“Something smells good.”
I turned in time to watch Jason stroll into the kitchen. I gulped hard as soon as I saw him, my morning fun still fresh in my mind. He looked good as hell, dressed in a sharp suit, his blond hair parted and so brilliant it almost seemed to glow. The French toast looked good, but I could think of something I would’ve rather eaten up.
“Just some French toast,” I said, gesturing to the cooking food.
“Hmm,” he said, looking it over. “A little rich for a weekday morning, no?”
He was right. I’d tried to bribe Willa out of bed, and was now second-guessing my decision.
“Thought it’d be a nice treat,” I said. “I’ll do something healthier from here on out.”
He shrugged as he stepped over to the stove. Jason was close, close enough for me to feel his warmth, to smell his musky cologne. Being near him felt like taking a hit of some sweet drug.
“Nothing wrong with mixing it up a little,” he said. “Just don’t make a habit out of it.”
“Anyway, Jason,” said Shauna. “We’ve got your meeting with your brother in an hour. Want to grab something on the way?”
Jason sighed, clearly not looking forward to it. “Sure. Already looking forward to get this day over with.” He turned his attention to me. “Willa’s going to need to be out the door no later than seven-forty-five. You’ll need to get her after school, but you’ll have the day to yourself until then.”
“I’ll keep myself busy,” I said, flashes of the fantasy appearing in my head. “And I’ll get her after she’s done.”
“Good.” He turned his attention to Shauna. “Ready to hit it?”
“Ready.”
The two of them said their goodbyes, and I was soon alone. Upstairs, I could hear the pitter-patter of Willa’s feet as she finished getting ready.
Between the fantasy and what Shauna had said, my mind was reeling.
Hardest job I’d ever taken, for sure. I could only hope I’d be able to keep my head above water.