Page 10 of Prove Me Wrong (The Sunburnt Hearts #5)

Chapter Seven

MIA

“ Y ou what ?”

A groan escapes my lips, the phone pressed firmly against my ear.

The air is pleasant tonight, the backyard silent.

Moisture hangs thick in the air, along with the scent of firewood and curling beech leaves.

Foliage coats the ground in a layer of colour, and the trees move gently in the wind, blowing the mellow autumn air around.

I had to take advantage of the weather before the winter chill sweeps through the town, bringing with it bitterly cold rain.

Slippers resting on the railing of the porch, I hold the phone close to my ear and answer my old roommate, Lila. “I said that I’ll do it. I don’t understand why you’re finding this so hard to grasp.”

“Probably because you haven’t so much as looked a man in the eye for three whole years, Mia.” Her voice rises with confusion and surprise. “I'm just wondering what made you suddenly agree to this.”

Honestly, I am wondering that myself. Why did I suddenly agree to this?

Oh, right, Noah’s face and Jade’s painful screams were part of the reason.

“I know, but it wasn’t just a snap decision. I considered it. I need a job and the money, and he needs the help.”

“Did he interview you?”

My face scrunches at her question. “What?”

Lila sighs heavily, repeating in a firmer tone, “Did you interview for the position?”

“No,” I say defensively, unsure of where she’s going with this.

Lila snorts a laugh. “How did he ask you then?”

I fiddle with the hem of my grey hoodie. “He came home after work and asked me after I offered to watch his daughter when he left this morning. She was sick and really upset, and it broke my heart seeing how much she didn’t want to go to daycare.”

“Hmm.” Lila hums. I can’t tell if she’s impressed or worried. It’s making my hands clammy with stress because I can’t tell what she’s thinking, and Lila always speaks her mind. This girl has no filter. “So you were the first person he asked?”

I bite the inside of my mouth, murmuring, “I think so. I don’t really know.”

“ See .” She emphasizes loudly. “Snap, snap, snap!” Her fingers click into the phone in rapid succession.

I wince and pull the phone away to avoid going deaf. “It wasn’t a snap decision. Besides, I thought you would be happy for me…”

“Oh, believe me, I am happy,” she chimes, making me sit up in the cushioned chair.

“Good.”

Lila giggles softly. “Single daddies are the hottest .”

My eyes roll so slowly the ligaments might actually strain. “ Lila .”

“Come on. A single dad, a mechanic, and a Supercars driver? Talk about a smoking hot combination! Can you get me a photo of him? Preferably nude, but really, I’ll take any. ”

“ Lila, ” I grit out, trying to get her to stop before my entire face blooms with a hot blush. “He’s my boss now.”

“Yeah, and that makes it even hotter.”

My head tips forward as I run my fingers through my silky strands. “I regret telling you all of this now.”

Lila just laughs. “You have to admit that you think he’s attractive. And if you say otherwise, then I’ll know you’re lying to me.”

My silence makes her laugh even harder.

“Knew it.”

“I didn’t agree to this because of him. I did it for his daughter. Besides, I’m not ready for anything. With any guy. You know that. I don’t want to put myself through that again.”

“It was only one guy. They’re not all like Ryan,” she supplies.

I smother the feeling of hope rising in my chest. I shake my head. “I’m not taking that chance.”

Lila sighs. “Okay, but the man is hot. Have you seen his socials yet?”

“No. And I’m not looking at them. He’s my boss,” I repeat in the hopes that maybe if I keep saying it, the words will finally sink into her mind.

“Well, I am, and you’re definitely missing out.” She pauses, and I groan. “Then again, you have the real thing right next door. That’s definitely better than some photos posted online.”

“Good night, Lila,” I deadpan, not wanting to listen to her talk about Noah’s body anymore.

She gasps into the phone. “Wait, I’m just getting to the shirt?—”

I cut her off, ending the call. The last thing I want to hear about right now is what Noah looks like shirtless. I have seen it already, and I can confirm he does look hot without one, but I’m not letting myself think about it.

I told myself no men, and I'm going to stick to that promise .

I will not fall for anyone ever again, especially not my new neighbour who has just hired me as his babysitter.

***

“I’m surprised you accepted the position, Mia.”

Charlotte looks at me through my laptop screen.

She’s sweet but strong-minded, which is what I need in a therapist. Going through sexual assault herself when she was younger, I have found it easier to open up with her.

She understands how I’m feeling and my hesitation, and doesn’t push me, which I am incredibly grateful for.

Knowing that I am still dealing with the repercussions after all this time, and probably will for a while still, Charlotte never makes me uncomfortable or pushes me further than I can go.

I hate when people push me. My parents have done that since I was born—sports, reading, school and even friends.

I always hated how they forced me into things, guilted me into making them happy, when it was the last thing I wanted.

I never liked dancing, singing, or Law. I like the piano and my creative side.

Charlotte pushes her clear-framed glasses up her straight nose while writing more notes down in her notebook.

“I felt like I needed to help him out,” I respond quietly.

