Affair to Remember

Three

Demi

I wrapped my robe around myself as I headed down the path and towards the mailbox so I could grab out my mail. Once I reached the end of my driveway, I noticed the van parked outside the house next door. The house has been on the market for months, it's about time someone moves in. I glanced back down at my mail, flicking through them.

"Morning!" I jumped at the voice, a letter slid from my hand and landed on the sidewalk. I looked over, slightly taken aback by the tall, dark handsome man stood by the van. "Sorry" he gently laughed as he began towards me. I was sort of frozen on the spot, my heart hammering against my chest. My eyes roamed over his bare chiselled chest that was almost glistening in the morning sun.

"It-It's fine" he bent down to pick up the letter that I'd dropped.

"Here" I swallowed down the lump and nodded as I took it, admiring the veins in his hands. "I'm moving in next door" he pointed over his shoulder. "Thought I'd come say hello. I'm Jesse" he held his hand out for me to shake.

"Demi, it's nice to meet you" I took his hand, taken aback by the tingles that ran down my spine.

"I didn't actually expect anyone to be out this early" he lightly joked. I nodded as I took my hand from his grip.

"I'm an early riser" I actually don't always sleep.

"You lived here long?" I glanced up at my house.

"Only a year, but everyones really welcoming so I'm sure you'll fit in" I flashed him a smile which he mirrored. "I-I should leave you to your unpacking. It was nice to meet you, Jesse" he nodded, shoving his hands into the pockets of his shorts as his piercing blue eyes burnt into mine.

"It was nice to meet you too, Demi" I gave him a final smile before I headed up the path able to feel his eyes on me. My cheeks were on fire as I slid into my house.

-

"DEMI" I jumped at the soft pillow that hit my face, glancing over at Matthew who sat on the rocking chair with raised eyebrows. "Hi. Welcome back" I rolled my eyes as I threw the pillow back at him. He loudly laughed as he caught it, dropping it onto his lap. "What's got you so distracted?"

"Nothing" I shook my head as I glanced down at my hands.

I spent an hour of my morning, sat by the front window, watching Jesse as he walked back and forth between the house and the van. I watched him for an hour as he moved boxes. How creepy and insane is that?

"Are you nervous about tonight?" I nibbled on my lip as I glanced back up at Matthew. Thankfully, Matthew wasn't awake this morning to see me staring at my new next door neighbour. That would have been embarrassing. How would I even explain that to him? I'm a married fucking woman.

"A little. I-I don't know why though. I've had so many" Matthew lightly laughed as I forced myself to smile. "This will be the first without Wilmer there though. I guess that could be why" I shrugged as I glanced back down at my hands. That wasn't why. I can't find it in me to care that he isn't going to be there.

"Your support bubbles different" I nodded, biting down on my lip. "Did Wilmer ring you last night?" I shook my head as I stroked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"He messaged, told me that he was in New York. I tried to call him but there was no answer, said that he was too busy to talk" I shrugged. "I'm gonna grab myself some lunch, you want anything?" I pushed myself up from the couch, no longer wanting to talk about Wilmer. I don't feel angry that he couldn't talk. I don't feel upset either. I can't say I really missed him next to me in bed. What is wrong with me?

-

"Demi" I smiled at Kay who instantly walked towards me, her arms wrapping around me. "You look gorgeous, Honey" I glanced down at myself as she pulled away from me. "There's someone I want you to meet" she tugged on my arm and I smiled at the elderly gentleman who turned to us. "Demi, this is Harvey Mason, he's just partnered with the company. He already can't wait to read the sequel" I now had to force the smile onto my face. I haven't written the sequel yet.

"It's amazing to meet you, Demi" I slid my hand into his. "You're a very talented young writer."

"Thank you, Sir" Kay passed me a glass of champagne. I flashed her a smile as a thanks as I took it. "Kay, can I have a word?" her eyebrows raised slightly but she nodded. I released a breath, catching Matthew's gaze as I walked out of the main room and away from everyone who was there for me.

"What's up, Demi?" I turned to face her.

"I-I lied to you" her eyebrows raised in question. "I haven't actually finished the sequel yet. I-I haven't even started it yet" I pulled my eyes from her gaze as her eyes widened.

"You told me that it was nearly finished, Demi."

"I know, I'm sorry" she released a breath, shaking her head. "I-I just need a little longer. I promise I will have it finished. I'm just struggling with writers block at the minute" she continued to silently stare at me. "I just-I have zero inspiration but I will find it, I swear" she slowly shook her head.

"We don't have time to discuss this now, we'll talk at the office tomorrow. I want you in for 9" I rapidly nodded. "Lets go and release your book" I flashed her a light smile and then followed her into the main hall. I found Matthew instantly and I walked over to him, smiling as he hugged me.

"How did she take it?"

"I have to go into the office tomorrow. That means I need to head in to LA. You mind driving me? I can just get an Uber home" he lightly laughed as he nodded.

"Of course I don't mind. I'm heading back anyway" our attention then went to Kay as she tapped on the mic and from that moment on, everyone's attention was on me.

——