As I get into my car, an overwhelming sense of unease takes hold. There was something completely off about that conversation with Mila. It’s almost as if she couldn’t get away from me quickly enough with the way she just rushed off.
Shaking the thoughts away before they spiral into something bigger, I start the ignition and shift the car into gear. I want to end the night on a more positive note, not stress over something that’s probably nothing.
On the drive home, I start brainstorming ideas for my date with Gemma next Sunday, mentally listing places I know she’d love. But my thoughts keep circling back to Mila—the expression on her face after she saw me talking to Gemma. The anxiety returns, heavier this time, and I can’t seem to shake it out. I was so excited about my date with Gemma, but now... I’m not so sure anymore.
CHAPTER 8
Mila
I’ve finally made it back to my apartment safely after the disastrous drive from Jason’s restaurant. I was so distracted on the way home that I think I ran through not one, but two red lights. The evening began so perfectly—laughing with Sof over drinks, for once unburdened by uni deadlines and submissions. I didn’t realise then how terribly the night would end.
When I didn’t see Jason at the restaurant all evening, I admit, I was pretty let down, especially after putting in a little extra effort to look good tonight. The moment I found him outside in the carpark, talking to a stunning young blonde, and then hearing him ask her out—it felt like someone had sucker punched me right on the ribs. To say I was sad and disappointed would be an understatement. I was completely crushed.
I did my best to conceal the hurt in my eyes, forcing a casual smile even when it pained me to do so. Our whole interaction felt awkward and uneasy, unlike our usual effortless banter. All I wanted to do was just hurry out of there and escape him.
Desperate for the night to be over, I escape to the bathroom for a long, hot shower, hoping the water can wash away the lingering traces of the evening. I’m starting to undress when I hear the heavy vibration of my phone on the bathroom sink. Speaking of the devil, I glance at my screen and see a message from Jason. Without hesitation, I open it and read.
Jason:Hey, Mila. I’m sorry to bother you so late, but Ijust wanted to know if you’re available to babysit Jake for a few extra hours next Sunday?
Oh, for goodness sake!Could he not have waited to ask me in the morning, or better yet, in person, when I’m babysitting Jake again. Is he really that eager to go on a date with that woman? I’m literally on the verge of screaming or hurling my phone into the toilet, but instead, I force myself to inhale deeply before replying.
Me:I’ll be free. What time do you want me to start?
Jason:Thanks, Mila! You’re amazing! Could you start at 10:30 a.m.?Me:Sure! I’m more than happy to hang out with Jake all day?
Jason:Great! You’re the best! xo
Clearly, I’m not though—if I’m being treated like the hired help, called upon when it’s convenient, while he goes off and takes women on dates.
Great! Now, I’m turning into a bitter old cow.
Well, it’s official—tonight was an epic disaster, and I’ve somehow turned into this jealous, bitter old cow. If I have any hope of making it through the rest of the night, I’d better get a few hours of sleep and pray I’m not disturbed by thoughts of Jason and that infuriatingly hot blonde.
The time on the screen reads 11:57 a.m., three minutes before my scheduled FaceTime with my sister. I’m perched at the kitchen counter, gripping my phone tightly in one hand while downing the last of my coffee. I made sure to make it extra strong this morning, knowing I’d need it after a very restless sleep.
My phone rings and I see Skylar’s name flickering brightly. I quickly swipe across to accept her call, and her dimpled, smiling face instantly fills my screen.
“Good afternoon, sister. Right on time too,” I greet her.
“I’m always on time, thank you!” she says, her tone mocking. “How’s my baby sis doing? Is Jake still schooling you in the big, wide world of insects?”
I let out a tiny chuckle. “Yup! The latest lesson was on the spiny leaf insect, or as we call it, the Australian walking stick. He insisted that we eat peanut butter sandwich for dinner because he claims they smell like peanut butter.”
Skylar tips her head back and laughs. “God, I miss that kid,” she murmurs, her expression soft with longing.
Several weeks have passed since my sister left everything behind—her home, job, marriage, family, and friends in Sydney—to forge a new life in Brightly Bay, Melbourne. It’s been lonelier here without her, and I miss her terribly, so I can’t even begin to imagine how she’s feeling over there, with no one to keep her company.
“How’s everything in Brightly Bay?” I ask.
She exhales a long, tired breath. “Things could be worse, so I can’t really complain.
On the bright side, the rest of my furniture is being delivered today, and then I just need to decorate it to make it feel more like home.”
“That’s wonderful, Sky! It sounds like you’re nearly settled in. Have you had a chance to get out and explore much?”
“I’ve been spending quite a bit of time at the beach and shopping for the apartment. I also met my new neighbours, and they all seem really friendly. Except for this one woman two doors down from me who gives off some serious watchdog vibes.”
I snort out a laugh. “What do you mean?”
