Chapter 17

Marissa's Pov

I kept smiling to myself as I went about preparing for bed. I couldn't believe I was smiling about Jack. Strange that I had thought he wasn't my type a few days ago.

I kept remembering his warm smiles and cringy jokes. The way he threw his head back in laughter. Like a man with no worries, nothing to hide. He spoke with kindness and that, to me, was more important than anything.

There was still the possibility that the alcohol had played a major part but it was best not to think of that right now.

Bridget had been squealing excitedly on the phone since she got home. Squealing and asking a lot of questions of course.

“You got his number right? Please tell me you did. " She said, her voice sounding like she was bouncing on her toes.

“Yeah. He wants a proper date tomorrow. And I agreed." I said through the wad of toothpaste in my mouth.

“Oh my God Rissa. You're going to be the wife to a CEO!"

“Jesus! Calm down Bree. It's just one date. We can't say that yet."

“Oh but a girl can hope can't she?" She sighed dreamily, " Oh to be the best friend to a CEO's wife. Oh my God we'd be living a fairytale life!”

Jack Tinsel was rich but not rich enough for a fairytale life surely. I didn't try to correct her though. Her excitement was beginning to rub off on me and I found myself thinking about what life would be like if I was as rich as Jack.

I got by just fine with the kids now. I made a decent living. Elias had been the major provider for the first year after my accident. Then he'd relegated himself to assistant after I started working. It's what he called himself but he was doing much more than assisting.

When the twins had turned three, I'd firmly told him to stop providing unless I explicitly asked him to. I'd felt guilty relying on him so much even though he insisted that I was not a burden to him.

These days, I made sure not to ask for anything at all. He still went out of his way to buy things around the house as ‘’gifts’ and I was tired of fighting him about it.

But if I became a CEO's wife, he wouldn't need to do any of that anymore. In fact, I could repay everything he'd done for me all these years.

“Did you hear what I said?” Bree asked. I had gotten so lost in thought I didn't realize she was still speaking.

“Sorry, What?"

“I said I think you should call him." She declared with a gasp.

“Why? Isn't that too early?" I asked incredulously.

“Yeah, you're right." She said pensively, “Wouldn't want to come off as desperate."

I laughed and shook my head in disbelief, “Chill out Bree. We have a date tomorrow so I'm sure he's gonna call."

Jack didn't call.

I jumped every time my phone rang, hoping it would be him but it never was. I called multiple times but kept getting voicemail.

“Maybe something came up. You know, busy CEO life and all that." Bree tried to be reassuring but I could tell she didn't believe her own words. She'd shown up at my house in the morning, determined to be here to dress me up for the date.

But by mid afternoon, Jack still hadn't reached out.

By evening, I'd given up on hearing from him. Bree on the other hand was livid on my behalf.

“He could've sent a text, you know? Said something at least! I can't believe he stood you up!" She yelled as she reached for the bottle of wine between us.

“Bree it's fine. I'm sure he has his reasons. And no more wine for you." I snatched the bottle away before she could grab it.

“Arghhh....I thought he'd be different.” She groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Ah well, it's not like I was that interested in him anyway. The alcohol at the party must've made us both relax. But sober, I don't think we're compatible." I said morosely.

“What are you talking about? You wanted this date." Bree turned to me sharply.

“Yeah….I did." I stared into my glass solemnly.

“You know what? That's enough! If Jack wouldn't take you out on a date, that's his loss. Grab your keys, let's go get wasted!" She jumped up from the chair.

I looked from her to the almost empty bottle of wine between us. “Oh what the hell. Let's do it.!"

I typed off a message to Mrs Quincey that the kids might have to sleepover at her place tonight. She wouldn't mind at all and neither would the twins. Well at least Ashlyn wouldn't. Asher was another story.

Bridget and I headed for the bar.