Charlotte nods, pushing her dark hair behind her ear and smiling. “Why, Mia?”

I suck in a breath before explaining the situation. She nods and occasionally jots things down, never interrupting me .

“He came to you because you had already offered earlier?” Her tone is questioning, deep chocolate eyes that match the rest of her features, locking with mine.

I nod.

She hums lightly, continuing with her notes. “Why did you offer before?”

One shoulder lifts as I struggle to find the words. “Because I don’t have any work right now, and he did seem very stressed out. Jade was crying so much that I thought my help could relieve some stress. I guess if it were me, I would appreciate the offer.”

“Even if it was from a man?” Her head tilts to one side, waiting for my answer.

I’m silent, and Charlotte blinks at me. “No.”

Sighing, her red lips pursed. Dark eyes stare back at mine, her deeper skin tone shining beneath the artificial lighting of her office.

“I think this is a big step for you, Mia. And you should be proud of yourself for taking this opportunity.” Her tongue swipes her bottom lip, and my hands rise to rub at my elbows, anxiety biting at my insides.

“I just want to make sure that you’ll feel comfortable when you’re there. ”

“He will be working,” I remind her.

Charlotte nods. “I know, but you will still need to talk with him. Tell him about your day. Will you be okay with that?”

Taking a long moment to think over her words, I dip my chin. “I think so.”

Her smile grows a little, and my anxiety lessens.

“Mia, there’s nothing that you need to worry about.” Her gentle tone rolls out like a wave of calmness. She looks down at my arms.

I pull my hands away and clasp them in my lap, trying to force the comforting habit away .

“Sorry,” I mumble.

“Nothing to apologise for. Habits are hard to break, especially when they are attached to anxiety and trauma. It’s all part of your healing.”

My mouth ticks sideways, although I feel like I have failed her once again. Just like my parents .

“Next week we can discuss how you go with Noah and his daughter, but if you need me in the meantime, you have my number. Never hesitate to call me, Mia. That’s what I am here for.

Whether we have a session booked or not, I want you to always be able to reach me.”

I nod again, forcing a smile. “I know. Thank you, Charlotte.”

“Of course. Well, I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday. And I’m so happy to hear that you’re settling into Barrenridge easily and now making some massive progress. I am proud of you, Mia.”

Warm relief washes over me, cheeks burning. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard someone say those words to me, that might make my eyes water. “Thank you, Charlotte. See you again next Sunday.”

“You betcha,” she chimes before ending the video chat.

Exhaling steadily, I close my laptop and toss it on my bed before slipping on socks and heading out to the kitchen.

Gran is pouring a coffee when I walk in. I grab the cereal from the pantry and make myself a bowl.

“How was therapy?” Gran asks, raspy voice floating in the space between us as she flips through the newspaper.

“Good,” I say through a mouthful of food.

She stares at me. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

My lips quirk as I swallow. “Don’t ask me a question while I'm eating.”

Gran snickers and walks around the island, pulling me into a sideways hug. “I am happy you’re getting some help, dear. You have had a rough couple of years.”

“I know,” I answer dryly. “I'm just worried that maybe I’ve made a mistake by agreeing to this. I mean, I don’t know him very well. What if something happens?”

She sighs. I know it’s just my anxiety feeding me more distressing thoughts, but I hate how controlling it is.

“I have known Noah since he was little. He’s a good man, and you helping him shouldn’t make you anxious.

I think this might help you get out of your shell a little, and I’ll be here if you need me. ”

Rolling my lips, I nod, knowing Gran is right. I shouldn’t be this troubled over a small agreement. But my nerves still vibrate inside, whispering to me how untrustworthy men can be. I try blocking out the hushed voice, but it feels impossible to fully eliminate.

“Every weekend, Joe would sit down to watch Noah's races. Cooked him food, mowed his lawn. He and Noah were friends, and they got along well. Maybe even too well sometimes…”

A smile pulls up my mouth. “I know. Noah told me about Grandad.”

Gran leans against the bench, daydreaming about her departed husband, no doubt. I see the daze in the way she gazes at the wall, her lips curling upwards, and a twinge of jealousy lines my stomach seeing her this way.

“Those two were as thick as thieves. You know, I would catch Joe sneaking over there some nights with beers. He thought he was being smart, but I knew. It was to watch sports with Noah and his friend. They still get together every Wednesday night.”

I sniff a laugh. “That sounds like Grandad, making friends with everyone. ”

Gran nods, sipping on her coffee.

My phone vibrates on the bench at the same moment I swallow another mouthful. Our eyes snap to the name . Mum . I make no move to answer it, and eventually it stops ringing, the silent vibrations cutting out.

“Still not talking with her?”

Peering up at Gran through thick lashes, I shake my head, not wanting to talk about her right now.

Gran hums and leans down, kissing my forehead. “Whenever you’re ready, dear. She deserves to know what happened to you.”

Guilt sweeps through me like hot, sticky bile, but I push it away.

I’m not ready yet.