"Amazing!" I exclaim, standing back to admire our effort.

"I'll say," retorts Aislinn. "Can we do my room next?" she says, placing her hands together as if praying.

The guestroom has never looked so nice. In fact, I don't think any room in our house appears so elegant. With Olivia's help, we transformed the once dank room into a work of art. Something straight out of the latest issue of a fancy magazine. Sleek monotones of white and black, peppered with pops of bold turquoise, reds, and blues, fill the room. As far as Aislinn's request, well, I wish I can upgrade our entire house accordingly. Though, an endeavour like that would likely cost our entire nest egg, which isn't that big to begin with.

"I'll think about it," I reply. "But I want to thank both of you. I couldn't have done it without either of you, that's for sure!"

Olivia flashes me a playful smile. "I know a way you can thank me."

Eyes wide, and ever so curious, I tilt my head. "And what might that be, exactly?"

"Margaritas, of course!" she exclaims, her bold voice rings in my ears.

The three of us whizz up beverages with a virgin cocktail for Aislinn, despite her nagging attempts to win me over for a 'real' drink. We head out the back door to the patio. Dusting off the white wooden furniture, each of us take a seat around the circular table.

Once upon a time, this area of the house had frequented guests, with barbecues, wonderful music, and great friends. It feels like a lifetime ago now, though. Many of those friends took sides in the divorce, unbelieving of my 'story'-that's what they'd said, anyway.

"Audrey!" Olivia says, pulling me out of my reverie.

"Oh, sorry, my mind wandered off for a moment." I take a sip of my margarita. "Mm, we did well on these."

"I wouldn't know," Aislinn mumbles, taking a sip of her non-alcoholic drink in detest.

Sighing, my shoulders drop, and I place my drink on the table. "I was just thinking about the barbecues we used to have here."

Olivia raises an eyebrow before glancing over at Aislinn, then back at me. I know what she's saying, without speaking a word. She's asking me whether I really want to go down that path right now; in front of Aislinn. Of course, she's right. I know where that conversation will lead, and it isn't something I'm prepared to answer yet. There will come a time for Aislinn to know the truth, the whole truth, but that day isn't today.

Olivia reads my mind again, swiftly diverting the conversation to safer topics. "Let's play a game! Monopoly, Uno, or Twister?"

I stand from my seat, empty glass in hand. "You two can decide. I need a refill," I say, walking back towards the house.

"Ooh, yes please," echoes Olivia. "Make it strong!"

Aislinn rolls her eyes at us, "Just a Coke for me, please?"

I nod at them. "Coming right up!"

A few minutes later, I return; two margaritas, and a can of Coke in hand. I pass them to their respective patrons and saddle back into my chair. "So, what's the verdict?"

With a mouthful of Coke, Aislinn holds up an already decked out hand of Uno cards and nods towards my pile still sitting on the table. I pick them up, splaying them neatly in my left hand. "And how do I know these cards haven't been tampered with?" I say, squinting at her while a snort emits from my nose. Both Olivia and Aislinn laugh loudly at the involuntary sound. When they finally focus again, we set about our game of Uno.

We'd been engrossed in our card game for a good twenty minutes, the laughter and camaraderie flowing effortlessly. As I triumphantly lay my card on top of Olivia's wild draw 4, Aislinn's demeanour shifts noticeably, and clears her throat with a certain gravity.

"Mum," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. It carries an undeniable weight, leaving me curious to her concern. Olivia and I focus on her. Our silence was more deafening than the most uproarious of moments. Aislinn continues, her words cutting through the air, "I think there's something you guys should know."

The cards in our hands fell like autumn leaves, a silent omen of the concealed truth unfurling. My throat tightens, yet my eyes remain wide, eagerly awaiting her revelation.

Aislinn's gaze widens, and her fingers tighten noticeably on the armrests as she struggles to steady her trembling voice. With a deep inhale, she speaks, each word resonating with newfound strength.

"When I became lost in the forest at Lakeview Hollow, something unusual happened." Her eyes dart between Olivia and me. "I stumbled upon a house. It was old, and the windows were all covered in vines." Before I can respond, Aislinn presses on, her voice barely above a whisper. "But that's not all, Mum. I saw a ghost."

