Chapter 4 Facing My Blast From The Past

Julia I flipped through the clothes in my wardrobe, unable to settle on the right dress. Nothing seemed quite attractive enough. I tried to convince myself that I just wanted to try something different today. I wasn’t trying to look good for my son’s handsome best friend, who was staying with us for the summer. I just wanted to look good for myself—or at least that’s what I told myself. But who was I kidding? I never second-guessed what I wore every morning. Yet here I was, struggling to find the perfect dress that would make me feel confident. I gave the wardrobe one last glance, and there it was—a stunning black gown my friend Beatrice had given me for my last birthday. I had never gotten around to wearing it. I hadn’t felt the need to—until now. It seemed so revealing, but I didn’t care anymore. It had been a year since Michael and I had last seen each other. I had to look as hot as I did on the day we met. Why did I care so much about what he thought of my looks? I wondered as I wore the dress, staring at my reflection. I remembered how Gilbert would always tell me I was too old to be sexy whenever I stood in the mirror like this. But Michael had been different. He thought I was sexy that night. With my looks, I had to make sure he still felt the same way about me today. I checked myself out in the mirror. I definitely felt sexy—finally ready to face my blast from the past. Just then, Justin knocked on my door. “Mom…?” “Yes, honey. I’ll be down soon,” I called back. “Cool,” he said before I heard his footsteps retreating. I took a deep breath, giving myself one final look from head to toe. I ran a brush through my hair, debating whether to tie it up but ultimately letting it flow over my shoulders. I had worn my hair down the night Michael and I met. Why am I so bothered about looking attractive for Michael? The only validation I needed was my own—I had learned that the hard way after years of Gilbert talking me down. I smiled at myself in the mirror, feeling confident, and headed downstairs. Michael was setting the table, while Justin and Olivia sat, ready to eat. I couldn’t hide the surprise on my face. “Good morning, Mrs. Jameson. I made breakfast,” Michael said, flashing his charming smile—the one that reached his eyes. His gaze ran over me, and I saw it again. The same look he had given me the night we met. He clearly liked what he saw. His eyes lingered on me, and I couldn’t pull mine away from him either. “Mrs. Jameson, you look…” His words faded as he stared at me, dazed. Just the way I wanted. My eyes darted to Olivia and Justin, who were watching us awkwardly. I had to snap out of it. “Good morning, Mr. King,” I said, stepping closer. Michael pulled out a chair for me at the head of the table. “Thanks,” I whispered. “Good morning, Mom.” Olivia gave me a surprised look. “Mom… why do you look so hot today? Are you finally going out on a date?” I opened my mouth to respond, but Justin beat me to it. “Hell no. It’s too soon for Mom to be seeing anyone else. I’m not signing off on that,” he said, stuffing a forkful of pancakes into his mouth. Michael and I looked at each other instantly, both knowing that wasn’t the case. Justin didn’t know half of it. “Justin… I know you’re all grown now, but I’m still your mother, and I don’t need your permission to date anyone.” “Whatever, Mom. I’m just saying you’re better off without a man until dad comes back home. I’m not going to allow another man to come into our home and claim to be the man of the house over me.” “Here we go,” Olivia muttered, shaking her head as she and Justin started going back and forth. Always arguing, these two. I seized the moment, stealing a glance at Michael, who was seated across from me. He stared right back with rugged confidence. His dark gaze had me melting like ice already. “Mom, tell her where you’re going so we can settle this once and for all,” Justin said as he and Olivia turned their gazes to me. I forced myself to look away from Michael. “I’m not going anywhere,” I finally said, watching the puzzled looks on their faces. “Then why are you all dressed up?” Olivia asked. My gaze met Michael’s chivalrous smile. He probably knew I had dressed up for him. His dark eyes were fixed on me with a seductive sparkle. No! I had to stick to my lie. I couldn’t let it unravel now. “Oh yeah… I mean, I’m just going shopping with my friend Beatrice. There’s no date or anything like that.” I watched their faces relax. They bought it. The truth was, Beatrice and I hadn’t spoken this morning, and we hadn’t made any shopping plans. But that was the only excuse I could think of to explain why I had put so much effort into my appearance. “You both could come with me if you’d like?” I added, hoping to drive away any remaining suspicion. “Nah, I’d pass,” Justin replied. “Unless you’re buying me more clothes, I’ll pass too, Mom. I have other plans,” Olivia said, her eyes darting to Michael with a smile. “I’ll come with you,” Michael said, much to my surprise. I wanted to refuse, but Justin jumped in before I could. “Great idea. That way, Mom, you get to know him better. You always said you wanted to.” He sounded pleased. Olivia looked a bit disappointed but didn’t say anything. Michael looked pleased with himself. He’d scored some time alone with me.