My Mister

Chapter 15

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Mia was jolted awake by the persistent ringing of her phone. Disoriented, she reached for the device, her heart racing as she saw Amanda's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, Mandy," Mia greeted, her voice still thick with sleep.

"Mia, you won't believe what's happened," Amanda exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a rush of excitement and disbelief. "Ugggh I can't believe Harley, right now."

Mia's heart sank at the mention of Harley, knowing all too well the tumultuous history between Amanda and her ex-boyfriend. "What happened," she replied, her voice filled with concern. "What's going on?"

Amanda let out a frustrated sigh. "Well, get this," she continued, her tone tinged with bitterness.

"Can you believe it, Mia?" Amanda's voice trembled with a mix of frustration and hurt. "You know how he just waltzed into Ethan's life out of nowhere, acting like he's some kind of father of the year. And to make matters worse, he had the audacity to introduce Jess to Ethan. She's barely been in the picture for a minute, and now she's already playing mom to my son."

Mia's heart sank at the thought of Ethan caught in the middle of his parents' tumultuous relationship. "I'm so sorry, Mandy," she murmured sympathetically. "That's incredibly unfair to both you and Ethan."

Amanda let out a bitter laugh. "Tell me about it," she replied, her tone heavy with resignation. "And you should see the way she dresses, Mia. I swear, it's like she's trying to compete with me or something. Short skirts, low-cut tops—you name it. It's like she's trying to prove something."

Mia couldn't help but feel a pang of indignation on Amanda's behalf. The thought of Jess flaunting her relationship with Harley in such a brazen manner only added insult to injury.

"I'm so sorry you have to deal with all of this, Mandy," Mia said, her voice laced with sympathy. "But you know what? You're an amazing mom, and Ethan is lucky to have you. Don't let Harley and his new girlfriend get to you. You're better off without them."

Amanda let out a sigh, the weight of her troubles momentarily lifting. "Thanks, Mia," she replied, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

As Mia listened to Amanda's distressing account, her concern for Ethan, Amanda's six-year-old son, weighed heavily on her mind. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her thoughts before broaching the sensitive topic.

"Mandy, how does Ethan feel about all of this?" Mia asked gently, her voice laced with concern. "I can't imagine how confusing it must be for him to suddenly have his dad back in his life, especially with a new girlfriend."

Amanda let out a weary sigh, her shoulders slumping with the weight of her worries. "It's been tough on him, Mia," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "He's been acting out at school lately, and I know it's because of everything that's been going on. He's confused and upset, and I just don't know how to help him."

Mia's heart ached for Ethan, knowing how difficult it must be for a young child to navigate such complex emotions. "It's okay, Mandy," she reassured her friend, her voice gentle but firm. "You're doing the best you can, and Ethan knows how much you love him. Just be there for him, and let him know that you're always there to listen and support him, no matter what."

Amanda nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in her eyes. "Thanks, Mia," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'll do my best to be there for him, just like you've always been there for me."

As the weight of their conversation began to lift, Amanda shifted gears, her voice brightening as she turned her attention to Mia.

"So, Mia," Amanda began, her tone light and curious, "how was your day at work? Anything exciting happen?"

Mia let out a soft chuckle, grateful for the change in topic. "It was... eventful, to say the least," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I met with the principal today to discuss a new literacy program they're implementing at the school. It's going to be a lot of work, but I'm excited to see where it goes."

Amanda's interest piqued at the mention of the literacy program. "That sounds amazing, Mia!" she exclaimed, genuine enthusiasm coloring her voice. "You've always had a passion for education, and I know you'll do great things with this program."

Mia smiled at her friend's encouragement, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thanks, Mandy," she replied, her voice filled with appreciation. "I'm hopeful that it will make a positive impact on the students and the community."

"Oh, by the way, Mia," Amanda interjected, her tone laced with intrigue, "have you heard about this Sebastian Saint guy? His name has been all over the news lately, talking about running some big literacy program at the school."

Mia's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Sebastian's name, her thoughts immediately drifting back to their earlier encounter. She couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous energy coursing through her veins, knowing that Amanda's curiosity would inevitably lead to questions she wasn't quite prepared to answer.

"Um, yeah, I've heard a little about him," Mia replied cautiously, her voice carefully neutral. "He's the one spearheading the literacy program at the school. I met him briefly today, but we didn't really get a chance to talk much."

Amanda's interest was piqued, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "Oh, really?" she exclaimed, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips. "And what was your first impression of him? Is he as dreamy in person as he is in all those news articles?"

Mia felt a blush creeping up her cheeks at Amanda's teasing tone, her mind racing to find a suitable response. "He... he seems nice enough, I guess," she stammered, her words carefully measured. "But you know me, Mandy—I'm more focused on work than anything else."

Amanda raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical but amused. "Uh-huh, sure you are," she teased, her smile widening into a grin. "Well, just remember to keep it professional, Mia. We wouldn't want you getting distracted by some hotshot billionaire, now would we?"

Mia laughed nervously at Amanda's jest, relieved that her friend had seemingly dropped the subject. But as she glanced at her phone, the image of Sebastian's piercing gaze lingered in her mind, a reminder of the unexpected twist fate had thrown her way.