I looked up and scanned the room just in time to see Rebecca wipe her cheeks.
My stomach turned.
What should I do?
I needed to do something. I needed to make her feel better in some way, but I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I could take her out or something ... but was I really prepared to spend the day with her? I wasn’t sure.
By the end of the class, I still didn’t know what I was supposed to do about Rebecca, but I did have two new assignments—well, one with two parts to it, so I was counting that as two.
I slipped my laptop into my purse and headed out of the classroom as fast as I could, which wasn’t all that fast, but I didn’t see Rebecca.
I looked around for her, but there was no sight of her.
Making my way out to the car, I was still unsure of what I was supposed to do with Rebecca. I could just send her a quick text ... and then head home and see if I could get some studying done for my upcoming tests.
“Melina.”
It wasn’t a question. It was a pure statement. I turned towards the voice; one that I knew I’d heard but couldn’t place.
I spun to face the woman. I wasn’t sure how to react, and for a split second, I was left speechless.
Think!
“I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”
It might have been kind of rude, but then again it did seem like she was more than happy to be snide to me; I wasn’t going to be worried about being ultra-nice to her if she wasn’t going to at least be polite to me.
Her nose wrinkled as she looked me up and down.
“Jamie.”
I nodded. “Ah, Jamie.” I stared at her for several seconds, waiting to see if she was going to talk or if I had to continue the conversation. She still looked pissed. “So was there something you wanted? Or are you just at the school for a class?”
That made her nose wrinkle more, and I have to admit, that made me a little happy.
“No. I was here to talk to you.”
Again, she just stood there and stared at me. I raised an eyebrow waiting, but nothing came. She just stood there.
“Okaaay,” I said after what felt like a few minutes. “So what did you want to talk about?”
“Aron.” She waited again; I was beginning to get sick of it. But she did start talking again. “I’m not really sure what you’re deal with him is, but I just think it’s time you ... stopped taking advantage of him.”
I stared at her blankly. If it had been yesterday, I’d have been able to say that she was crazy and that I would never do something like that—but here I was in brand new clothes with brand new shoes and a brand new purse—driving Aron’s car.
So, that wasn’t an option for me.
A soft smile spread over my face. “Jamie, it’s really sweet that you want to look out for Aron. He’s lucky to have such a good friend.”
I made sure that I included the word friend. “I’m really glad he has someone like that in his life. But I didn’t make or even ask Aron to buy me anything or lend me his car. He offered, and I accepted.”
Jamie stared at me with narrow eyes.
I adjusted my backpack and cleared my throat. “But I’d best get home; I want to get there before Aron gets home and have dinner ready. But it was really nice to see you; we should hang out sometime.”
Without another word to Jamie, I stepped past her and headed for the parking lot where Aron’s car was waiting for me.
I have to admit, I felt kind of good about myself. Not because I’d been a bitch, but because I’d stood up to Jamie and stood up for myself.
More often than not these days, it felt like everyone was against me, and I wasn’t going to stand around and feel sorry for myself. I was going to deal with it head on. The only way I could.
Chapter Seventeen
“Hey!” Melina called as I entered the door. I took a deep breath; something smelt amazing, and I couldn’t wait to get into it. My stomach grumbled, reminding me just how hungry I was.
“Hi! How was your day?” I called back as I slipped out of my shoes and dropped my work bag at the door. I took another need breath and headed into the kitchen.
Mel looked up from the counter, a smile spreading over her lips. “My day was alright, how was work?”
“Long.”
Melina bit her lip. “Did you see Jamie today?”
“Um, no. Why?” My heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t going to get jealousy issues, was she? We’d managed to move on from our fight the other night, but I wasn’t sure if I could deal with something else so soon.
“Because I did.”
“You what?”
“She stopped by my school to see me today.” I raised an eyebrow. “She was … uh, worried about me taking advantage of you and highly suggested that I leave you alone.”
My heart did a backflip.
“Oh God, Mel, I’m so sorry.”
She shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.” But her voice gave away her lie. I closed the distance between us and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m so sorry. What did you say?”
“I told her that she was a very nice friend to be worried about you, but that we were both consenting adults, basically.”
“She’s not my friend.”
Mel pulled away just enough to give me a soft smile. “I know.” She turned, fully pulling away from me this time. “But I wasn’t going to be outright mean to her. I just ... wanted to make sure she knew that I wasn’t going to take crap.”
“I’m proud of you.” My lips touched hers softly.
My cheeks flushed. I hated admitting that it made me happy, but it did. I was glad he was pleased with the way I handled it.
“I just hope I didn’t start anything that you’ll have to deal with; I mean you do have to see her every day, don’t you?”
“Probably not.” A grin spread over his face. “Thanks to you.”
