Page 20 of Something Real with the Sea Monster
Luke pours hot water into a mug and drops in a teabag. “I wouldn’t waste your time, Tegan. He’s a lost cause. Even Mom gave up years ago.”
“No! He just needs some pointers. Someone to steer him in the right direction.”
“If you say so.” Luke takes the mug of tea upstairs to Mia, and I go back to messaging, thinking about what he said. I can’t believe nobody seems to see what a catch Jack is.
I don’t know the guy very well, but he seems dependable, caring, loyal. God, I wish more guys were like that.
Tegan: don’t play dumb. I know you know
Jack: OK I do, but I won’t pretend to understand it. I’ll do what you say, but I want you to know I’m not enjoying it
Mia cooks dinner, and I help as much as I can. I’ve never been the world’s greatest cook, but I can make a mean salad. We’re sitting around after dinner, and I pull out my phone to check, but there’re no new messages.
I frown.
Tegan: well? Progress report please.
Jack replies almost instantly.Nothing! I told you this wouldn’t work
Tegan: Do I need to come down there?
Jack: yeah, probably. I clearly need supervision
I tap the phone on my chin, thinking for a moment. Mia and Luke are snuggled up together on the sofa, and I’m clearly a third wheel. That wouldn’t normally bother me, but I have to admit, I don’t mind the idea of spending more time with Jack.
That decided, I get to my feet and slip on my shoes. I’m in a pair of denim shorts and a hoodie, but I don’t bother changing.It occurs to me as I’m halfway there, strolling down main street, how freeing it is to be going out but not worried about how I look. To walk right through the center of town and not have a single fuck to give. I would never go anywhere in Sydney with no makeup on. I even wear makeup to the gym.
When I ring the buzzer, Jack must run down the stairs. He’s there in seconds. He pauses as he opens the door and looks me up and down. “You look good. Did you do something different with your hair?”
I laugh out loud, given the fact I’ve tossed it into a messy bun and was wearing it out and meticulously styled before. “Yeah. You could say that.”
He smiles as he holds the door open and then locks it behind me. “Well you look nice. It suits you.”
I don’t quite believe the compliment, but then again, I can’t think what reason he would have to lie. I head up the stairs to the apartment still mulling it over.
“You want something to drink?” Jack asks.
I groan. “Yes, but I’d better stick with tea. Thanks. When are you going to show me what you’re working with?”
The living area is open plan. Jack goes into the kitchen, and I take a seat on the sofa.
“Take a look if you like. My phone’s just there.” He jerks his head to indicate his phone, which is sitting on the edge of the coffee table.
I pick it up and am surprized to find he’s got no screen lock. Small-town people are so trusting! I open the app and start flicking through while he makes the tea.
By the time he comes over with two steaming mugs, I’m reading one that seems quite promising. “What about her?” I turn the screen so he can see it. The lady in the profile picture has a cute smile. She’s short, with curly brown hair and fringethat falls into her eyes. Her lips are painted a bright red, and she’s holding a drink. I think she looks friendly.
Jack shrugs. “She’s nice I guess.”
“OK, no. You can do better than nice.” I swipe left and look over the next profile, scrolling down to a picture of a blonde lady in bathers. She has a curvy figure with large breasts that impress even me. I waggle my eyebrows at Jack. “Not bad.”
Jack holds out his hand, and I pass him his phone. He scrolls through the profile in silence. After a moment he shakes his head. “She’s two hours away. No deal.”
I laugh. “OK, Mr. Picky. Keep looking.”
He flicks through a few profiles. It annoys me not being able to see, so I scootch closer on the couch.
When he flicks to a profile with a tall redhead, I snatch the phone. “What about her?”
