Manage Me

I didn’t know what to think when I woke up the next morning. I was exhausted. Though I had fallen asleep, I woke up continuously throughout the night, tossing and turning. I hadn’t fallen into a deep sleep until 2:00 in the morning, so I had woken up later than usual. The clock told me it was 11:00 and I rushed to get ready. Even though I had asked Matt to tell Jack I would be in at the same time, I had decided I would rather make up my hours earlier instead of having to stick around until late.

My brain was filled with conflicting emotions while I picked through my clothing. A part of me was relieved that it was my last day. I didn’t want to have to see Jack, knowing that he had figured out who I was. But a bigger part of me was sad. I had really started liking Jack. I liked talking to him and watching his reactions to my the answers I gave him during that ridiculous 20 questions game. After today, I would probably never see him again.

I managed to get dressed in something half-way decent, not even bothering to try and look cute. Why should I? Maybe Jack could have started liking me as more than just his maid, but all hopes of that had vanished after yesterday. It was ridiculous to even think he might have feelings for me. He was famous and could obviously get any girl he wanted. I was just a 20-year-old fuck up. With sagging shoulders, I made my way out to my car and began the drive to Jack’s house.

Get it under control, Katie. Stop moping. If you survived Matt you can survive Jack.

I forced the sadness away. If I let it consume me, I would go running back to my old vices. They were the reason I had lost Kade in the first place. The reason I had never graduated or been able to get a decent job. I was not going to let anyone ruin that for me. Especially now that I was getting so close to getting Kade back. So, with a determined nod to myself, I climbed out of the car. I kept my back straight and my head held high as I walked up to the door. My knock was firm even though my heart was pounding. But no one answered. I knocked again. There was still no answer. I was about to just try opening the door but I heard stumbling footsteps, so instead I waited patiently. The knob turned and I braced myself.

“What do you want?” A deep groaned.

I stepped back slightly. Jack was not the man standing in front of me. I looked around quickly, making sure I was at the right house. After confirming that this was the same house I’d been coming to for the past five days, I studied the guy in front of me. It took me a moment, to recognize him. But after looking past the sleepy eyes and sagging body, I realized it was Alex Gaskarth.

“Uhm, my name is Katie. I’m Ja – Mr. Barakat’s maid?” I don’t know why that came out as a question. He looked me over and then straighten, the sleep fading from his chocolate eyes.

“Oh, yeah.” He offered me a dazzling smile. “You’re the one that was singing Dear María.” I blushed.

“Yeah…” He smirked.

“Well as long as you promise not to stalk me, I guess I can let you in.”

“First off, why would I want to stalk you? And secondly, this isn’t even your house so how could I possibly stalk you?” I retorted. I chewed on the inside of my cheek when he didn’t respond. “I’m sorry.” I blurted out. He laughed.

“No need to apologize, I just gotta make sure cause fangirls can get a little crazy at the sight of me.”

“You’re pretty sure of yourself.” I snapped. “And I am not a fangirl.” He chuckled and I bit my cheek again.

What the hell is wrong with me today?

“I guess I can let you in then, Katie.”

“Thank you.” I mumbled as I stepped through the doorway. “Where is Mr. Barakat anyway?”

“Sleeping. He’s such a lazy fuck.” I giggled and he offered me another bright smile.

“I’m going to get to work then.” I said, slipping around him.

I made my way into the kitchen. I figured I could save what was left to be cleaned outside for when Jack woke up so that I could avoid him. I noticed that Jack hadn’t been cleaning any dishes and there was another pile of them in the sink. I sighed and put them in the dishwasher. His house was going to go back to being a mess in no time at all after today. It would be like I never even existed.

As I set to work, I heard someone shuffle into the room. I spun around quickly. My breath came out in a relieved rush when I saw Alex instead of Jack. I ignored him as he took a seat at the counter, focusing on the only thing that was left to do: surface cleaning.

“You know, I wasn’t expecting you to be so pretty when I hired you.” I blushed a deep red. “And you’re so little! I thought you were gonna be like some old, fat maid.”

“Sorry to disappoint.” I teased. I was far too used to being my normal self around Jack that I found it difficult to act the way a professional maid was supposed to. He grinned.

“Believe me, you are far from a disappointment.”

I ducked my head to hide the bright red color of my cheeks. I heard Alex chuckle. When I looked up he was smiling at me. I redirected my gaze to the cleaning spray and cloth in my hand. He was silent for a moment as I began wiping down the surfaces.

“You blush a lot, you know.” That had me blushing all over again.

“That’s what Jack…I mean Mr. Barakat said too.” I mentally cursed myself at the slip up. “So, why are you still here if Jack’s asleep?” I questioned quickly, trying to change the subject.

“Why, are you trying to get rid of me?” He teased.

“No, I’m just curious.”

“Well there’s a pretty girl here who is quite entertaining. I figured maybe I’d stick around and get to know her.”

“You’re a bit of a charmer, aren’t you?”

“Only when I’m talking to girls I want to charm.” He smiled at me cheekily. I laughed at him.

“Alex, who are you – oh, hey Katie.” I tried not to squeak at the sound of Jack’s voice behind me.

I quickly turned and caught him staring at me. I tried not to squirm uncomfortably. He looked upset.

Of course he’s upset. You’re here.

I quickly gathered my things.

“I’m going to start on the outside, Mr. Barkat.” I said with my head down.

With one last glance at Alex, whose brow was furrowed in confusion, I slipped out the back door. I slid the door shut behind me and took a deep breath to calm myself before calmly walking to the pool house. I desperately hoped it was messy enough to keep me out of the house for a while. Going back in there and facing that look on Jack’s face was not something I was prepared for right now.