“Hi, Elena, it's okay. Just a couple of things to go over, we won't be long,” offers Mr Serious with a little smile. Tonight’s going to be interesting.
“You look nice, honey,” Dad adds. “I’m so glad you two hit it off and decided to have a night out." He turns his attention back to Blake. "Look after her tonight, though, Blake. No funny business.” He’s always looking out for his baby girl even when I don't need it. Seems he still thinks I'm 16. No funny business, is he serious?
I’m in skinny black jeans and a hot-pink silk cami. I'm wearing my favourite hot-pink lipstick and my hair is swept up into a high ponytail that runs all the way down my back. It’s the best I’ve looked in months. Getting dressed up with a full face of makeup was kind of my thing. I was one of those kids who got in trouble constantly for breaking into Mum’s bathroom cabinets and playing with her makeup, leaving bits of it smudged into the carpet. I was a shocker as a kid! Tonight, all done up, I’m finally feeling like myself again.
“Thanks, Dad. You know I can look after myself, though, right? Poor Blake doesn't need the whole speech about you being a cop in this town.” Blake doesn't look worried. Actually, he doesn't strike me as the kind of guy that is scared of much at all.
“Of course we do, Elly, you have always been our Miss Independent,” Mum laughs as she hugs me goodbye.
“See you guys later, don't wait up,” I call out, heading outside and giving them a little wave, making it clear we're not hanging around to chit-chat about the building plans tonight. Blake takes the hint and follows me out like a good boy.
“Miss Independent, hey? Is that the family’s nickname for you or something?” he teases.
“What? Mum just calls me that because my brothers are such mummy’s boys. I don’t need anyone looking after me. I can, and always have, looked after myself.”
“Is that right? You're not one of those girls who think all men are jerks and women are better off by themselves, are you?”
“I don’t know. If past experiences are anything to go off, that might be right,” I say with a shrug. “I guess I’m just not looking for a saviour to swoop in and take care of me. If I look after myself, then I’m all I need.”
“Funnily enough, I feel the same about women,” he adds.
“Well, I guess it's lucky we’re just planning on being friends then. That way we can just be ourselves and have some fun. What have you got planned for tonight?”
“Well, I thought I’d show you a typical Saturday night with the boys. Do you like pizza?”
“What kind of a question is that? Of course I love pizza! Then what?” I lean up against his ute as he goes around his side to jump in.
“Then maybe go to a bar, play some pool and have a few drinks. What do you think?”
“Perfect. Just what I need.” I smile.
We jump in his ute and it's just a quick drive to the local pizza place, Angelo's. This place hasn’t changed since we used to come here for family birthday dinners when I was a kid. Still the same cosy atmosphere with red booth seats and checked tablecloths. I hope their menu’s the same too. The waiter shows us to a booth and places the menus in front of us.
“The food smells delicious.” I probably should have eaten more today so I don’t look like a complete pig.
“What do you feel like?” he asks, looking over the menu.
“One of everything, I’m starving.” I grin.
“You couldn’t handle one of everything, you're tiny!”
“Ha, you’d be surprised what I can handle. I had to keep up with my brothers. Everything was always a competition, including how much we ate,” I laugh. Being in this restaurant brings back so many happy memories of us as kids. I have no idea why I used to compete with the boys so much, but I can't back down from a challenge. And more than once that ended badly for me.
“Well, let's just start with a couple of different pizzas and a garlic bread, then we can always get more if you want later.”
“Sounds good. You can pick. I'm not fussy.” The waiter comes over to take our order, then Blake heads to the bar to order some drinks. I take that opportunity to check my phone for the millionth time today. I don’t know why I keep torturing myself, but something about today being the day I was supposed to be getting married has me stupidly wishing Jessie would message me, begging for forgiveness.
The night it all ended, he messaged to see when I was coming back, then that was it, nothing else. He didn’t fight for us, and I found out a month later the prick let the chick he was cheating on me with, move into our apartment. The one we had bought together. That's when I asked him to buy me out of the mortgage. I wanted nothing between us. But for some reason, I just hoped he would message today. It's pathetic. That's it, I’m turning it off now for the rest of the night. Tonight, I’m moving on and having fun with Blake the builder.
“You okay?” Blake hands me a massive glass of wine.
“I am now, thank you.” I take the glass and have a big gulp. It's so good and just what I need. I finish the glass and place it on the table.
“Lucky I got the bottle,” he laughs at me, taking my glass and topping it up. “You okay? Did something happen while I was gone?”
“No, all good, I'll drink this one more slowly,” I sigh, a little embarrassed.
The garlic pizza arrives and I’m straight in there. “Yum, this smells so good and looks
