“Bye,” she says before I hang up.
As I wait, my mind wanders to Oliver and the happiness we have shared over the past few months. I can’t imagine leaving him behind, but if this job is the key to my future, what choice do I have?
Just as I’m about to put my phone away, a notification pops up on the screen. When I open it, I’m met with a beautiful picture of Erica and Fred that she must have taken over the weekend. They’re snuggled together with the sunset behind them. I can’t help but smile at their joy. Could Oliver and I ever be that happy?
Suddenly, I’m snapped out of my thoughts by the sight of Alice running toward me.
“Catherine!” she calls out.
“Hey!” I reply, extending my arms so she can jump straight into my arms. “How was school, kiddo?”
She peers up at me, beaming. “Good, but I still wish we were in Pismo Beach.”
A smile forms across my face. “Me, too. But you know, we can make every day just like our weekend getaway.”
“How?” she asks before she takes my hand and I lead her back to the car in the parking lot.
I open the backseat and help Alice buckle up into her booster seat. “We can have picnics at the park, go on hikes, and go to the beach. It’s not about the place, it’s about the memories we create together.”
Alice nods thoughtfully, and we make our way home.
When we arrive at the house, Jamie is already at the front door, waiting with a large garment bag in her hands.
I pull into the driveway, stepping out of the car and getting Alice out first before I rush over to help Jamie. “Let me get that for you, Jamie,” I say.
“Oh, Catherine, thank you so much,” she replies as I take one of the garment bags from her hands.
“This is so heavy,” I tell her as I open the front door. “Alice, why don’t you head into the kitchen and start your homework? I’ll join you soon.”
Alice nods and takes her backpack into the kitchen with her.
I lead Jamie to Oliver’s room, where she lays the garment bag down on the bed.
“Thank you for your help,” she says with a grateful smile before heading back outside with Jamie following close behind.
“No, thank you for everything you do for Oliver. I’m sure he will appreciate it,” I say, smiling warmly at her.
“Of course, Catherine. If there’s anything else you need, ask,” she replies, returning the smile.
As I walk Jamie out, she turns to me.
“You know, Catherine, I just wanted to make sure you know what you’re getting into with Oliver.”
My heart sinks as a sudden surge of anxiety hits me. “What do you mean?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. How does she even know about us?
Jamie hesitates before continuing. “Well, I’ve worked for Oliver for a long time, and I’ve seen how he acts with women. He’s not the guy you want to invest too much in. I’ve seen women fall pretty hard for him, despite how clear he makes it that he isn’t interested in anything beyond casual with them.”
A lump forms in my throat as I try to process Jamie’s words. My arrangement with Oliver was clear from the start, defined by boundaries and rules that were meant to keep things simple, uncomplicated. Oliver, true to his word, has been nothing but respectful and kind. There was a certain comfort in knowing where we stood, in the predictability that what we had wouldn’t and couldn’t spill over the lines we had drawn. Yet, it’s become more than just an arrangement; something built on trust, laughter, shared ambitions, and quiet moments of vulnerability.
Am I becoming one of those women Jamie is talking about?
“Anyway, I should get going,” Jamie says. “I just wanted to warn you, girl to girl. Especially since I heard you ran out on your wedding. I’m sure Oliver only helped you out because he saw an opportunity.”
I can feel my face burning with embarrassment and anger as Jamie’s words sink in. How dare she suggest Oliver would take advantage of me in such a way? I did run out on my wedding, yes, but Oliver has been there for me when no one else was.
And how does she know about my past?
“Thanks, Jamie,” I say, as I try to comprehend what she’s just said. “I can handle myself, though,” I add firmly.