The three of us sit in prolonged silence, our eyes locked in an unspoken agreement not to break the intensity of the moment.

"It's probably just your imagination," Olivia says, breaking the silence.

"At first, I thought so, too," Aislinn says, her voice firm. "But I can't shake that night. The house is real; it exists! I remember touching the curtains-they crumbled like powder between my fingers-and the musty air." She looks at me earnestly. "And the ghost..." Aislinn pauses, choosing her words wisely, before continuing. "There's more to it, though. So, don't freak out, Mum, okay?" I nod. "Well, he spoke to me in a dream, just the other day."

I'll admit, my next thought isn't my finest moment. Is my daughter insane? Maybe she's fallen in with a dangerous crowd of kids and started smoking pot or worse, behind my back? As if the story of the abandoned house wasn't far-fetched enough, Aislinn now wants me to believe that she's dreaming of a ghost? Maybe the stress of our family dynamic is finally getting the best of her? I might even need to get in touch with her father. Oh Lord, how will I explain this one? This'll be my fault too, I'm sure.

As Aislinn's revelation lingers, uncertainty settles like a thick mist. Olivia and I exchange glances, sharing our unspoken thoughts of concern, yet a small part of me is curious, too.

Beyond the patio, the afternoon deepens as the day draws closer to night. The wind is picking up pace, howling with an eerie intensity I hadn't observed before. Aislinn's eyes dash back and forth between Olivia's and my own, searching for something.

Despite my scepticism, I want to see where she's going with this. "What happened in the dream, Ais?" I say, feigning sincerity.

Her gaze meets mine, with a whisper she says. "He said he needs my help."

"Your help? With what?" I blurt, unable to control my mouth.

Aislinn shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know. But in the dream the house wasn't dilapidated like in real life. It must've been a thousand years ago."

"A thousand years?" I say, snickering at the exaggeration.

She rolls her eyes, "Whatever, mum. You get the idea. The house was 'nice', not rotted to pieces."

"Sorry honey. Yes, I understand what you mean," I said, apologising.

Olivia appears to be more enthusiastic about the concept than I am. She opens her mouth to speak, but halts as a creaking sound echoes nearby. Each of us look at the other, unknowing if they had also heard the noise.

"What was th..." Aislinn started, only to be cut off by two more creaks, footsteps, drawing ever closer to our seats.

An icy wind rushes through the patio, causing us all to shiver. "It's him," she whispers, tension enveloping us.

The sound of an engine in the driveway cuts the tension like a knife, and I let out my breath. I hadn't even realised I was holding it!

"Oh damn, I completely forgot about Jake. That's probably him, now," I say, jumping from my chair. Olivia and Aislinn follow me inside, parking themselves at the kitchen island rather than the lounge. For privacy, they say, despite my denial of the need.

I try to play it cool. Back during our weekend at Lakeview Hollow, there was an instant spark between Jake and me. Since then, I've done everything I can to deter both my heart and my mind - including those Tinder dates. Yet, seeing Jake in person now makes my stomach lurch as if butterflies or other flying creatures fill it.

My mind rattles with a barrage of thoughts. "Pull it together, Audrey! You are friends, you can do this. Remember, don't push. What's meant to be will be."

I quiet my thoughts and advance toward the door. Embracing the spirit of my namesake, Audrey Hepburn, I turn the handle and swung the door open with all the grace and elegance I could summon.

Jake ascends the front steps, luggage in hand. His radiant smile illuminates his face, providing a comforting contrast to my frayed nerves.

My mind searches for a witty remark. All I blurt is, "Well, hello stranger. Long time, no see!" I can't help but cringe at my own words, mentally rolling my eyes, just as Aislinn would have if she'd overheard me.

Jake is exceptionally polite, or possibly hard of hearing, as he simply responds with, "Hello there, Audrey. Thanks again for your hospitality."

I flash a warm smile in return. "It's my pleasure, Jake. Please, come on in," I say, ushering him into the house.

