Outwardly, I was thriving. It has been three months since my boyfriend, Jason, left me. Everyone praised me for the way I was handling the breakup. I was doing better than ever at work, even earning a promotion. And I was in the best shape of my life, my twice-a-day workouts tightening my stomach, toning my already shapely legs, and shedding any of the typical weight one gains when they’re in a comfortable, long-term relationship.

But my success and work and my gains in the gym were actually the result of my attempt to distract myself from the thought that snuck into my head every time I was idle. That nagging thought that just wouldn’t go away:

HOW had I let him get away?

It’s not like I was short on offers.  Whether I was at the gym, fetching my morning coffee, or in the boardroom at work, men did little to hide their interest in me.  I had my choice of men. The hunky personal trainer at the gym.  The swaggering, talented guy from the office.  The cute barista at the coffee shop.  They were all fine.  But they weren’t HIM!

Jason had been my dream guy.  He was literally the perfect boyfriend.  At 31, he was a year older than me.  Successful.  Confident.  He treated me like an absolute Queen.  I’d often lay in bed, remembering how his strong arms felt wrapped around me.  I could still feel my nails digging into his back as his big hand manipulated my ample breasts.  The feeling of euphoria as his well-above average cock entered me, his lips dancing over my collarbone.

But that was all gone now.  His reasons for leaving me were fair.  I used to be so fun, so vibrant.  I’d gotten comfortable in our relationship.  I’d put on a little weight.  I wasn’t as playful as I used to be.  I’d taken him for granted… and he wanted better for himself.  

He’d said he still wanted to be friends.  I’d sort of agreed, hoping that maybe we’d get back together.  Nobody could ever make me feel like Jason did inside and outside of the bedroom.  I didn’t want anyone else.  Only him.

But just two weeks ago, any thought I had of us reconciling was crushed.  I opened his instagram to see him standing on a beach… those lovely arms of his wrapped around a bikini-clad blonde who was smiling from ear to ear.  

The caption brought me to tears.

“New beginnings with the best @JessicaHaswell.”

I roughly knew Jess.  She lived down the street from me.  I’d never paid her any thought… at 27 years old she was still a bit of a party-girl.  We didn’t associate with each other.  But now, seeing her in the arms of my Jason, she had my full attention.

I’d never been short on self-confidence.  Especially now that I’d been back in the gym, my body would be the envy of most 30-year-olds.  And my dark hair, my piercing blue eyes and my smile could melt any man.

But studying Jess, I felt overcome with envy.

While I liked my creamy, porcelain skin, Jess boasted a perfect tan that came from afternoons at the beach.  While my 32C breasts were perfect for my frame, one’s eyes couldn’t help but be drawn to Jess’ bigger yet perkier chest.  Her stomach was just as tight as my own, but gave way to wider hips and curvaceous, powerful-looking thighs.  

The comments under the Instagram post made for difficult reading:
“Hotttt!”
“Jess! Get it, girl!”
“Goddess!”
“King and Queen”
“Babes”
“Perfect Couple”
“Dayyyym Jesssss”
“So happy for you both”

After stalking Jess’ Insta for a while, I dried my eyes.  I tried to tell myself it was time to move on.  Jason obviously had.  I wanted to be Jess so badly, but I’d have to settle for being me.  

I flicked through my messages, pausing on one from the cute barista, Leon.

“Hey Sydney.  Thanks for trusting me with your number.  You know how beautiful I think you are and I’d love to get to know you better. Can I take you out?”

He’d sent the message a few days ago.

“Hey Leon.  Sure.  Dinner tonight?”

My attempt to “move on” failed spectacularly.  Leon was REALLY cute.  But he didn’t make me laugh like Jason used to.  He didn’t give me that tingly feeling I’d feel when I’d be out with Jason.  I didn’t want to take him home and feel him tearing my clothes off like I did with Jason.  I accepted a goodnight kiss on the cheek from Leon and headed home. I lay there in bed, my eyes fixated on that post of Jason’s arms around the bikini-Queen.  My mind wandered to what they were doing right now, picturing Jason’s strong body gliding over Jess’ as she moaned his name.

I shoved my pillow over my face, screaming into it.  

