Page 53 of Falling for My Ex Next Door

“Hello, Clara. I heard you moved to Sunnyvale, but I didn’t believe it,” she said with a slight edge in her voice. “Anyway, it’s nice to see you again. How have you been?”

“I’ve been well,” I replied, trying to keep my tone steady. “And you? How are you doing?”

She smiled warmly. “I’m doing fine. I guess Jacob invited you to the party?”

“Yes,” I nodded, feeling a lump forming in my throat.

“I noticed he has been distant since I heard you moved here. Are you two back together?”

“We’re not a thing,” I replied cautiously. “Our relationship is almost cordial.”

“Are you two working towards a reconciliation?” she pressed.

“No, we’re not.” Her directness caught me off guard.

“So, why are you here? Why did you accept his invitation? What are you two doing?” Her questions came rapid-fire, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, the floor suddenly feeling like a sinking sandpit. “I don’t know,” I said, my voice softer, edged with a firmness I hoped didn’t betray the quiver I felt inside.

“I haven’t seen my son this happy since he moved to Sunnyvale. I have a feeling you might be the reason.” Her smile was knowing, almost conspiratorial.

I attempted to speak, but no words came out of my mouth.

We stood there in silence, staring at each other for a moment. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and said, “Well then, shall we return to the party?”

“Yeah,” I said, leading the way back. The brief encounter with Mrs. Bradley left me with a whirlwind of emotions. Did she want us back together? What did this mean for Jacob and me?

The music started when we returned to the hall, and Jacob immediately approached us.

“You two?” He looked puzzled.

“I bumped into Clara in the restroom.” Mrs. Bradley said.

“Well, excuse us, Mom,” he said, taking my hand, much to my surprise.

“Sure,”

“Have you seen Daisy?” I asked, looking around as he led me towards the dance floor.

“She stepped out.” He answered, stopping a few inches from the dance floor.

“Okay.”

“Can I have this dance?” He said, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. However, I agreed to dance with him. I knew I should not be stiff at such an event since I was here of my own accord.

“You look very beautiful,” he complimented.

I only smiled, but I knew my face must be totally flushed.

He was silent as I melted into his arms, my body moving in harmony with his as we swayed to the rhythm of the music.

Chapter Sixteen

Jacob

Her striking features were alluring to every one of my five senses, and I was tempted to run my fingers along her hair and, perhaps, pull her in for a kiss.

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