Page 63
“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.”
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63 (Reading here)
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88
- Page 89
- Page 90
- Page 91
- Page 92
- Page 93
- Page 94
- Page 95
- Page 96
- Page 97
- Page 98
- Page 99
- Page 100
- Page 101
- Page 102
- Page 103
- Page 104
- Page 105
- Page 106
- Page 107
- Page 108
- Page 109
- Page 110
- Page 111
- Page 112
- Page 113
- Page 114
- Page 115
- Page 116
- Page 117
- Page 118