But a girl’s greatest comfort is delusion, and that’s how I’d finally calm down.  Jess was just a fling.  A big-breasted, younger blonde party girl that Jason was just having fun with.  She wasn’t someone he could be with forever.  He’d want to settle down with a career woman like me as soon as he was done with big-boob-barbie.  I just had to wait it out.  They wouldn’t last… and when they broke up, I’d be there to take Jason back.

The next day, I decided to cheer myself up with some shopping.  It was a great morning!  I bought a couple of dresses, a new bag and a pair of heels, along with a couple of work outfits.

And then I saw them.

Hand in hand.  Giggling.  Each of them the picture of blissful happiness.  Jason and Jess.

I ducked behind a rack of clothes.  The last thing I wanted was to have to face them.

“What do you think of this?” Jess asked.

I glanced over.  Of course it was a swimsuit in her hand.

“Oh babe.  You HAVE to have that,” Jason said enthusiastically.

“Oh yeah? You think it’ll look sexy on me?” Jess lowered her voice to a sultry purr.

“Everything looks sexy on you.  But yes - hell yes,” Jason stepped towards her.

I looked away as their lips neared, the sound of their kiss seeming as loud to my ears as a rock concert.

Jason bought her the swimsuit, and while they were busy at the counter, I scurried out of the store, heading straight for my car.

I sat there, unable to bring myself to drive.  It had hurt seeing the moment of intimacy between my ex and Jess.  I couldn’t get the sound of their kiss out of my head, nor could I stop picturing how smiley they both were.  I was beyond jealous.

“This is stupid, Sydney,” I told myself, preparing to start my car.

But as I glanced out the window, I saw them.  Jason carrying her shopping bags like the perfect gentleman.  I slinked down in my seat so as not to be seen.  This time, I wouldn’t hear their kiss.  Id witness it.  Jess’ curvaceous body pressed into his.  His hands on her shapely ass.  Her manicured fingers running through his hair as their lips met.  I groaned as I remembered what an incredible kisser Jason was.  He had a way of making you feel like the only woman in the world… and from the giddy look on Jess’ face as their lips parted, I knew she was enjoying that feeling right then.  I watched him open the car door for her, leaning down to kiss her once more as she got comfortable.  And then they were gone. 

I had no doubt that while I was at home pouting, Jess was driving my Jason crazy in that newly purchased swimsuit.  

That night would be the same as the last.  Me obsessing over Jason and Jess, then reminding myself that she was just a short-term thing.  Jason and I were meant to be together.  

“Enjoy it while it lasts, bitch,” I muttered under my breath.

The next day, I was back in my routine.

Running on the treadmill at the gym, doing a few weights.  I freshened up, heading to my coffee shop before moving on to the office.

When I walked into the coffee shop, I stopped dead in my tracks.

Right there at a table in the corner were Jess and Jason.  Holding hands across the table, staring lovingly into each other’s eyes.

I was furious!  I mean, I’d been coming to this coffee shop for YEARS.  Were they TRYING to rub their relationship in my face?!

Nonetheless, I didn’t want any part of talking to them.  I started to back out of the coffee shop… but Leon, the cute barista… STUPID Leon… called my name.

“Hey Sydney! Almond latte?”

I looked over at Jess and Jason, my ex giving me a wave.  I gave a halfhearted wave back and went to the counter, silently urging Leon to hurry up with my coffee.

“So I was hoping to take you out again,” Leon said as he worked on my coffee.

I could feel Jess and Jason looking at me.  My first thought was to Jason that I’d moved on, too.  Maybe he should see me accepting a date with cute barista guy.

But I didn’t want to blow my chance at winning him back once he was done with his Barbie doll.  And the last ‘date’ with Leon hadn’t exactly been mind-blowing.

“I uh… I don’t think so, Leon,” I said softly.

The poor guy looked disappointed, but he gave me a nod, “No problem, Sydney. I understand.”  

I grabbed my coffee without giving Jason and Jess another glance and hurried out of the coffee shop.

I was a mess at work.  Running into Jess and Jason twice like that in two days was horrendous.  I’d only found out they were a couple on Saturday, and already I’d seen them twice.  The thing I couldn’t get out of my mind was how happy they both looked.  Jess’ big, pearly white smile was burnt into my mind… and I hadn’t seen Jason that giddy in years… if ever.  

