James (Resisting Love #3)(8)

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Chapter Four


Sasha


The next day, I call James’ phone but he doesn’t answer. I’m in a bit of a pickle, because I have a job interview and no one to watch Jye. Layla, Chase and Cole have gone away for a week, and James is now out of the question. I call my mother, who, it turns out, is more than happy to look after him for the day.

I dress up for my interview. I decide on a knee length peach colored skirt and a white blouse with puffy sleeves. I put on my favourite black pumps, adoring them for a few seconds, before packing my handbag. I applied for this job as soon as I got back to Perth; it’s a part time marketing management position. My degree from uni is in marketing and advertising, so it’s right up my alley. Part time work is perfect for me, at least until Jye starts school. I know this job can eventually lead to full time if they like what I bring to their company, so it’s also an investment in the future.

I stare into the mirror, adding another coat of mascara, and checking over my makeup. I put on a pair of pearl earrings, and nod once in approval. It’s time to work my charm.

***

I head to my mother’s to pick up Jye, a wide smile on my face. I was told I would hear about the job in a few days, but even I can admit that it looks good thanks to the amazing reference my previous employer gave me before I left for Scotland. I find Jye fast asleep on the couch, looking angelic. I kiss him on the cheek, and breathe in his familiar scent.

“Thanks for watching him, mum,” I tell her as I’m leaving.

“Any time, Sasha. You better call Ryder, too, he rang here looking for you.”

I promise her I will. I tried to ring Ryder yesterday, but he was unavailable. Ryder’s band is currently touring Australia, and he has taken his girlfriend Lexi with them. I always knew my cousin would end up famous, I'm so proud of him, and I absolutely adore Lexi. I drive home, and tuck Jye into bed. I love his bed; it’s in the shape of a racing car and super cute. It also has railings so it’s safe. After a quick shower, I get into my pajamas and crawl into my bed.

***

When I wake up the next morning, I notice my phone flashing with a few missed calls and text messages from James. It’s been two days since I last heard from him, and I don’t know how I feel about it. I suppose once I found out that James wanted to be in Jye’s life, I pictured him being around all the time, but I guess this is the reality of a broken family. Maybe Jye will only end up seeing him once or twice a week and I will have to get used to that. I’ve managed by myself all this time, and I can sure as hell do it again. I slip my feet into my pink slippers, and walk sleepily into Jye’s room. I get into his car bed, and snuggle up next to him.

“Mama,” he says groggily.

“Morning, baby.”

Jye yawns and gives me a soft kiss on my cheek. I love this little boy.

“Shall we get up have some breakfast then go to the beach?” I offer. Jye grins and nods his head yes. I give him a quick bath and dress him in his swimwear, a cute pair of pirate board shorts and a matching rash guard. I whip up some scrambled eggs and toast, which is his favourite, and sit him in his feeding chair to eat. When there's a knock on the door I frown, looking over at the clock. It’s nine AM. I walk to the door, a piece of toast hanging from my mouth. I unlock it and open it slightly.

***

James

I watch as Sasha partially opens the door, checking to see who it is. When she sees that it’s me she doesn’t look too pleased, but still opens the door and invites me in. I smile when I see her with a piece of toast sticking out of her mouth, she looks adorable. I’ve been working the last two days; I had to go on a job that was two hours out of town.

When I finally checked my phone I couldn’t help cringing when I saw that I had missed calls from Sasha. Why didn’t I tell her I'd be gone? I never know exactly how long it will take, but still. I could have given her some warning. I’m not used to answering to anyone, but now I have a family, and they should come first. When Sasha didn’t answer my calls I assumed she was either sleeping or pissed off, so here I am.

I walk in behind her, and can’t help but smile at her pink slippers and silk robe. I’m not gonna lie, her ass is outlined and it looks f*cking sexy. I see Jye in his feeding chair, looking cute as ever eating a piece of toast like his mum.

“Hey, little man,” I say with a smile.

“James,” he says as he shoves another bite in his mouth. James. It came out more sounding like ‘Jam” but still. He called me James, not dad. My heart breaks just a little.

“James, we need to talk,” Sasha interrupts my thoughts with her hard voice. We head into the hallway, so Jye can’t hear us.

“I’m sorry you weren’t able to contact me, I had to work,” I explain, my mind still on my son.

“You had to work,” she repeats in disbelief.

“Yeah, I’m sorry, I know I should have told you.” And I should have. I know I’m in for it; the Sasha I remember never lets anything slide.

“Look, James, obviously my expectations and yours are completely different…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask her. She better not be implying what I think she is.

I watch as she hides her face behind her hair. She always does it when she’s slightly embarrassed. “I don’t know, I just thought we would try to make this work for Jye, try to be a family, even if we aren’t together. The reality never hit me that you would only be here part-time. I know that’s not your fault, it’s just something I’ll need to get used to, I guess,” she says with a soft sigh.