She's home

Jackson POV

"Hey Steven, is that invitation still open? I believe Jennie loves to bandage and reopen damn my wounds!“ I said over a phone call to Steven.

When he didn't speak, I immediately guessed what was going on in his head because I was the one who told him that I wasn't planning on going to the party. 

But what changed my mind was Jennie leaving me a voicemail while I drove home, saying it is unlikely for her to arrive home tonight because the airline delayed her flight.

And the moment I walked into the empty house, I knew I need to drink my frustration away, or else I would lose my damn mind.

The other end of the line remained mute for quite a while before Steven asked, “How bad is it?“

Although I don't say much often to others about the problem in my marriage, Steven knew just enough to understand how much these eleven months have affected my mental health. 

“I just need a drink.“ I mumbled, knowing talking more about Jennie's constant lies would only trigger me.

“I know, and when you get heartbroken, alcohol usually became your favorite best friend.“

“Steven, please!!“ 

The line fell silent immediately, and I didn't mean to scream at him, but I was too pissed to take back my words or apologize for my actions, even though I somewhat felt like doing so.

 "I got a date, and she is a Hermosa Mujer.“ Steven finally said in a calm tone.  “I apologize, brother.“

“Don't leave me hanging, bro!“

“Well, I can book you a ticket. If you can arrange a plus one in time, then you can come over. Although, that is impossible because Jennie is the only woman you have eternally accepted. Anyway, I envy you, dude, and I got to hang up cause this party is legit."

This was his payback for what I said to him today. Steven is childish like that, and I am no stranger to his shit. But the was no way I am spending another suffocating night in this damn house.

After Steven cancel the call, I rested in bed questioning how many times Jennie intended to toy with his heart. 

Suddenly an idea occurred to him, and even though it was not an excellent idea, it was the best he could come up with in such a brief period. So I left my bed, got changed into a casual outfit, and left the house.

When I reached the porch of the Haper bakeshop, I took a second to inhale and slowly exhale before ringing their doorbell.

"Julie, forget that book and answer the door!" I heard Mrs. Harper scream from the inside.

 It didn't take long for their door to open, and I was staring at Julie, standing in the doorway, glaring at me which left me nervous.

"Mr. David, what brings you here at this hour? Do you recognize it is nine o'clock? She asked me. 

The dominance in her tone made me forget how to respond at first. But the effect didn't last long, and I grew some balls, asking, "Do you want to go on a date with me?“

“What!!“ Julie uttered, staring wide-eyed at me.

“No! Wait! It's not like a romantic date, but a friendly one. My buddy Steven invited me to this party, except I need a plus one. And as you realized by now, my wife is not at home."

“Mmm, you do look serious, so this can not be a prank…”

From the look on her face, I knew that Julie understood that I was being sincere. But her eyes also told me that she did not know him or his friend, and maybe she did not desire to be someone else's replacement.

I wasn't sure about my guess. But one thing I was certain about was that Julie was about to reject me. 

"How lovely, she accepts your invitation.“ Mrs. Harper abruptly uttered as she approached us.

“ Mom,” Julie whispered, looking back at her with a slight frown on her face.  

“ Julie, go to your room and change into something appropriate, and do not forget to wear makeup!" 

“Seriously!!“ 

Drawing her eyes back to me, she scowled, and I dropped my gaze down to the floor before she walked off.

Even though she seemed mad at me, I felt relieved knowing that Julie could not deny her mother the happiness of witnessing her socializing with people. 

This was killing two birds with one stone, and when Mrs. Harper asked me to come inside, I didn't hesitate on following her into the bakery, into their living room.

Women take the longest amount of time to get dressed, and with every passing second, I wonder when Julie would come down. But finally, after forty minutes, she came down the stairs.

"How Do I Look?“ Julie asked her mother and me, focusing on us with a fat smile on her face. 

She wore a red asymmetric sequin plunging V-neck strappy dress, with a Zoey lace-up chunky heel sandal. Her face was gorgeous, the Smokey makeup kindled her brown eyes. She loosened her hair and allowed her curly jet black hair to fall, meeting her waist.

Thanks to Jennie and my regular visits to countless salons and boutiques, I can instantly identify outstanding details concerning ladies. But I don't feel bad for paying so much attention to woman's interests.

The more I stared at Julie, I felt a sense of lust toward her but immediately relieved my mind of such thoughts.

But of course the tension in me, and I needed to get out for a chilly breeze. The passion was within, and I did not crave it, but it was just there.

It's not hiding that Julie is drop-dead gorgeous and attractive, but my faithfulness to Jennie is something I take seriously, even if eleven months can make a man thirsty and desperate.

"You look good.“ I calmly said, dragging my gaze off her. “Can we leave now?“

"Sure!" Julie answered, sounding a bit annoyed.

Causally, I shoved my hands into my trouser pockets as I listened to her tell her mother, “See you later, mom.“

 “You two take care!“ Mrs. Harper said warmly.

After giving her a nod and a smile, I walked off with Julie, and when we got outside the bakery, she got into the front seat of my car, and I drove us out of there.

“So where is your wife at?“ Julie asked causally.

Feeling her eyes on me, I stared away from the road, glimpsed at her, and smirked, mumbling, “On a business trip.“

“That's some business trip…“ Julie scoffed with a look of dismissal in her eyes.

What do you know!!“ 

“What?!“ 

“What are you assuming?!“

“Nothing! Bro, chill!“

The call grew awfully quiet after that uncomfortable conversation, and I felt ashamed for losing my cool of a simple remark.

“It just that my dad said, 'Your wife has been gone for eleven months…' I think, and I find it a difficult to believe that men like you still exist.“ Julie said in a calmer tone. “And I mean that as a compliment.“

“Why?“ I mumbled, clutching onto the steering wheel tightly.

“Huh?“

“Why do you find it difficult to believe that men like me still exist?“

When the car fell silent, I stole a look at her, and she gave a weak smile, mumbling, “Let's just say, I have had my fair share of a nasty heartbreak.“

“I see,” I let out. “Is that why you replace men with books.“

Sounding disappointed and a bit surprised, Julie sneered as she mumbled, “Seems like you to my father's words to hear. But yeah, you hit the nail on the head.“

“Interesting,” I told her.

“Why is that interesting?“ 

“Hmmm…”

Looking into her curious eyes for a second, I studied her face and then mumbled, “Nothing.“