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“Not an idiot. Just childish.” I flash her a smile.

Mia sighs, her expression softening just a little. “I’m just trying to help you, Jack. It’s not all about you and what you want. If you want this to work, you need to put in some effort.”

I run a hand through my hair, nodding slowly. “Yeah… I’ll try. A picnic with Ashley sounds fine.”

I try to sound like I’m agreeing, but in the back of my mind, I can’t shake the feeling that no matter who I meet, nothing will make sense.

“You can send an envelope containing everything I need to know,” I add. “Brody will deliver your message.”

She sucks in a breath. “I’ll text you everything. It’s in a couple days.”

Wow. The fact that the next date is so close has my mood plummeting all the way down. Do I have absolutely no say in this matter at all? Am I not allowed to mentally refuel and emotionally recharge before another ordeal? But I don’t argue, because there’s already tension between us.

“Thanks, Mia. See yourself out.”

She narrows her eyes at me before marching out the door and slamming it behind her. My heart twists with guilt, but I don’t succumb to it. Instead, I slide under the sheets and shut me eyes, telling myself that this is all for the better.

MIA

Thanks, Mia. See yourself out.

So arrogant. So infuriating.

I’m still mad as I drive home, trying to figure out why Jack’s reaction bothered me so much. Why do I even care? He’s just a guy I’m trying to help, and I shouldn’t feel this annoyed. I try to shake it off, but it lingers like an itch I can’t scratch.

Why do I care about his mood? As long as he shows up for his date, anything aside from business, I don’t care.

My phone rings, dragging me out of my self-admonition. It’s Nova.

I answer, trying to sound casual, even though I’m angry with her talent. “Hey, Nova.”

“Hey, Mia! How’s it going with Jack? Any updates on his date?” Nova’s voice is light, but I can tell she’s got some urgency behind it.

I let out a quiet sigh. “It’s going fine. I talked to him. He’s not thrilled, but he’s going along with it. We’re moving forward.”

There’s a brief pause on the other end. “That’s good, but I’ve been calling Jack to follow up on his date with Denise, and he’s not answering my calls. Do you think everything’s okay?”

I can’t help my scowl. “I just left his place. He’s not enamored with Denise. But trust me, he’ll like Ashley better. He’ll warm up to her. I’m sure of it.”

“Maybe he’s this way because it’s the first date?”

“I think so, too.”

Nova lets out a breath, like she’s relieved. “Okay, good. I appreciate you taking the lead on this, Mia. It’s really helping. Thanks for sticking with it.”

I give a small nod, even though she can’t see it. “No problem. Just don’t forget about your end of the deal, Nova. The ‘Kids Living with Cancer’ foundation needs that money.”

She laughs. “You don’t have to remind me. I always keep my end of the bargain.”

“Um… so the hospital is planning a charity event for next month. Do you think I could get a quarter or half of the money by then so I can settle some bills for the event?”

Nova’s tone shifts, becoming more serious. “You can get the full payment.”

I pause. “Really?”

Nova sighs. “Can I tell you something?”

“Yes.”