The door clicks shut, leaving us alone in my cozy lounge room. The atmosphere seems charged, and the air crackles between us as Jake casually sets his bag aside. His eyes linger on mine as he steps closer, my heart quickening in response.

His arms envelope me in a warm, lingering hug, as my mind races. Is it just my imagination, or did the air suddenly become electrified with a subtle undercurrent of desire? As our bodies press against each other, I speculate if this embrace holds a deeper meaning.

"Come. I'll show you to your room," I say, beckoning Jake to follow me. "Guest room," I add, quickly clarifying my meaning as a warm rush of blood tinges my cheeks. A smirk climbed his face, which only intensifies my awkwardness. Let's hope this is the last of my foot-in-mouth tonight before I betray myself in some other ridiculousness.

"How was your trip?" I say, as we climb the stairs.

Jake's luggage thumps against each step as we ascend. "It was ok," he replies. "Always nice to have a change of scenery."

I wait for Jake to reach to top of the stairs, before leading him down the hallway to the guest room. Standing to the side, I open the door and wave my arm for him to enter.

Jake's eyes widened, and jaw drops. "Wow!"

Now I'm the one smirking. "The bathroom is the just there," I say, pointing towards the adjacent room. "Aislinn's is at the end of the hall, and mines over there. I'll leave you to settle in. I'll just be downstairs if you need anything."

"Thanks. I'll be down in a minute," Jake says, stepping deeper into the room.

I take a step backwards, almost bowing on my way out of the room. So much for resisting the urge to do something embarrassing! I really need to get a grip.

Making my way to the kitchen, Olivia and Aislinn's conversation flows, laughter speckled throughout. I round the doorway to find them sitting at the kitchen island. Olivia appears in excellent spirits, and I suspect she's moved onto her third margarita in my absence.

"How's lover boy," she says, her words thick with sarcasm. She follows her remark with an exaggerated wink.

"Shh, he can hear you!" I whisper scornfully. "And he's not my lover!"

"But you want him to be," she mocks, raising both eyebrows. Both Olivia and Aislinn laugh in delight at the thought of it, but it just irks me.

"Stop it, both of you! Be serious now. We need to figure out dinner." I point a stern finger at Olivia. "And you need to sober up."

"Yes, mum," Olivia says, mocking me in detest.

Darn it! My frantic overhaul of the guestroom made me completely forget about groceries. Right now, I need some serious magic to whip up a meal. I search through the fridge, freezer, and cupboards, gathering whatever might help me weave this culinary magic into something palatable. Prayers might come in handy at this point.

My mind drifts back to Aislinn's dream. I'm really concerned that she's taking this ghost stuff seriously. Is it just stress? Can her mental health be crumbling? I can't shake the feeling that it's my fault for not handling things better. But then again, we heard those footsteps outside, didn't we? It's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish reality from illusion. How can I help Aislinn without causing an argument? It all feels too overwhelming!

"Mum, do you need some help?" Aislinn asks, pulling me out of my musing.

I notice Aislinn's been watching me closely. Her eyes reveal her worry. I let out a heavy sigh and briefly look away before meeting her gaze head-on.

"Sure," I say, forcing a brave smile despite the turmoil inside me. "Why don't you help me prepare the vegetables while Olivia sets the table?"

Aislinn smiles, but her wariness lingers, as if she senses something is wrong, even though she can't quite grasp it yet.

As Aislinn and I work together in the kitchen, the weight of unspoken words hangs between us. Chopping vegetables is a quiet dance, a shared moment of respite from the unexplainable mysteries that have invaded our lives. I steal a glance at Aislinn, her features drawn with worry. I must bridge this gap between us, to understand her fears and reassure her she isn't alone in this bewildering journey.

Olivia's cheerful chatter fills the air as she diligently sets the table, taking sips of her cocktail every so often. A small smile creeps onto my face as I watch her move about with the same youthful innocence from when we were teenagers.

I glance over at Aislinn again and wonder how much she truly comprehends. In her eyes, it might all be another adventure, another chapter in our family's history. I know I need to navigate unchartered waters for my daughter's sake and peace of mind.

"Mum," Aislinn says, breaking the silence between us. "You didn't really say anything before."

