2

"Who was that?" I asked, looking into her Hazel eyes.

"My colleague. He wanted to know something about a case we're working."

"Everything okay? If you need to go, I understand."

"No. Everything is good. Besides it's past 10pm. It's too late for this shit. Anyway." she turned to look at me. "So you think I'm beautiful huh? And you should definitely not be shedding tears. A woman as beautiful as yourself doesn't deserve that. Also I am so sorry for eavesdropping."

"That's sweet Jess. But if you heard me, I'm not worth the drama."

"I want to be here. If I didn't I would have left. If you won't go out with me, that's perfectly fine. But I would still like to be your friend."

"I would love to go out with you but I have a son and we met today. I don't want to rush things. This kinda is rushing, you're in my apartment for heavens sake. You could be a serial killer for all I know. But I feel comfortable around you. Kind of safe. It's weird." I smile and look at the time.

"It's nearly 11:30. Wow time flew."

"I guess it did. Well I better be off. It was a pleasure meeting you Ms Andy. I'll see you around. And no rushing. We can go at the pace you want."

I nodded and looked at the door and back at her as she was walking towards it.

"Wait. It's late. Why don't you stay? I don't want you driving back so late."

"Well that's sweet of you but I couldn't impose on you and your son."

"It's no imposition please. I insist."

"Okay then. What time are you getting up tomorrow?"

"6. Alec has to catch the bus at 7 for school."

"Okay. Also if you don't me asking, how old is Alec?"

"He turned 8 on the 1st. We're born in the same month." I smile knowing I share the month with my son.

"That's pretty cool."

"It is. So I'll take the floor and you take the couch? This is a 1 bedroom apartment and I gave the bedroom to Alec so I sleep on the couch. I'm sorry."

"Hey it's okay. I know we just met and all and no offense to you but this couch is uncomfortable as hell from just sitting, I can't imagine sleeping on it every night. So how about I take you to buy one of those couch sleeper things and you can pay me back?"

I considered it for a second. I haven't gotten any sleep in a while. But I don't like being in debt.

"As amazing as that is, no. I'm going to get stuff to change in."

I walked to the cupboards in the hall between the room and the bathroom and took out a tshirt and sweatpants. I really need more clothes.

"Here you go. Just change in the bathroom."

She went in and I changed in the living room. Not before I made the 'beds'.

As I was pulling over the t-shirt I was going to sleep in, I heard a throat clearing. I turned back to see the lawyer coming out. My clothes were a bit tight and small on her considering she's taller than me and has more muscle to her which I hadn't noticed earlier because of her baggy sweats and hoodie.

"I'm sorry about the clothes."

"No worries. And I was thinking, I have an air mattress in my trunk. Don't ask why. But I could bring it up and we could share it?"

"Uh yeah sure. Sounds like a plan."

"Great."

She went down to get the stuff from her car. When she came up, she used some electric pump to blow it up. I set down the sheets and pillows and got into bed, her on the opposite side.

Before I knew it, I was drifting off to sleep.

———

I woke up to a sound no mother wants to hear. Alec screaming. I darted the few feet from the empty mattress to the kitchen where the scream came from.

I knelt infront of my son.

"What's wrong baby? Are you okay? Are you hurt? What happened?"

"Mum. There's a lady in the kitchen and I don't know her."

I turned my head towards the stove to see Jessica looking at us with her hands up and a smile on her face.

"Morning Jess. Alec, this lady in the kitchen is Jess. She's my friend."

"Hi Alec. I'm Jess. And I'm sorry I frightened you."

"It's okay. You're making food for us. So you're forgiven."

"Baby why don't you go make your bed?"

"Okay mummy. I love you" he kissed my cheek before bolting back to his room.

"So. I'm a friend?" she smirked at me while I rolled my eyes.

"Well good morning Jessica. And yes. You're a friend. For now." it was my turn to smirk while she blushed.

"Good morning. I hope you don't mind but I went out and got some stuff."

"It's 7 in the morning. There aren't many places open. But thank you."

"You're welcome. So I have to get to work at about 12. And if you don't mind I would like to spend the day with you?"

"Yes that would be great thank you. For everything."

"It's always a pleasure. So pancakes for breakfast? Or is that too much sugar for Alec. I should have bought more eggs. But I wanted to surprise you. And everyone likes pancakes."

I giggled at her. And as she was rambling on, all I wanted to do was kiss her.

"Pancakes are okay. I meant to go shopping but I had some work after classes. And then actual work. No time."

"That's okay. So I'll put out plates and we can have breakfast."

"Sounds great. I'm going to help Alec."

I walked into his room to see his bed made and him waiting patiently for me to get out clothes.

"Hey little man. So do you want me to help or can you do it yourself?"

"I can do it myself mum. I'm 8."

He smiled triumphantly. He's only 8 and he thinks he's this 'man' who doesn't need his mom. He's so cute. I love my son so much.

"Okay kiddo. Come give your mummy a hug."

He ran into my arms and I kissed his head and held him for a few minutes.

"Jess got us pancakes. Let's eat breakfast."

"PANCAKES!"

He broke from my hug and ran to the kitchen, while I took out clothes.

I walked in and saw him talking to Jess.

"Mummy said you made pancakes. May I please have some?"

"Sure thing champ. And what would you like to drink?"

"I want milk please."

Jess put a plate out with milk for him.

"And what do we say Alec?"

"Thank you Ms Jess."

"You're welcome. And call me Jess. Ms Jess makes me feel old."

He nodded and Jess turned to me.

"Come and eat Andy."

———

"Breakfast was amazing thank you. Alec, get ready. Taylor will walk you to the bus."

Alec ran to his room to get his things for school. I turned to Jess.

"Thank you for a very delicious breakfast."

"You're welcome. It was only a pleasure to make breakfast for lady as beautiful as yourself."

I blushed and looked down. She has a way with words.

"Thank you. I'll clean up."

"No. You go get done for the day."

I nodded and went to get clothes out and get ready for the day. I decided to skip the shower today.

After 10 minutes I came out of the room to see Alec out of the bath and ready for the day.

"Alec I'll go get Taylor. Stay with Jess okay?"

He nods and I walk next door.

I get to apartment 24 and knock on the door.

"Hey Tay, it's me. Alec is waiting."

I hear her scream that she's coming before going back to my apartment.

I walk in to see Jess sorting out dishes. I walk to her and decide to give her a kiss on the cheek as thanks.

I kiss her cheek and whisper a thank you. When I look at her face, it's red and flustered. And her breathing is rapid.

"Mommy."

I turn to see Alec in the hallway, staring at me, before he runs into his room.

I realise he saw me kissing her cheek and sigh out.

"I'm going to sort that out. If Taylor gets here, tell her I'll be out in a second."

She nods and I walk into the room to find my son on the bed.

"Hey bud whats up?"

"Is Jess a friend like how Sam was a friend? I liked Sam. She made you happy but then she stopped coming and you were sad."

I sighed again, Sam is my ex. My very abusive ex who manipulated me.

"Yes bud she might be. Is that okay?"

He wearily nods and I kiss his head as we hear Taylor come into the apartment.

"Let's get you to school okay? I love you."

"I love you too mum."

I smile and usher him to Taylor.