expect us to finally get to know each other. After all, you’ll be around my son for as long as necessary.” She pins me with a pointed look.
Jason rolls his eyes, his tight-lipped expression revealing his growing irritation with his ex-wife. Around the table, everyone else seems to be absorbed in their food, making polite small talk. Yet their subtle pauses every so often suggest they’re keenly attuned to our conversation.
“I think that’s a great idea,” I reply with a confident smile, refusing to let her intimidate me. “I’ve been curious to meet the woman who’s been nurturing Jake’s love of insects and turning him into a walking encyclopedia on the subject.”
Jason and the grandparents laugh, and I don’t miss the subtle grin playing on Elena’s lips.
She glances at Jake, her expression instantly softening as she gently brushes back a loose strand of hair from his forehead.
“Jake and I have always shared a love for wildlife,” she divulges.
“It won’t be long before he’s following in my footsteps and wanting to dive into science. Isn’t that right, honey?”
A flash of annoyance crosses Jason’s face as he shoots Elena a sharp glare, clearly displeased with her comment.
I feel a strong urge to say something, to point out that Jake should be supported in making his own decisions rather than being steered towards a predetermined path.
However, since this is my first time meeting her and the rest of the family, I’ll hold my tongue—for now.
“Well, I hope that whatever path he chooses someday, it will be something he’s truly passionate about. I’m just so proud of everything he’s accomplished so far.” I turn to Jake with an encouraging smile. “Are you excited to be starting Kindy soon?”
Jake nods excitedly. “Yup, I can’t wait to meet new friends and play sports. Dad said I can start rugby next year,” he shares, his words slightly garbled through a mouthful of food.
“Jake!” his mother barks. “What have I told you about talking with food in your mouth?”
“Cut him some slack, Elena,” Jason interjects. “He’s just a kid—do you really think he’s going to have impeccable table manners at the age of five?”
Elena huffs, crossing her arms defensively as she narrows her eyes at him. “Well I’ll have you know, Justine’s son, Caleb, has perfect manners, and he’s two years younger than Jake.”
“Good for Caleb and his overbearing parents, already moulding him into the perfect little gentleman when he’s barely out of nappies. As for my child, as long as he’s not hurting or disrespecting anyone, he can do whatever makes him happy.”
“Alright, that’s enough, you two!” Marija snaps, her voice stern. “We’re all here to celebrate our darling Jake. So let’s keep it civil and be thankful that we’re all here together to mark this special milestone.” Her eyes meet mine and she gives me a warm, motherly smile. Oh, I like her.
“We’re really glad you could join us tonight, Mila,” Jason’s dad, Jim, says, steering the conversation back to me again. “Jason’s spoken a lot about how amazing you are with Jake. Are you planning to work with kids, like your sister?”
I dab my mouth with the napkin and place it on my plate. “I’m studying to become a speech pathologist, so I plan to work with both children and adults once I complete my Masters.”
“That’s wonderful, dear,” Marija says with a kind, nurturing smile.
“Before I retired a few years ago, I spent several years working as an occupational therapist in a multidisciplinary team alongside speech pathologists. I still keep in touch with a few of the organisations I collaborated with. If you’d like, I’d be happy to introduce you to some of them. ”
“Oh, Mrs. Povich, that’s so thoughtful of you. I’d be truly delighted, thank you.” I beam, marvelling at how someone as kind and sweet as Marija could have a daughter like Elena.
“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely ready for dessert,” Elena’s dad, Joseph, chimes in. “How about some ice-cream, buddy?” he asks Jake.
Jake nods eagerly, grabbing his bowl and trailing behind his grandfather to the dessert bar.
Minutes later, Jason and Elena head off to the beverage station to grab everyone drinks, while Marija and Jim get caught up in a conversation about some new drug that helps treat early-stage Alzheimer’s. I take this chance to slip away for a quick bathroom break.
As I round the corner towards the restrooms, Jason and Elena’s angry hushed voices immediately catch my attention. The moment I hear my name, I swiftly duck behind the wall, leaning in just close enough to eavesdrop on their conversation.
“Say what you need to say, Elena, and stop wasting my time!” Jason barks, his tone edged with annoyance.
“She’s younger than the other babysitters you’ve hired before, and it’s obvious she’s very attractive.”
“What’s your point?”
“I’m just curious as to what made you choose her specifically. She’s practically a kid herself. Does she even have experience with children Jake’s age?”
“She’s twenty-three, and she came highly recommended by Skylar. You, of all people, know we can always trust her judgment. She wouldn’t suggest someone unless she truly believed they were perfect for the role.”
“Of course she’d recommend her own sister, Jason.”
“Mila’s had a few years of babysitting experience behind her, making her more than qualified for the job,” Jason retorts, and in that moment, I just want to hug and squeeze him.
“Well let’s hope that’s the only reason why you hired her,” she hisses.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that I don’t want to hear from Jake one day that he saw his dad doing God knows what with his babysitter because he couldn’t keep it in his pants.”
“Are you serious right now, Elena?” Jason snaps, his patience clearly waning.
“Exactly what are you accusing me of? Because if I remember correctly, wasn’t it you who Jake walked in on, having sex with his swimming instructor in our bedroom while I was away at a food and wine convention!”
What! Oh my God! Elena had an affair—with her son’s swimming instructor?
What the actual fuck!
Elena inhales sharply. “You said you wouldn’t bring that up again!
You promised that you were willing to move past that for Jake’s sake!
” Jason lets out a frustrated sigh. “Look, all you need to know is that our son trusts and feels secure around Mila, and she obviously cares about him a lot. So just stop this bullshit, Elena! And for once in your goddamn life start considering what’s really best for him!
” With those final words, I hear Jason storm off, quickly followed by the distinct click of Elena’s heels, indicating that she too has left the scene.
I rush into the restroom, eager to escape before anyone catches me lingering.
Locking the door behind me, I fix my gaze on my reflection, trying to make sense of the shock that still rattles me.
As I stare into the mirror, two things stand out with brutal clarity: Elena’s unmistakable disdain for me, and the real cause of her and Jason’s divorce.
After learning more than I probably should have tonight, I can say with absolute certainty that I have a newfound respect and admiration for Jason.
Despite all that his ex-wife had put him through—the heartache and betrayal, he’s still willing to tolerate her and her shitty behaviour for the sake of their child.
Sadly, this only makes me realise just how lucky Gemma is to be with someone as incredible as Jason. If he were mine, I would never take what we have for granted, not for a single moment.