My delusion that Jess was just a short-term thing was starting to fade a little.  I kept picturing the way their hands interlinked over that coffee shop table.  The way they stared into each other’s eyes.  Still, all I could do was tell myself that Jason was just infatuated with those ego-crushing breasts and that big, perfectly formed ass.  She wasn’t a successful, powerful woman like me… there was no way she could hold Jason’s attention with JUST her admittedly flawless physique.

Besides, if Jess was a 9.5/10, I wasn’t far behind her in the beauty department.  Her ever so slight edge in physique was more than made up for in my significant edge in ambition, brains, success and power.  I couldn’t possibly lose her to him forever.  Eventually, he’d want substance with hotness - and that was something only I could provide.  

I didn’t get any work done at all that day.  My obsession with the couple kept my mind furiously busy.  What was really grinding my gears is them frequenting my favourite shopping spot and MY coffee shop.  I felt that they were trying to show off in front of me, and I laid the blame squarely at Jess’ feet.  Well… flaunting Jason in front of me was a big mistake.  Because when I eventually ended up back together with him, I’d make sure Jess saw us everywhere she went.

But for now, I needed some time away from Jess and Jason.  I needed to get my head straight.  While Jason enjoyed his Barbie, I’d focus even more on my workouts and my work… and when things between them fell apart, I’d be ready to welcome my man home.  

One gym session today want going to cut it.  I stopped in again on my way home, taking my frustrations out on the elliptical strider.  Not only was a workout good for burning up my aggravation, it was ensuring I continued to tone by body.  As I worked up a sweat, my mind moved away from Jess’ magazine-cover smile to a much better image.  Jason’s lips dancing all over my gym-fit body.  

“You look incredible, Sydney,” he breathed in my imagination.

“I know.  I did it for you, baby.”

That night, I’d managed a good night’s sleep.  On my way to the gym the following day, I hatched a plan.  Jess and Jason couldn’t flaunt their new relationship in front of me if they didn’t know where I’d be!

Post morning-workout, I searched out a new coffee shop several blocks from my old one.  I was a little put out at having to change my routine to avoid them, but I smiled knowing that they were no doubt expecting me at my usual spot.  I imagined them staring at the door, Jess becoming more and more aggravated that I wasn’t appearing.

“Where IS she?” I imagined her thinking.

Too bad for you, bitch! I’ve got a new spot!

I felt a smug sense of satisfaction as I headed to work that day - and I was back at my productive best.  Back to people admiring how well I was handling the breakup.  Back to focusing on ME and not busty-barbie-doll-Jess.

I felt that my routine change was a small win over the blonde, and as I drove home that night, I felt as good as I’d felt in many weeks.  I didn’t even feel the need to check in on their Instagrams tonight.  I sunk down in a hot bubble bath with a glass of wine.  

My workout the next morning was amazing.  Not only did I hit a personal best on the treadmill, Mr hunky personal trainer who was clearly interested in me practically threw himself at my feet.

“You’re killing it in here, Sydney.  You look…” he took a deep breath, “phenomenal.”

I smiled inwardly.  He was all kinds of hot - and if I wanted, I could have him licking the sweat off my toned body.

Unfortunately for him, my body was reserved for the only man that deserved it.  My Jason.  

“Everyone wants you, Sydney.  Jess is a physically formidable rival… but you’re the better woman.  And soon enough, Jason will see that,” I spoke to myself as I admired my body in the gym bathroom mirror.

I slayed at work just like I’d slayed at the gym that morning.  And when I left, I decided that my shift in routine had been so successful that I’d continue to mix things up.  I didn’t need a second workout today.  Instead, I’d head to the stunning park 15 minutes from my house.

In my car, I changed into my lulu lemon leggings and a sports bra, tying the laces of my sneakers.  I breathed in the fresh air as I glided through long strides around the gorgeous big lake in the park.  It was a great change of scenery.  I hadn’t been here in years, and I wondered why!  The sound of chirping birds was music to my ears as dusk began to fall.  

And then, in an instant, my newfound peace was shattered.  

