Page 13 of The Lies
We all spend the next couple of hours filling the dodgy bits in the walls, discussing plans and generally chatting about life. My nine-year-old self dreamt of spending time with Jason, and if I’m honest, he’s fulfilling that fantasy by acting like a nine-year-old himself.
“Come on, baker girl, it’s time to go get dressed up,” Blake announces from where he’s up a stepladder filling in some holes in the ceiling.
“Okay, let me just finish this bit.”
“I’ll come back tomorrow to start plastering. I’ve got a few free days,” Jason says.
“That’s brilliant, thank you,” I say sincerely. He may be a fully-grown man-child, but I couldn’t be more grateful for his help.
I follow Blake’s van back towards our side of town before I pull off towards Aunt Addy’s house. Blake said he’s got a table booked for eight so it doesn’t give me long to get ready; thankfully, he told me to dress smart-casual.
I’m just spraying some perfume on when Aunt Addy shouts that he’s here.
“Oh, I’m so excited for you, Addison. How I wish I was your age again, heading out on a hot date.”
“It’s never too late,” I say, it’s sad that such an incredible woman has spent most of her life single. She has so much to offer and I’m sure she would make someone very happy.
“I’m not sure I’d know what to do with a man after all these years.”
“I’m sure it’s like riding a bike,” I say with a laugh.
“That’s not something I’ll be doing anytime soon, either.”
“You never know what—or who—is around the corner. Some guy might sweep you off your feet any day now.”
“I doubt that very much but we can all hope.”
“We can,” I say as optimistically as possible, grabbing my jacket and sliding my boots on. I decided on a cream heavy knit jumper dress over leggings for tonight. My hair is as it normally is—down and curled at the ends—and my make up is light and natural.
“Anyway, enough about me. You look gorgeous; go and have a great time.”
“Thank you, have a good night,” I say, going to get the front door when I hear the doorbell.
“Oh, you’re ready,” Blake says, sounding surprised.
“Yes. Didn’t you think I could do it?”
“I thought I’d have to wait a few minutes at least. You look beautiful,” he adds, trying to get himself out of the hole he started digging.
“Thank you. I’m starving, let’s go.”
Blake opens the passenger door for me but his hand on my waist stops me from getting in.
“I mean it, you look stunning.” He leans in for a sweet kiss.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I say, checking him out when he pulls back. He’s wearing jeans as usual but the pair he currently has on are dark and fitted, topped off with a simple white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair is pulled back off his face again and his beard’s had a trim. The look is so simple, but so hot.
“Finished?” he asks in an amused tone when my eyes settle on his.
“For now.”
He allows me to get in this time before shutting the door and jogging around to the driver side.
Blake chats away about his plans for the bakery once Jason has plastered it, and I take in all in, nodding and adding my opinion where necessary. Mostly, I just enjoy listening to him get almost as excited about it as I am.
“Could we get a bottle of Sauvignon blanc and just some olives to start us off?” Blake asks the waitress when she comes over for our drinks order.
When Blake told me he was taking me to a pub, I didn’t think he meant his local, but I also wasn’t expecting something this flash. I guess technically it’s a pub, but it’s been recently renovated and it’s stunning with its dark grey walls and funky light fittings—and I’ve only had a quick glance at the menu but I’m pretty sure I won’t find pie and mash or scampi and chips on there.