He pulled me close to him, his lips touching mine softly. Hot lips against mine sent a wave of heat down my spine. My arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to me. His hands touched the small of my back, slipping up the fabric of my shirt. The warmth made my heart skip a beat. Being here, in his arms, gave me a sensation I’d never felt before. I wanted to stay there forever. I wanted this forever.
But how likely was that?
I mean, come on. It’s not like we’re expecting this to last. I wanted it to; hell, I wished it would, but I wasn’t going to pretend this was going to last forever. You never know.
His warm fingers pressed into my skin as his teeth grazed my lower lip. A soft moan passed through my lips as I returned his love nip.
His fingers tightened into my skin as he guided me to the counter, pressing me against it. His hips thrust against me.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
My heart skipped a beat as I pushed Aron away from me and turned to the stove, clearing my throat. As much as I would have loved to keep this going, I’d spent a long time on dinner and wanted to make sure Aron got a warm dinner tonight. After my run in with Jamie, I wanted to prove that I was good enough to deserve Aron.
I didn’t want anyone, especially Aron, to think that I was a gold digger. I wanted to prove that I could be good enough.
“You know, we could move to the bedroom.”
“Maybe, after dinner and a hot bath.” I turned for a fraction of a second and gave Aron a wicked grin. “Then a massage.”
Aron’s eyes sparkled.
I was pulling out all the stops tonight. Massage, lingerie, nice dinner—all of it.
Chapter Eighteen
So we didn’t get to have sex, apparently that was an adult relationship. By the time Aron had gotten out of the bath and I gave him a massage, he was fast asleep. I tried to wake him a couple times, but it was useless, so I headed into the living room and studied for a while until joining him.
When Aron’s alarm went off in the morning, it
took everything I had to get myself out of bed and join him in the kitchen.
“You’re up early.”
I gave a groggy nod and a sigh of distaste. I hated being up early. I was more of a night person than I’d ever been a day person, but more than anything, I really just liked to sleep.
I padded over to the coffeepot, reached for a mug and poured myself a steaming hot cup of coffee. “Do you have an early class?”
“No. But I’ve got to work.” And I’d try to get in a little studying before then.
I paused, realizing his gaze was still on me.
“I uh, was wondering if I could ask a favor.”
“Of course.”
“It’s garbage day …”
“Oh, I can get everything ready to go.” I gave him a soft smile before turning back to my coffee mug and staring down at it, silently wishing it would cool down faster.
“Are you sure? I don’t want …”
“I’m sure.” I mean, he was off to work in less than an hour; I, at least, had four hours before I had to start getting ready. Which meant I could hang out with Aron as he got ready for the day ahead of him, except for when I was making his lunch and packing it for him. It feels … so right, I thought. Doing this, being up at the crack of dawn with Aron and making sure he had everything he needed felt … perfect. Though I didn’t want to admit that to him.
I followed him to the door, my heart sinking a little. I’ll see him later, I reminded myself.
My arms wrapped around his neck as he turned to give me a quick kiss. A soft laugh passed through his lips.
“You’re acting like I’m going to be gone for months.”
I felt like he was.
“I’m just going to miss you,” I said. I don’t like watching you leave. I would have to start sleeping in so I didn’t have to, then I could just wake up and get on with my own day. Yes, that sounded good to me.
With an effort, I pulled away from him and forced a smile over my lips. “I’ll see you later, and hopefully, I’ll have dinner ready for you.”
Aron raised an eyebrow. “I’ll see you later.” I wasn’t quite sure that was all he wanted to say, but I didn’t call him on it. His lips touched mine for a fraction of a second as he pulled away from me. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Aron walked out of the door.
I knew I was going to have to get used to this, but right now, I wasn’t sure I could.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to step away from the door. I heard the car start as I reached for my coffee cup and drained the last of it before refilling it and heading into the living room where my school books still sat. I looked around, biting my lower lip softly. I should do the garbage.
I wanted to get a head start on studying, but if I forgot about doing the garbage, I’d feel horrid, so I would start with that and maybe do a little bit of cleaning. I’m sure it would mean a lot to Aron if he came home and the house was at least cleaner than it had been. I blew out a deep breath, set my coffee mug down again and headed for the kitchen where we had just made a mess.
It didn’t take long for me to get the place noticeably cleaner. I did dishes, vacuumed, mopped, and then reorganized the fridge, and by the time that was done, I needed to do a little studying before heading off to work.
It wasn’t anything hard, just going over notes so I could try to remember them, but it was tiring nonetheless. “If it were more exciting, it would be ten times better,” I muttered to myself as I stood, reaching my arms over my head and padding over to the bedroom. Maybe getting dressed would help me focus.
It didn’t.
I had no choice but to force through it. I made note after note after note. It took me an hour to recopy everything that I’d written out, but I was finally starting to feel like I was retaining the information; now I just had to hope that during the test I’d be able to remember everything I was trying to memorize.