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her flowing golden hair.  Saw her eye-drawing cleavage above her low-cut top.  Saw the perfect golden tan of her legs.  Saw the way she was cuddled into the attractive man on the park bench, overlooking the lake.  It was Jess, Jason’s strong arms around her.

Devastation washed over me.  I didn’t stop running… but out of the corner of my eye, I knew they’d seen me.  Jess’ ever present beam had gone, her forehead creasing as she frowned.   

How had I ever bumped into them HERE?  I’ve never came here!  But as I continued to run, I remembered.  On Jess’ Instagram, she’d posted a pic of her and Jason in the park two days prior, calling it their “happy place”.  How could I have forgotten??  I was furious with myself as I headed back to the car.  I’d need to be a LOT more careful about where I went if I wanted to avoid them.  In fact, moving forward, I’d do my research.  I’d try to figure out where they were and ensure I was somewhere else.  It wouldn’t be difficult… Jess and Jason loved updating the world on their activities via Instagram.  

And so it was for the remainder of the week.  They were at the beach, I went to the park.  They were at the park, I went to the shops.  They were shopping, I went to the gym.  Peace at last!!

On Saturday morning, I began as usual - a morning workout, and then finding out what blondie and my man were up to before making my plans for the day.

“This man just loves to spoil me,” Jess had posted.  

There they were, posing in front of the boutiques on the Main Street.  I didn’t look at the post for more than a second.  I didn’t need to see that big smile of Jess’ with Jason’s gorgeous arms around her.  

Fine - no shopping for me today.  I decided my milky skin could use some sun.  I put on a black bikini, dark sunglasses and a straw hat, admiring myself in the mirror.  I wrapped a black sheer wrap around myself and headed to the beach.

How peaceful… warm sun on my skin, the sound of the crashing waves in my ears.  I was conscious of male eyes glancing my way as I sunbaked, most doing their best to steal looks at me without their wives or girlfriends noticing.  As usual, I knew I could beckon any number of the men if I chose.  But none of them measured up to Jason.  

And then I saw a man, his back to me, that made my heart skip a beat.  Hot hot HOT!  I raised up on my elbows, actually biting my bottom lip.  

“Turn around babe,” I silently begged.

And as if I’d telepathically reached him, he obeyed.  My eyes, behind my dark glasses, opened wide.

It was Jason!!!

From behind him, a pair of arms wrapped around him, manicured nails against his chest.

No no no no no no no!

They were shopping!  They weren’t supposed to be here!

Almost pathetically, I grabbed my phone and opened Jess’ instagram, going back to their shopping post.  I opened it, this time reading it fully.

“This man just loves to spoil me. A shopping trip.  A swim at the beach.  And then work continues on the renovations of our lovely house.  Any painter friends free this afternoon to come help?  Haha jk xx”

I glanced back over at them and to my horror, Jason was now just about 15 steps away from me.  I glanced past him to Jess, who was still stood in the distance.  Even from this far away, I could see she looked… concerned.  That same concerned type look she’d had when she saw me running in the park.  

My heart was racing.  Why was Jason coming to me?  Why was Jess looking concerned?  Was it happening?  Was Jason coming back to me.  

My imagination rushed to a wonderful scene playing out.

“I want you back, Sydney,” he’d say, adding a sweet, “please.”

I’d leap into his arms, athletic legs around his waist, lips meeting.  He’d carry me off the beach, leaving busty-beach-barbie all alone. 

But the fantasy time was over, and reality arrived.

“Sydney… you need to stop this…” he said. He didn’t sound angry… just… maybe worried?  

“Stop what?” I asked incredulously, staring up at him.

“I’ve moved on,” he said softly, but with finality.

“Yeah - I can see that,” I said, “so have I?”

She shook his head.  

“Come on, Sydney.  Coming to the coffee shop earlier than you usually do.  Coming to the park after Jess posted it was our happy place.  And Jess is pretty sure she saw you ducking behind clothes racks when we were shopping last weekend.  And now Jess posts we’re going to the beach… and here you are.  Like I said, this needs to stop.”

Was he serious??  All id done was shop at one of my favourite spots.  Get coffee where I’d always gotten coffee.  Gone for a run in a park.  And gone to the beach thinking they were shopping.

