Jules tried to push back the tears as she went in search of Eric and Selene who were with Ivy. She saw them playing with a now awake Ivy making her giggle. Jules smiled as she waited in a corner and watched them. She didn’t know how long she watched the scene unfolding in front of her.
“I have to get going.” She said as she entered the room.
“This early?” Selene asked. “I made snacks for later.”
“Well you two would have to enjoy our share.” Ceaser came into the room in his jeans and a towel in his hand as he wiped his wet hair. Jules looked away feeling her face heat up at the sight of him half naked.
“Ceaser put on some clothes. You’re making Jules uncomfortable.” Selene said.
“Well that’s my mistake. Excuse me.” Ceaser said looking at her before he made his way upstairs. Jules looked away knowing what he was getting at.
So yes, she had lied and said “It was a mistake” when she knew all too well that it didn’t feel like one.
“My friends have Ivy for the rest of the evening. I promised them.” Jules said.
“Bummer!” Eric said “I’d have loved to have this cutie with us for a while longer.”
“Me too.” Selene said sadly as she kissed Ivy’s cheek.
“Well maybe some other time.” Jules said as Selene reluctantly let Ivy out of her arms and into Jules’.
“Momma.” Ivy cooed when she got into Jules’ arms.
“We enjoyed both your company.” Eric said.
“We definitely enjoyed yours.” Jules said as she picked Ivy carrier and her bag.
They walked her to her car and Jules put Ivy’s carrier in the backseat and her bag in the front.
“We hope to see you both soon.” Eric said.
Jules nodded.
“Bye honey.” Selene touched Ivy’s cheek.
“Ba-bye.” Ivy said.
Jules felt her skin tingle and she looked up to find Ceaser in the upstairs balcony watching them. He waved at them, at Ivy to be specific.
“Say bye” Jules told Ivy as she held her tiny hand and waved at Ceaser.
“Ba-bye.” she said again before she placed her in her carrier and secured her safely in it.
“Thank you for having us again.” Jules said to Selene and Eric.
“It was our pleasure. Don’t hesitate to come over anytime.” Selene said.
Jules smiled as Selene hugged her before Eric did. Jules rounded the car to the driver’s side and opened the door. She gave Ceaser one last look before she got into the car and drove off.
Jules sighed when she finally got home. She had planned on giving Ivy a shower, feeding her and putting her to bed before she finally took care of herself. But it all went flying out the door once she stepped through the door.
“How was it?”
“Was Ceaser there?”
Jules stared at Andy and Sofi in shock.
“What are you guys doing here?” She asked them.
“You promised us we’ll have Ivy for the evening. Don’t think you can get away with i. t” Sofi said picking Ivy from her.
“So?” Andy asked when they were seated in her tiny living room.
“So, what?” Jules asked.
“How was it? Was he there?” She asked.
“Yes, he was, surprisingly. And it was… fun. Except the part where he got me alone”
“That bad uh?” She asked “What did he say?”
Jules sighed.
“Some crap about being his true self around me.” Jules said annoyingly “What does he think I am, stupid?” Jules thought about it for a second “You know what? Don’t answer that, maybe I am.”
“He seemed to genuinely like you when we talked with him the night of the function. And at the office yesterday, he seemed sullen. At least he’s trying to make up for lying to you and he isn’t a bloody conniving jerk that’s trying to make you feel special.” Jules looked at her “What do they think we are… toys? They play with our emotions and leave us for any slut they set their…”
“Whoa Andy… what the heck? Are we still talking about Ceaser?” Jules asked her even though she knew she wasn’t.
“No. I’m sorry.” Andy said looking frustrated “It’s just Danny.”
“Problems again?”
Andy and Danny have been dating for close to five years. Their relationship has been off and on through the years. He has always cheated on her and she still loved him so much that every time he came back running to her, she forgave him without thinking. It has been like that for a long time and Andy ends up getting angry after he leaves her but accepts him when he comes back. Jules and Sofi have been trying to get her out of it.
“I told her to open her eyes and see him for who he really is. But she keeps going back to him.” Sofi said “He came over when we were about leaving and apologized for leaving again. I almost smacked him in his shi…” She stopped and glanced at Ivy who was watching her. Sofi gave Ivy a smile “…if not because she stopped me”
“He said he was sorry.” Andy said to Sofi.
“Andy, no matter how many times he apologizes he’ll never change. Just… try not to let him in this time. You’re stronger than this. You deserve someone better. Someone that can make you happy without even trying so hard.” Jules told her.
She sighed.
“It’s hard.” She said.
“We know it’s hard.” Sofi said “But you just have to let go of him. He’s not worth it.”
She sighed and nodded.
Yea, he’s so not worth it.
Jules had to forget about everything Ceaser said and did. He was just a phase in her life she had to go through.
Now it was over…Right?