Unplanned

8. Deja Vu

The day comes for my meeting with Mrs Callaghan, at her house, and I get a text at 12pm with the address. Hannah recommended that I guard that address with my life. Apparently paparazzi are always trying to get it, but haven't been successful. I don't want to be the one to leak it, so I quickly memorise the address and then delete the message.

Even just from the suburb, I know that it's a gated community. The message had said that my name would be at the gate, and I just assumed that I would be driving into a very wealthy estate. When I pull up to the address I'm shocked. It's not a gated community, it's a gated MANSION. I drive to what I assume is the right entrance, and pull up at the box. Leaning out of the car and pressing the button, I say my name and that I'm here for a meeting with Mrs Callaghan. There is a pause and then the gates open, and I drive through to where I see some other cars parked.

As I park, I'm glad that I took the time to wash my truck this morning. It's not an old truck, and it doesn't look completely out of place because I managed to make it shine. I jump out and head to the front door, ringing the bell once before standing back and waiting.

I kind of hope that I won't see Jesse today, but those hopes quickly die as the door opens to reveal the one and only. "Alexis" his voice is flat, and that surprises me. "Hey Jesse, how are you" he waves me in the door and looks around quickly before pulling me into an alcove.

"What are you doing here?" he demands angrily.

I WAS slightly distracted by being pressed up against him in the small space, but his anger pierces that and I glare at him, yanking my arm from his grip. "I'm here for work".

His anger doesn't let up and we stand glaring at each other for a second. "Were you using me to get to my Mother?" his hiss is almost tangible and I recoil in shock.

"NO!" my answer is strong and swift, and his face relaxes a little bit. "I was asked to do this by Hannah, before the other night".

He steps back and grabs his phone from his pocket, his mood changing almost instantly. "What's your number?" he asks, fingers at the ready.

"Why?" I ask dumbly. My emotions are shot from that short exchange and his cologne is making me slightly hazy.

He reaches out and, watching my face for resistance, pulls me toward him when I nod. "So I can call you". His breath is cool on my face as I look up at him and recite my number. He steps away from me just in time, as his mother rounds the corner.

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"Alexis! There you are dear!" her hands are outstretched and she walks toward me for a hug. I don't want to crush her gorgeous light blue dress, but I reciprocate after seeing the look on Jesse's face. "Let's go into the living room", she suggests, grabbing me by the elbow and walking with me.

"You have a lovely home Mrs Callaghan"

The compliment is completely sincere. While other large homes that I've been to have had overstated and garish decor, the Callaghan house is beautiful and understated, with warm tones and a homey feeling.

"Thank you dear, I must confess that I didn't do the decorating. I hired a wonderful man who suggested warmth and light"

We settled in the beautiful living room, the seats plush and tempting me to take a nap. But I sit on the edge of the seat and pull out my laptop and a notebook. "I've had a few ideas about your party, but I want to hear your vision". The look of delight in her eyes tells me that this was the correct route to go down, she probably doesn't get to choose a lot of things in her own life. Mrs Callaghan sat back and thought for a moment before leaning forward. "I don't want something garish and over the top, but a lady does only turn 50 once" I nod in agreement, making small notes in my booklet.