I started to try and explain that I wasn’t trying to run into THEM.  In fact, I’d felt they were trying to run into ME!

But Jason cut me off.

“Look it’s okay.  I wasn’t even going to say anything but Jess insisted I come make sure you’re okay.”

I didn’t know what to think or feel.  I just stared up at him, unable to find my words for maybe the first time in my life.  

The silence went on so long that it was almost awkward.  Until finally, the silence was broken.  By Jess.  She’d been slowly making her way toward us.  

“Hey, Sydney,” she offered.  There wasn’t a hint of mockery from her.  No condescension.  No bitchiness.  Her vibe was just… cool!  Confident.  In total control of her emotions.  Her smile wasn’t a teasing, taunting one… it was friendly.  Warm.  Reassuring.

I found myself admiring the way she carried herself emotionally.  And bring this close to her, I had to admit that unlike most people, Jess’ instagram posts didn’t do her justice.

That smile was perfect.  The beach-breeze did nothing to stop her golden hair wrapping around her neck like a silk scarf.  Her bright green bikini showed off all of her flawless golden skin, her breasts heaving in rhythmic motion as she breathed.  Her stomach looked firm, her wide hips and strong yet femininely shaped legs completing a look of utter perfection.

“Can you give us a minute?” she asked Jason.

He nodded, shaking his head a little before walking away down the beach.

“Mind if I sit?” she asked.

This was so weird!  Up until 15 seconds ago, I couldn’t stand this woman.  I’d thought she was the ditzy blonde who was just breasts and ass for Jason’s amusement for a few months.  And now she’s joining me on the sand, looking at me with nothing but warmth and care.

“Breakups really suck,” she said sincerely, “especially when you were together as long as you and Jason were.  I just wanted to check how you’re doing?”

“I’m fine,” I said, not returning her warmth at all.

She nodded.

“Oh, you’re amazing Sydney!  I’ve always admired you.  I’ve got no doubt you’re fine.  But most girls, like me, really struggle after a breakup.”

I looked at her.  I couldn’t imagine Jess struggling with anything.  She seemed so… effortless. 

“There was a guy, back when I was 19. When we broke up, I just couldn’t get over it,” she offered, doing an incredible job of talking about her own struggles as a way of giving me a message without directly accusing me of anything.

“I’d see him and his new girl around,” she continued, “and I hated it.  But after several months, I realised that it was my way of coping, y’know.  Like the more I saw them together, the more I realised I had to move on…”

Was that what I was doing?  I started to wonder if Jason was right.  Had I subconsciously been running into them on purpose?  As a way to bring myself closure?  Maybe Jess had a point.

“I’m not saying that applies to you,” Jess said, “but in the off-chance that it does, you can hang out with us anytime. I’ve always wanted to get to know you.  I think you’re an inspiration.  I love how driven and successful you are! I could learn a thing or two from you.  So, it’s an open invitation.  If you want to hang up, just text Jason and we’ll set it up. You still have his number, right?” 

She smiled as I nodded, me immediately wishing I’d lied.  But again, it wasn’t a taunting smile from Jess.  It was more like she was happy she was getting through to me, and that she’d accurately predicted how I was feeling.

“You know,” she said, laughing, “when you’re ready, you’re going to be with a guy that we’re all drooling over.”

“You think so?” I offered meekly.

“Oh come ON, Sydney.  You’re fucking HOT and you know it.  Don’t tell me you can’t feel all these boys out here looking at you!  And I saw the way that barista was with you in the coffee shop.  That boy is in luuuuurve.”

We both laughed.

“I went on a date with him,” I said, giggling. “It was a disaster.”

“Well - yeah I mean he’s so not in your league!” Jess laughed.  

How could this woman who I thought was my arch rival just moments ago so quickly disarm me?  She had put me at a complete ease.

“Well, I should go,” she said. “A quick swim maybe, but I’ve got some serious painting to do while Jason works on our bedroom.  Renovations are tough!”

I nodded, “I’m always redecorating. I actually find painting therapeutic.”

Jess thought for a moment, then said, “Well… I mean… I’ve got plenty of rollers and brushes.  I wouldn’t say no to someone helping out.”