Slowly, I packed my work bag and my school bag. I have to admit it was nice having a car I could use. I didn’t need to worry about having to get everything in the same bag and then get the bag on the bus without hitting anyone, which was quite the task some days! Although I was still getting used to having to pack my heels so I could drive in flats, but it was all well worth it.
I slipped into some running shoes for driving, grabbed my bags, and headed out the door as my phone beeped.
Hey, what’s up?
Rebecca seemed to be texting more and more as the days went on, despite the fact I still wasn’t quite sure how to feel about everything going on between Rebecca and me, it did feel nice to know she was texting me again.
Heading to work, you?
I fired back, and seconds later got my reply.
Just getting ready for class, was going to see if you wanted to come over and we could drive over together :) Maybe you could stop by after work?
I stared at the text, trying to get a good read on it, but I couldn’t. Was it just that she wanted to hang out? Or was it more than that? If she was trying to take advantage of me, I didn’t want to let that slide, but if she really did need a ride, I wanted to help her out.
I blew out a deep breath trying to figure it out.
Right now, it doesn’t matter. I slid into the car and gunned the engine; at least, right now I could use work and driving as an excuse not to reply to her right away, so I had a little bit of time to figure out what I was even going to say to her.
I wish Aron could tell me what to do about it.
But we were trying to avoid the whole him telling me how to live my life thing. I knew it was hard for him not to child me, but I needed to do things my way, and he needed to deal with that.
I pulled into the work parking lot and looked down at my phone as it lit up, ringing. I looked down at the name on the screen.
Mom.
I reached out and grabbed it.
“Hello?”
“Hey Mel, I’m glad I caught you! You’re always so busy these days.”
“I know.” I had been for a year or so now, between work and studying, there was hardly any time for a social life; now that I was dating Aron, it was even harder to find time for everyone else, and I wanted to spend time with Aron. Even if that meant putting off time with my mother.
“I thought we could get together for dinner, your dad and I have something to tell you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What? Is everyone okay?”
“Oh yes, yes. We’re fine. How about Longos at 6:00? Bring that new boyfriend of yours if you want, too.” Her voice sounded strained as she said it like she didn’t quite mean it.
“I’ll have to see if he’s free. He might be working late tonight.” I paused, biting my lip. Should I even bother inviting him if Mom didn’t sound like she wanted to meet him? “But I’ll see you later.” I cleared my throat.
“See you later. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mom.”
And with that, she hung up. I was left sitting in the parking lot for a couple of seconds, trying to figure out if I was supposed to invite Aron or not, or if he would even want to go. I guess there is only one way to find out.
I stared down at my cell phone and after a couple seconds of staring pulled up his contact info.
Do you want to come to dinner with me and my parents tonight? 6:00.
I sent the message and forced myself to get out of the car. My shift started in ten, and I wanted time to slip into the bathroom and touch up my makeup.
“Jamie.”
I tried not to sound nervous; in fact, I planned on pretending I didn’t know she’d stopped by to see Melina.
“Hi, Aron.” She stepped into my office and made her way over to me. I glanced down at my computer, avoiding looking at her.
Today she wore a tight black dress. One that showed far too much for an office. She sat down in front of me and crossed one leg over the other, her dress riding up. Still,
I avoided looking at her.
My phone beeped. I looked down at it, and my heart skipped a beat. She wants me to meet her parents? I’d planned on working all night, but if she wanted us to have a dinner with her parents, how could I say no?
Jamie cleared her throat. “Aron, we both know I’m a hard worker.”
“Yes, you are. You’re responsible for a lot of success.” And part of that was beneficial to me. Although I was a freelancer, I rented this office space to allow clients to come in and see me.
The entire building was rented to high profile freelancers, and more often than not we needed to hire a couple people. Jamie was someone I’d hired a long time ago, and she was driven, she was successful, and she was a fighter. I’d never seen her lose something she wanted.
“I love working for you.” She reached out and touched my hand gently. “But I can’t stand by and watch you destroy yourself with that … little girl you’re spending all your time with,” A soft smile spread over her lips. “I know it’s hard, she’s young, and she’s pretty. But she’s taking advantage of you. You know that. The hair, the clothes—the cars!”
I opened my mouth to protest but closed it. It didn’t matter what I said; she’d turn it around.
A thin smile spread over her lips.
“I can’t stand by and watch you do this, so if you’re going to continue to see her … I’ll have to leave. I can’t watch you destroy yourself like this.”
“Mel’s not going anywhere.”
“I understand.” She stood, her smile widening, but she didn’t look happy.
I watched her, waiting for what would come next—whatever it was.
“I know you think you’re in love with her, and I know it can get lonely. I just wish you realized I am here for you, and I won’t take advantage of you like she will. Until you do realize that, I’ll be handing in my two weeks’ notice.”
I stared at her with wide eyes. She was quitting?
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