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After years of living with my dad in Louisiana, after my parents’ divorce when I was two, I decided I wanted to live with my mom instead of seeing her on and off like I had been through the years.
My dad had sole custody of me—at the time of their divorce, my mom didn’t have stable employment or the means to support me in the way she wanted.
It was best for me to live with my dad since he had an established career. He helped my mom in whatever way she needed, but she was determined to make it on her own and not be a burden on him. Despite not seeing her on the daily like most kids, I still had a great relationship with her and my father.
This year I was entering eleventh grade, making us re-evaluate who would have sole custody of me. I was getting older, I needed my mom and they both agreed it was time, so I moved to Forth Worth, Texas to be with her.
She was the housekeeper of this huge estate and had her own place. She was living in the guesthouse that was behind their main home. I had my own room, along with our own kitchen, living room, and eating nook. It was perfect for just the two of us.
I loved living on the property from the moment I stepped onto the grounds. It was incredible, from the landscaping to the rose garden, to the huge lake that surrounded the home. The inside of the estate was just as stunning as the outside.
My favorite was the library that housed all the greatest literary classics of all time. I’d always been a book nerd and to see two floors filled with novels by some of the best writers in history was another memory I’d never forget. Their library was the only room I ever hung out in, and I was lost in the world of The Great Gatsby.
When out of nowhere, a familiar rough voice asked, “Want to watch a movie with me?”
My eyes met his, and for a few seconds I thought I was imagining him leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest.
Jax Colton.
His hair was wet. It was either from the shower or him swimming laps in the pool. He swam laps almost every night. Sometimes I’d watch him from the library or the guesthouse. His body would simply glide through the water as if they were one. I’d never seen an athlete like him. Everything he did looked effortless, as if his body was made to move.
Now he was suddenly standing in front of me.
Shirtless.
Wet.
Looking at me like I wasn’t just the housekeeper’s daughter.
We’d never said more than a couple words to each other. I sat there dumbfounded with what was happening.
Was this real?
I lost count of how many times I’d dreamt about this very moment.
Was I hallucinating?
I narrowed my eyes, turning to look behind me in case there was someone else there.
“Is that a yes, or does Jay Gatsby have your undivided attention for the night?”
I peered over at him, confused. “You are talking to me, right?”
He chuckled. It was deep and throaty. “Who else would I be talking to? You’re the only one in the room.”
I nervously laughed, desperately trying to catch my bearings.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re adorable when you’re awkward?”
“Umm…” Unsure of how to respond, I rambled on, “The Great Gatsby is my favorite book. I’ve probably read it a hundred times at this point. It’s also my favorite era. I love everything about that time, especially Daisy’s jewelry.”
He grinned.
“And I don’t know why I just told you all that.”
“Again, you’re adorable when awkward.”
I pretended like my heart didn’t skip a beat to hear him say it again. “Are you sure you still want to watch a movie with me?”