Wow.  Jess was actually confident enough to invite her boyfriend’s long-term ex into her house?  Right after she’d just admitted that I was ‘hot’ and that she found me inspiring?  And that in her own way, she’d let me know that I was still hung up on her man?  I found that incredible.  Jess wasn’t the slightest bit jealous or insecure.  She didn’t see me as a threat to her at all.  Without giving myself time to think it through, I accepted her offer.

“Would Jason mind?  I think you’re right.  Maybe hanging out with you two might help.  And I do love painting.”

Jess got up off the sand.

“He might mind,” she said, adding with a smile, “but he doesn’t make the rules.”

I nodded, Jess extending her hand down to me.  I placed my hand in hers, and we shook.

“It’s a date,” she smiled. “We should be home around 3.  Any time after that is fine.”

I watched her perfect ass sway its way back down the beach towards Jason.  She said something to him and I saw him shake his head, Jess playfully slapping his arm.  I gathered up my things and headed back to the car.

At home, I got cold feet.  Why had I accepted Jess’ offer.  Was I really going to go her house and HELP her create the perfect home for her and the man I loved?

I almost backed out.  But I worried that if I did, Jess might think I was a weird stalker after all!  They clearly had both talked about my random appearances around them.

“There’s only one thing that’s going to get me through this,” I said to myself, grabbing a bottle of wine from the cellar.  “Fuck it- that’s not going to do it.”

Armed with two bottles of wine, I headed to my car.  I’d chosen my outfit carefully.  It needed to be work-ready, since we’d be painting.  But I also needed to look good.  Jason would be seeing Jess and I side by side, and I didn’t want to be completely upstaged by his new woman.  I wore a simple black sleeveless top, and a pair of short denim shorts, completing the look with a pair of Nike trainers.  Jason had always loved my legs.  

I sat in the car in Jess’ driveway, drawing a deep breath.  I was struck by the contrast between my house and hers. While mine could almost be classified as a mansion, Jess’ was tiny.  It couldn’t have had more than three bedrooms, and maybe only 2.  The whole house could fit inside my living and dining rooms.  What I realised is that Jason had willingly downgraded his living situation.  Just to be with Jess.  He made good money and with a bit of saving, they could have bought a nicer place.  But they were satisfied just to renovate this humble home because they were happy there, together.

I finally summoned the strength to climb out of my car, taking my sweet time approaching the door.  A small knock.

“Sydney, hey!”

Unlike me, she had clearly not felt the need to make an effort on her appearance.  Her golden hair was tied up in a messy bun.  She wore a baggy, paint-stained T-shirt, which hid her devastating cleavage - although her full breasts still pushed up against it.  Her thighs were hidden by cutoff shorts at her knees, and she hadn’t bothered with shoes at all.

Again, it was obvious that Jess didn’t feel any need to compete with me.  With us both dressed the way we were, any onlooker would choose me over her.  And the only onlooker would be my Jason.  

“I hope you like red wine,” I offered, holding up the two bottles.

Jess laughed, “Ugh, Jason’s been trying to get me into it but it’s not working.  I’ll have a glass with you, though!  And anyway, I think I have a bottle of white in the fridge.  Come in!”

While Jess was warm and friendly, Jason didn’t look delighted to see me.

He was friendly enough, but I got the sense he was being civil under Jess’ instructions.

“You want a glass of white, Sydney?” she called from the kitchen.

Incredible that she’d leave me and all my legginess alone straight away with the man she knew I was still into.  

“Absolutely,” I called back.

Okay, I admit it.  I’m a bitch.  Jason’s eyes diverted down in just the slightest glance at my legs.  I knew from our time together that he was a fiercely loyal partner.  He’d never cheat.  But I also knew now that he WOULD leave someone if he felt he could be happier elsewhere.  I was always ruthless - and this moment would be no different.  I took full advantage of his little glance at my legs.  I stepped toward him.

“It’s really good to see you,” I smiled, wrapping my arms around him.

“Sydney…” he breathed, shaking his head a little.  But he returned my hug-greeting.  It was half-hearted on his behalf, but I smiled.  Jess was in the kitchen pouring me a wine, and I was in her living room in Jason’s arms.