My eyes remain focused on the meal preparations as I respond. "I didn't want to stress you out, sweetheart." I paused before continuing, "You've had a lot on your plate lately. Besides, you know I don't believe in all that nonsense."

Aislinn stops what she's doing and turns to face me. She places her hands on her hips, challenging me. "So, you think I'm crazy!"

I set aside the chopping knife and face her fully. "No, that's not at all what I'm saying, honey." My voice is soft, laced with concern. I don't want to argue with her, not today, not now. Anxiety gnawed at my stomach, the familiar ache that always emerges in these tense moments. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, holding it for the count of ten. When I open my eyes again, Aislinn is still looking at me, frustration etched on her face.

"Okay," I say, gathering my thoughts. "Tell me about it from the start."

Aislinn recounts her ordeal in the forest. Each word intensifying the unease that had settled over me. Her description of the house sends shivers down my spine; it's as if she's trapped in a suspenseful horror film. Yet, I keep an open mind, reminding myself to support Aislinn. I don't interrupt, just watch her closely as she relives that fateful night. It's strange-the way she speaks of the ghost. He's different from what I imagined. Instead of fear, she expresses empathy, as if she understands the lonely existence of the apparition haunting that once-loved home. Aislinn's gift of empathy has extended itself to Olivia and me, leaving me oddly sympathetic toward the man-turned-ghost.

When her recount is over, Aislinn sits back at the kitchen island, awaiting our responses. Her eyes dash between Olivia and me, her eagerness for resolution palpable.

"Wow, honey. I don't know what to say," I finally admit, my gaze shifting to Olivia, silently seeking her thoughts.

Olivia, still full of curiosity, leans forward. "Ais, do you think you could find that house again?"

Aislinn's contemplative gaze drifts up to the ceiling. "Umm, I'm not sure. Maybe..."

Just then, Jake appears, making his way through the lounge room. I can't contain a startled "eek" at his sudden appearance, and he greets us with a mischievous smile. Classic me, always getting startled so easily. Inwardly, I chide myself for my jumpy reaction, especially in front of Jake.

"Oh, my goodness, Jake. You scared me," I exclaim, clutching my hand to my chest.

"Sorry, Audrey. I guess my stealthy ninja moves silenced my impending arrival," he chuckles, his words followed by an infectious laugh. I shoot him a playful, scorn, though it quickly transforms into a smirk.

A sense of relief washes over me as Jake joins us. His presence is both calm and reassures, like an anchor amidst it all, but along with the relief, a pang of guilt gnaws at me. How selfish of me now, to think about myself, when Aislinn is so obviously dealing with something heavy!

Aislinn speaks. "I was just telling Mum and Olivia about when I got lost in the forest. You know, the night you and Mum searched for me." Jake's expression shifts to one of concern, and he nod in recognition.

His brow furrows slightly, as if reading her thoughts. "I see."

Aislinn focuses on Jake intently. "Actually, you might just be the person we need to solve this dilemma."

"Is that so?" Jake replies, crossing his arms. "Go on."

Aislinn leans in slightly, her eyes locked on Jake, a spark of curiosity burning. "Have you ever heard of an abandoned mansion at Lakeview Hollow? Near the lake."

Jake furrows his brow again, shifting his gaze toward Aislinn. "I've heard rumours about it, but I've never seen it myself."

Aislinn nods, her excitement palpable. "Well, you see, I found it." She pauses, keenly watching Jake for his response, but he remains stoic. "I've been inside that house, Jake. I found it the night I got lost."

"Really?" he says, eyebrows raised.

"Really!" Aislinn answers. "Do you think you could help me find the spot where you found me again? I don't think it's too far from there."

Jake raises a finger to his chin in contemplation. "Yeah, probably. The forest is expansive, but with some luck we could probably narrow it down to a square mile or so. Then it'd just be a matter of searching, and of course, writing the actual location once you find it... if you find it."

Aislinn grins from ear to ear at the prospect. She looks at me and begs, "Mum, let's do it. Please, please?" She jumped up and down, clapping her hands as if she were a small child opening presents from Santa Claus.

