What Comes After

Renee woke with a pounding headache and an aching body. Her limbs felt heavy as she sat up slowly in bed. The sunlight piercing through the window made her squint, and she reached up to rub her temples. “How much did I drink last night?” she mumbled to herself. Her memory was patchy—fuzzy at best. Something about Jake. Laughing. Kissing. The rest blurred into color and warmth. She groaned and turned toward her nightstand, intending to check her phone, when she noticed a note on the table next to a hot cup of coffee. She leaned over to read it, eyebrows arching in surprise.

“I hope you don’t mind. You wanted me to stay until you passed out. I got you coffee for your headache.” How did he know? Her fingers trembled slightly as she turned the paper over. “I had an enjoyable time with you last night. I also apologize if it was out of line. Hope to hear from you soon. — Jake.” Her face flushed. “Last night was real?” she whispered to herself, eyes darting downward. She was only wearing underwear and a shirt—not hers. It was definitely Jake’s. Heart racing, she leapt out of bed and rushed to the shower before the kids woke up. The steaming water helped a bit, but her thoughts were spinning. Did they sleep together? What exactly happened?

By the time she got out, the boys were already up and dressed for school. Renee moved into autopilot mode, making them lunches while they munched on cereal. She sent them off with kisses on the forehead, waving from the porch. With the house finally quiet, Renee sank onto the couch and pulled out the will again. The words still felt surreal. Leo had left them a house. A big house. One they’d picked out together. Her heart clenched at the memory. Should she take it? Would the boys be okay with it? Her fingers traced the edge of the paper, and something within her settled. She had to. This was her second chance—to rebuild, to start over in a space that once held dreams. The house was meant for them. Now, it was hers to claim.

That meant calling Jake. Her cheeks flushed again, this time at the memory of their night—hot, electric, and unexpected. She picked up her phone and started to dial, only for it to buzz in her hand. Jake. Perfect. “Hello?” she answered, trying to keep her voice level. “Good morning,” came Jake’s voice, warm and teasing. “How do you feel?” Renee instinctively touched her temple. “I’m okay. A little sore,” she said, regretting the implication as soon as it left her mouth. “But I’m good. Actually, I was about to call you.”

“Yeah? About last night?” he teased. She scrambled. “No! I mean, yes, but also... I made my decision.” There was a pause.

“You’re taking the house, aren’t you?” he asked, a touch of emotion in his voice. “I am,” she said softly. They ended the call after making plans to meet later. Renee decided to pick the kids up early and spend the day with them before telling them the news. Nate didn’t complain; he hated school and welcomed any reason to leave. LJ was less enthusiastic—he loved school—but seeing Nate made it better. Renee pulled them both into a hug and grinned.

“How about burgers and fries?” she offered. They lit up. At the diner, their favorite spot, they ordered. As the waitress was about to leave, Renee added another burger and asked for it to come out slightly later. Nate raised an eyebrow. “Who's the extra food for?” Before she could answer, her phone buzzed.

Jake: Running late. Meeting’s dragging. Don’t wait for me to order.

She smiled and slid her phone back into her bag. “It’s for Jake. He’s joining us.” LJ grinned. He already liked Jake—especially after the books and games Jake gave him last time. Nate, however, was curious. “Are you two… you know... dating?” he asked awkwardly. Renee shook her head. “No, sweetheart. We’re friends.” That wasn’t a lie. Not exactly.

Jake arrived just as their food did, sliding into the booth with his signature grin. “You ordered my favorite burger,” he said, surprised. “I remember. Leo always ordered an extra one on road trips. I didn’t realize it was for you until recently.”

Jake looked at her thoughtfully but said nothing. After eating, Nate circled back. “So... what did you want to talk to us about?”

Jake turned to Renee. She took a deep breath. “Jake found a will. One we didn’t know about. Turns out, your dad left us a house. A nice one. With land.” LJ’s eyes widened. “Where is it? Do we have to move again?”

“It’s in a different state,” Renee said, bracing herself. “Yes, it would mean new schools. But Jake can explain it better.”

Jake jumped in, describing the fifteen-acre property. A big house, no neighbors, a place with space to grow. No animals yet, but the possibility of a farm. By the time he pulled out pictures, both boys were fully invested. “Can we get pigs?”

“I want a cow!”

“No chickens!” LJ shrieked. “They peck!” Renee laughed, the tension finally lifting. As they walked home afterward, she felt a weight slide off her shoulders. This could really work. She told the boys to go inside and promised to join them shortly. She turned to say goodbye to Jake—only to be pulled into a kiss.

Surprised, she kissed him back, but quickly pulled away. “Jake...” He kissed her again, softer, and turned to leave without another word. Renee watched him walk to his car, stunned. Had she upset him? Were they more than friends now?

Her phone dinged. A message from Jake. She chose not to read it yet. Later, while a movie played in the background, Renee dozed off. A knock at the door woke her. Nate came down to get her, and she groggily answered, still half-asleep.

To her surprise, Jake stood there, smiling. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just came by to drop off the key to your new house. And... did you read my message?” Renee jolted. “No! I must’ve fallen asleep.”

She ran to her phone, unlocked it, and read the message. Her face went hot. She darted upstairs and returned a minute later.

“Give me one hour,” she told him. Jake smiled, handing her a coffee. “I’ll be back.” When the door closed behind him, Renee stared at her reflection in the hallway mirror. He wants to take me out. But as friends… or something more? She blushed, grabbed her curling iron, and started getting ready. An hour later, she called him.

“I’m ready now,” she whispered, heart thudding.