I kissed his cheek, him unwrapping his arms from around me immediately.

“I’ve got work to do in the bedroom,” he said coolly, walking away.

My eyes stared at his ass in his shorts as he walked.  Mmmm.

“Here you go,” Jess smiled, handing me a glass.

Whoops.  Busted!

She caught the flummoxed look on my face and just giggled.

“Oh, girl stop!  We both know how hot he is.  If I lost my mind every time a girl checked him out I’d be in a psych ward.  Come on, we’re painting the guest room.”

Jess was seriously cool.  I couldn’t believe how easy she was about all of this!  I really admired her for it, and within just a few minutes of chatting, I was already feeling bad about my bitchy hug of Jason back in the living room.  

It turned out, Jess’ house was every bit as small as it looked from the outside.  The guest room was the only spare room other than the master bedroom.  It was covered in boxes and bits and pieces, all pushed into the centre of the room to give us access to the walls.

While we painted and sipped wine, we chatted like we were best friends.

Jess asked a lot of questions about my work and how I’d built such success.

We chatted about cute guys.

Girl-talk.

Jess was really great, and I could see her and I becoming really good friends.  

The bottle of white finished, she went and fetched one of the bottles of red, pouring us a glass each.  We did great work with the painting, finishing the bedroom and getting started on the small hallway.  The conversation flowed effortlessly, and so did the wine.  Before I knew it, we were into the second bottle.  

I was really chatty, feeling perfectly at ease with Jess.  

With the hallway done, Jess and I stood back and admired our handiwork.

“Wow!  Looks great!” came Jason’s voice. He came up behind Jess, wrapping his arms around her.  

“I love it,” he said.

“And I love you,” Jess turned in his arms.

“Love you more,” he replied.

All the good vibes from the afternoon and evening faded away as I watched Jess stretch up on her toes.  Their arms around each other.  Their kiss was deep, passionate.  Their lips in perfect synch with each other.

I brought the wineglass to my lips, unable to do anything but watch Jess and Jason enjoy their seemingly never-ending kiss.

“How’s the bedroom coming along?” She asked, the kiss finally over.

“Not bad!  We’re only a day or two away from finally getting off the couch and being able to sleep in it. Come see.”

Hand in hand, they walked to the bedroom, while I refilled my wineglass, emptying the bottle.  They were only gone a few minutes, but when Jess returned, I’d already downed the glass.

“I should get going, it’s late,” I said.

Jess looked at me with that concerned look back on her face.

“Uh, Sydney, you’re not going anywhere,” she said. “You’re drunk.”

I protested.  We’d shared three bottles of wine.

“Noooo,” she said, “we shared one bottle.  I’ve only taken about two sips of one glass of the red… you drank the two bottles all to yourself.  And… you’re slurring and swaying, sweetie.”

I shook my head, “I just… I have to go.”

Jess walked right up to me, “It was the kiss, wasn’t it?  I’m sorry Sydney.  I wasn’t thinking…”

She was sincere.  The kiss wasn’t meant to hurt me.  Nor were the “I love you’s”. They were just a couple in love.

She hugged me, “I’m really sorry, Sydney.”

Ugh why did she have to be so sweet!

“Let me make you up a bed.  Stay the night and we’ll have breakfast together?”

I shook my head furiously.

“I’ll call an Uber,” I said, pulling out my phone, fumbling it, dropping it on the floor.  I stumbled as I tried to pick it up.

Jess had seen enough, helping me into a kitchen chair. 

“Stay right there,” she said.

I heard her talking to Jason in the other room.  Clearly, he did not like the idea of me staying.

“I can’t let her get in an Uber like this,” Jess said. “She can barely walk!”

Jason said, “Well, where’s she going to sleep?  You and I are sleeping on the couch because our bedroom is not ready, and the guest room is full of boxes and crap.”

Jess said she’d make me up a bed on the floor.

Suddenly, that’s EXACTLY what I wanted.  That kiss between them… once I left, I knew what they’d be getting up to.  If I was there, sleeping on the floor, they’d have to keep their hands and lips to themselves.  I grabbed Jess’ still almost full glass of wine, sipping it while they debated.

