“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’smother, 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!
CHAPTER 9
Jason
It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m sitting across from Gemma inside a seafood restaurant for a late lunch after walking around the city for five hours. Our feet are aching, and our stomachs are growling, but at least Gemma managed to have a good time and experience as much of Sydney as we could pack into a few hours.
We kicked off our day with a big breakfast at some café in the QVB. Then braved The Ultimate Climb on the Harbour Bridge, taking in the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney—a definite highlight for Gemma. Afterwards, we wandered through several boutique shops at The Rocks, and stopped by the Art Gallery of New South Wales to admire a stunning collection of local and international art.
Now we’re finally cooling off inside the airconditioned restaurant, eagerly waiting for our meals.
“Thank you for today, Jason,” Gemma says, flashing her usual radiant smile. “I don’t think I’ve ever walked this much in my entire life, but it was absolutely worth it. I had a lot of fun.”
“I’m glad to hear. It was definitely a good day—a little hot, but overall, very productive. I’m sorry we didn’t get to see everything we had planned to. Time just slipped away from us. But if you’re interested, I’d love to show you the rest another day.”