Caught up in Aislinn's infectious enthusiasm, I couldn't help but share her excitement. It's hard to resist the allure of uncovering the mansion's location and finding more answers. I exchange a glance with Jake, silently agreeing to embark on this adventure.

Jake grins at Aislinn's spirited antics before turning to me. "Audrey, are you up for it?"

I nod slowly, both filled with anticipation and apprehension. "I guess so. It's worth a shot. Besides, who knows what we might discover?"

Olivia, who's observing the conversation with keen interest, chimes in, "Count me in too. Tomorrow, Jake and I have a work meeting to discuss Lakeview Hollow as part of the renovation project, but I think this could be an exciting side mission."

Aislinn lets out a delighted squeal. "This is going to be so much fun! We'll solve the mystery together, just like a team of adventurers."

As our impromptu expedition takes shape, a palpable sense of unity forms. The mysteries of the forest and the mansion drawing us closer, in a shared quest for elusive answers concealed within the depths of the woods.

With dinner served and ready to eat, Jake remains motionless in his chair. His brows furrowed in confusion, he appeared bewildered.

"Jake, are you alright?" I ask, my voice filled with worry.

He looks at Olivia and then at me, his gaze flickering between us before he says something. "You know Olivia? You're the Olivia who's part of the project?"

Olivia's face breaks into a soft, warm smile. "One and the same."

Jake's curiosity piques, and he leans in, his eyebrow raised in intrigue. "Did you know who I was when you emailed me?" He asks, his voice dripping with accusation.

Olivia shakes her head, her integrity unmistakable. The word "no" escapes her lips, her voice laced with conviction. I sent that email out to a wide range of contractors throughout the entire area. "It's nothing more than a serendipitous coincidence."

I can see the confusion etched on Jake's face as he turns to me, silently asking for clarification. "And you didn't think to mention it?" he questions, a hint of frustration in his voice.

With an apologetic look in my eyes and guilt weighing heavily on my conscience, I softly whisper, "I'm sorry, Jake. I didn't know how to tell you that your big meeting is with my best friend."

Jake's confusion slowly faded away as he took in the unexpected connection. With a faint grin tugging at the corners of his lips, he shook his head in mild amusement, his eyes crinkling with laughter. "Well, isn't this a small world?"

Olivia's laughter cut through the tension, adding a touch of lightness to the atmosphere. "It certainly is, Jake. And it seems like fate has brought us all together for something more than just a business meeting."

Aislinn, always quick to embrace the positive, adds, "See, it's a sign! We're meant to uncover the secrets of that mansion!"

As the evening sun disappears below the horizon, casting long shadows throughout the dining room, the four of us gather around the table, ready to share a meal. Olivia's excitement is contagious as she shares stories about her real estate ventures and dating triumphs. Aislinn chimes in with tales of her recent escapades with friends, both at home and online.

Jake and I sit across from each other, exchanging subtle glances throughout the night. Our eyes meeting briefly, like a secret language only we understand. Our smiles hold hidden meanings, and in those stolen moments of connection, we dance on the precipice of something more profound.

I dwell on my feelings, simmering and hidden beneath the surface. Jake's presence has rekindled something in me; something I've tried to bury under the weight of my responsibilities and my hesitations. I admire his adventurous spirit, his sense of humour, and the genuine kindness he displays. Yet, the geographic distance between us is an imposing hurdle.

As the meal progresses, the tension between us grows, electrifying the space between our seats. I ponder the possibilities that might await me if I am to take a leap of faith. Can there be a chance for us, despite the miles that separate us? My heart aches with indecision.

After we finish dessert, laughter lingers in the air, and Aislinn excuses herself to go to bed. Her energy wanes from a day filled with excitement. I imagine she's also emotionally drained as well. Olivia, too, decides it's time to return to her home, her cheerful demeanour carrying her back into the cool night.

The house falls into a gentle hush as the two leave, and Jake and I remain alone at the table. We share a prolonged look, knowing that the night is far from over. The mysteries of Lakeview Hollow beckon, as does the unspoken connection between us. The moments we've shared, and the ones that lay ahead, intertwined with questions that beg for answers. With a quiet understanding, we know our journey has only just begun.

