Jessie looked taken aback. “Shit, Ana, what a bitch. Oops, sorry girl, but that’s harsh.”
I smile at her. “Don’t worry about it. I feel the same way. I’m used to all this by now. I feel terrible to admit it, but I’m actually relieved she’s gone. I’ve dealt with so much of this shit from her and now I’m done. I just feel so bad for Jake and Matthew for making them think we were all one big happy family.”
Jessie looks at me like she’s unsure whether to believe I’m okay.
“I’m fine, honestly. So what’s the latest on this killer?”
I quickly change the subject to avoid any more uncomfortable questions.
“Nothing really. It’s very frustrating. He’s very shrewd and doesn’t leave any DNA evidence. The psycho knows what he’s doing. The guys are working night and day to try and nail this asshole. The good news is all the blondes were safe last night. No more killings.”
I straighten up. “Talking about last night, what happened after we left the bar?”
She shrugs, “Not much really. Michael and I stayed another thirty minutes after you left. I then went home to bed and now I’m here. Very uneventful compared to your night I believe.”
I gave her a grin, “Ah, but tonight may change that with Mr Show Me the Money!” I shout.
Jessie laughs and slaps me on the arm. “Stop it, Ana. You’ve put that in my head now. How am I going to be able to look at him tonight over our fettuccine?”
My eyes widen. “Ahh, Italiano this evening then, Miss Lindsay?”
She smacks me again, excitement sparkling in her eyes.
“He’s taking me to that new Italian restaurant in Reston. I’ve forgotten the name, but the food there is supposed to be to die for.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Well you must let me know all about it.” I pause and then say, “Well, maybe not all the details.”
Jessie gasps, “Ana, I really don’t know what you mean.”
I look at her perplexed. “Come on, Jessie. It’s me you’re talking to now.”
She gives me a big grin. “Well, he may get a little something, something.”
“That’s my girl,” I say, laughing.
The rest of the day goes by relatively quickly. I’m away by six with Jake in tow leading the way. He seems very quiet with me now. Back to how it used to be. Most of the journey is made in silence until we are out of the car and settled in the house.
“Ana?” he asks.
I whip round to face him.
“I’m having a couple of days off still despite what has happened.”
I remember him taking this time off as he was supposed to go away with my mum for a couple of days to Williamsburg.
“I’ve cancelled everything at Williamsburg and I’m staying here. I’ve decided to have a barbeque two weeks on Saturday. Will you stay for that?”
I feel the weight of sadness come across my face thinking of the chaos my mum has caused.
“Of course, Jake. What time are you having it?”
“Around four,” he grins. It should be a nice day. Matthew will not be here that weekend as he is going camping with a few of his friends. Clive’s dad is taking them all. They won’t be back until the Sunday afternoon.”
“Matthew will enjoy that,” I say, smiling. “Thanks for the invite. I’ll look forward to it.”
He lets out a sigh, “Good. I’ll invite a few from work and I’ll be off from the Friday before, so gives me time to get things organised.”
I nod in agreement and set off up the stairs to my room.
Chapter 5
The next few days go by quickly and Jake was doing his best to avoid me again—but then, that was not an unusual occurrence. Jake threw himself into work and I took my time out running to let off some sexual tension. The days Jake was at home, I went out with Jessie, so not much contact came between us. However, the last few days into the week started becoming stranger and stranger.
It was Saturday and I decided to go for my morning run. I woke up at eight and I don’t know why it happened like that, but it did. My body must have felt it had enough sleep. Normally I like to lie in on my days off, but today I woke up bright and early and full of energy. I thought the best course of action was to let off some steam. Jake was already up and out for the day, and Matthew was getting ready to spend the night round his friend Clive’s house. I knew I would have the house to myself when I got back and I felt glad about that in a sense. Sometimes knowing that Jake is in the house is too much to bear.
Everything was normal as I said goodbye to Matthew and wished him a great time round his friend's house. The run was pretty non dramatic and straight forward. It was when I got back that things started getting weird.