With Jared on the road, life went right back to the way it had been for months, with the exception of the flirty texts that went back and forth between us. Since it was midsummer, Emily wasn't in school just yet and both grandma's offered to trade off, splitting her time between them.
Matt's band was about to release a new album and I was crazy busy. Without a lot of free time on my hands, I didn't get to see my daughter much. Matt's band released a few singles and had some promotional appearances to make. I accompanied them to New York.
The enticing texts quickly turned into face time calls and without any kind of discussion about what was happening between us, it turned sexual. I had a bottle of wine and the more I drank, the easier it was for him to talk me into doing whatever he requested. I missed him and it became crystal clear that we far from finished.
After the night of intense phone sex, it was as if our flirtmance, had grown cold again. Our communication dried up a bit, but with both of us burning the candle at both ends, time passed very quickly. Summer was coming to an end and Em was starting school.
On the first day, I got her up and ready, face timing Jared, so that he didn't miss anything. I could tell that he felt guilty about missing it, so I ended up face timing him when I picked her up too. He appeared pleased.
I was finally settling into the routine of Emily being in school and me working. Three weeks later, I was at the release party for the band. My mother was keeping Em for the night so that I could stay as long as necessary.
Ashley was there with me and for the first time in a while, we were able to hang out and talk. She and Shannon were dating and even though he was out on the road, I had never seen her happier.
The past few months had been so chaotic and I was thrilled that I would be off for the weekend. I planned to spend some time with Emily, take her out to do some mother/daughter things. Ashley received a an emergency text and without another word, she left.
Matt walked up behind me and put his arm across my chest, resting his hand on the opposite shoulder. He pulling me back against his chest, hugging me. "Hey you, how are you feeling? Having a good time? You look lonely."
"Nah. I'm fine, this is a fantastic party. What about you?" I lied, although I was immensely pleased to see everyone having a good time.
"Babe, you're a horrible liar, but I know what would may make you feel better...." He laughed releasing me and taking a sip of his drink.
"Oh yeah? What's that?" I asked, doubting that he would have anything to say that could change my feelings. The truth was, I did feel a little lonely.
Matt pointed across the room to where Jared standing there with his hands in his pockets. "How?" I sighed. He was supposed to be in Europe!
"Just go talk to him." He took the glass out of my hand and nudged me a little. All I could think was, this is why Ash bolted out of here without even a goodbye! Shannon is here too. Making my way across the room, I watched him wink at me. "You look good enough to eat."
I blushed at his comment and skipped right over it. "When did you get in?" I moved closer, hooking my arm around his neck.
"A few hours ago. I've been at your mother's visiting with Emily, but I wanted to see you. You look absolutely stunning by the way." He whispered, taking a few steps back and glancing down at my dress.
"Thank you. So, was that text to Ash from Shannon?" I was curious.
"Yep, he couldn't wait to see her, know the feeling. I was nervous all the way here. Matt invited me and I've been standing over here for like fifteen minutes. Can't believe you didn't see me."
I cleared my throat and straightened the clingy black material of my dress. "Well, I wasn't really expecting to see you, but it is a nice surprise."
Tilting his head and looking at me, he asked, "Want to get out of here?"
"I need to go ask Matt if he needs anything else, but yeah, I'm ready when you are."
He nodded, taking my hand and escorting me over to my boss. "Matt, you need anything else before I go?"
Matt was busy chatting up some cute brunette that I'd seen hanging around, a fan I believe. "Absolutely not, but I would like you to meet Mackenzie." He turned to the brown eyed girl and introduced me as his PA. She seemed sweet enough and was star struck by not only Matt, but Jared as well. "Kristen, you've done a wonderful job, go ahead and take off you guys. It was great to see you again Jared.. You two have a good night." He reached out and shook Jared's hand.
"Thanks for the invite Matt." I could tell Jared was sincere with his thank you, and as we neared the exit, he grinned. "I take back all the shitty things I said about him, he's a nice guy."