Soon enough, Jess had won the argument with Jason.  She laid blankets out on the floor.  There wasn’t a lot of room, so the makeshift bed was only about a step away from the edge of the couch.  I drunkenly giggled, knowing I would be the reason they wouldn’t be having sex tonight.

“Thank you for letting me sthtay,” I slurred as I finished Jess’ glass of wine.

“Of course!  I’m not letting you leave here in this state.  I’m going to get myself showered and cleaned up.  You come lay down.  Sorry it’s not much, but better you sleeping on the blankets there than anything happening to you.”

I let Jess lead me to the makeshift bed, collapsing on it on my stomach.  She knelt down beside me, stroking my hair.

“Everything’s going to be okay Sydney. Just rest.”

My eyes closed… and I drifted into a deep alcohol-induced sleep.

I had no idea what time it was when I woke up.  My body was sore from the sleeping position, and my head was pounding.  I went to roll over, but stopped myself when I heard whispering from the couch above me.

“Are you crazy?  My ex is right there.”

It was Jason’s whisper, but Jess didn’t feel the need to be so quiet.

“Yeah… but she’s out for the night.  I know a passed-out girl when I see one.  I could scream right now and she wouldn’t stir,” she said in a normal speaking volume.

“You said before I shouldn’t have even kissed you in front of her like that.  Now you want to have sex right next to her?” he hushed.

“Yes,” Jess giggled, “I’m in the mooood. And she’ll never know.”

I almost rolled over and let them know that I was awake.  But I stopped myself.  If they knew I was awake and had sobered up a bit, without me knowing that time it was, it might be early enough for me to get an Uber home.  And if I did that, I’d have to lay at home knowing that Jason and Jess were all over each other.  No, I’d be staying right here!  I loved that Jason was denying her because of my presence.  Jess had been nothing but amazing to me, but if I could stop them having sex tonight, that’s exactly what I was going to do!

Jess continued persuading Jason, “Seriously, babe! She’ll never know.”

I hid a smile as Jason chuckled but said, “No, I can’t do it.”

I felt Jess stand, opening one eye.  The room was dim, lit by only candles.  But in my open eye, I could see Jess’ house slipper-clad feet right near me.

“Look,” she said, “she’s out.”

With that, she tapped my face with the bottom of her slipper, “See?”

I had to stifle a gasp.  I’d just had the bottom of the slipper of my ex’s new woman touching my face!!  

I watched through A squinted eye as Jess’ feet stepped out of her slippers… and then her powder blue nightwear fell to the floor, gathering around her ankles, Jess stepping out of it.

“My goddddd you’re hot,” Jason breathed.

“Mmhm,” Jess teased, “are you ready?”

To my relief, Jason, with a weakened voice, whispered, “I’m sorry, Jess… I… I can’t.”

“Whyyyyyy?” she giggled. “Look!”

To my astonishment, Jess began to use her bare foot to roll me onto my side.  And then, in an act that almost had me blowing my sleeping-cover, she began to tap my cheek with her toes.

“Sydneyaaa, earth to Sydneyaaaa,” she sang. “See! She can’t see, hear or feel a thing.”

Her toes were still there pressed against my cheek as Jason gave up whispering and spoke.

“That’s really, reeeeally hot,” he said.

Jess’ voice sounded pleasantly curious.

“What is?”

“You’ve literally got her under your foot!” my ex said, his voice dripping with excitement.

“Do you… like that?” Jess queried with the most teasingly sexy tone.

“Hell yes!”

“Well, then…” Jess said with a giggle. “How about this?”

To my absolute horror, Jess began to wipe her bare foot across my cheek to the sound of Jason growling “oh fuck!  Oh, baby!”.

Jess had won in more ways than one.  Jason was turned on.  My presence would do nothing to stop them now.  She was using my face as a doormat, and her man was undressing hurriedly.  They were going to have sex right there on the couch above me.  If I ‘woke up’ now, Jess would know I’d been pretending to be passed out.  Worse… she’d know I LET her rub her feet over my face.

“I never thought you’d like my dominant side,” she purred.

“It’s hot!!  Come here, baby.”

Jess rested her foot right on my face, even pressing her heel down firmly on my cheek, wedging my face between her foot and the pillow.