And so, the night presses on; darkness enveloping the house as Jake, and I venture into uncharted territory. Our hearts and minds fill with possibilities and uncertainties. The mansion and its secrets await, promising a path that will test our resolve, challenge our beliefs, and perhaps lead us to a destiny we can only imagine.

I rise from the table, feeling the weight of our shared meal now behind us. I gather the dishes, placing them into a neat stack, and head to the kitchen sink. The clatter of plates and the scrape of utensils against ceramic break the peaceful silence that has settled over us. It's a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of emotions that have been churning inside me all evening.

To speed up the cleaning process, I fill the sink with hot water and soap. Regrettably, I underestimate the temperature, taking me by surprise. My finger burns and pain shoots into my hand, travelling up my arm.

"Ouch!" I squeal, a sharp exclamation of excruciating pain as I rip my hand back out from the sink, the sting immediate.

Footsteps rush to my side, and as I gaze upon my injury, a pair of rugged hands reach out to inspect the damage. Despite their rough exterior, they hold my hand gently, caressing my skin as if it were an infant. My eyes flutter up and confirm Jake's presence. His warm fingers against my skin make my heart skip a beat.

My mind races as he checks the burn, his eyes focused on my finger. The tingling sensation of his touch sends a shiver down my spine, and my heart quickens its pace. I can't deny the flutter of nervous excitement that courses through me.

"Are you okay?" Jake says, voice filled with genuine concern. I lose myself in his gaze as he examines the burn.

Nodding, my cheeks tinge with a faint blush. "I'll be fine," I say, though his proximity makes it a little difficult to concentrate. But Jake doesn't seem convinced by my attempt to downplay the mishap. He continues to hold my hand, studying the burn with a careful and caring touch. His concern is palpable, and it's both endearing and unsettling to feel his attention so focused on me.

As he tends to me, I ponder the closeness between us, the unspoken tension that lingers in the air. There's something magnetic about him, something that draws me in despite my reservations. My heart races as I wonder where this connection might lead, what possibilities lie ahead for us.

"It's not too bad," he reassures me, his voice low and soothing. "But you should run it under cold water to cool it down."

I follow his advice, moving back over to the perpetrating sink, letting the cool water flow over my injury. The relief is immediate as the pain ebbs away. I'm grateful for Jake's attentiveness, even though I feel a flutter of nervous excitement at our closeness.

My heart races in my chest as I turn to meet his gaze. His presence envelopes me, comforting. Our eyes lock, and I glimpse my deepest desires mirrored in his. A connection so intense it seems to generate an electric charge. In that moment, the rest of the world fades into insignificance, leaving only the two of us entangled in this fervent, emotion-fuelled embrace.

Jake's fingertips run softly along my cheekbone, travelling slowly until finally our lips meet in an electric, fervent kiss. His caress lights a flame inside me as I surrender to his embrace, unable to control the passionate desire that surges through me. Our lips move in perfect sync, tasting, and exploring each other with an unreachable longing.

We reluctantly pull apart, both of us gasping for air. I sense that this is merely the opening chapter of an exhilarating adventure. The enigmas of Lakeview Hollow seem to lose their lustre in the face of the captivating mystery embodied by the man standing before me. He's rekindled a dormant spark within me.

Jake's eyes brim with passion and longing, and I realise he shares the same magnetic attraction. In that fleeting moment, I feel a profound connection, as though destiny has brought us together - if only for a brief interlude.

My mind conflicts, though. On the one hand, there's Jake - this incredible opportunity to start fresh and make fresh memories, perhaps even love. But then there's Aislinn - my daughter for whom I've sacrificed so much in the name of reconciliation and rebuilding our relationship. I'm caught between two clashing forces. Should I move forward and risk damaging what I had worked so hard to nurture, or did I just take an uncertain step back? Anxiety rages through me as I weigh the potential cost of each decision.

Nervously, I touch Jake's chest and sense the firmness of his muscles beneath my fingertips. I can't bear to look at his face, so I bow my head and whisper, the words escaping me in a faint breath. "I'm sorry, Jake; I can't." Quickly, I pivot and rush off, abandoning him to his solitude.