A Hook-Up I Guess

You glance down at the mystery message again, confusion creasing your brow as you quickly type a response:

"Sorry, who is this? And what post are you talking about?"

While Clara and David continue discussing potential purchases, you watch the screen anxiously. Three dots appear almost immediately, pulsing as Jamie types his reply.

The response pops up with a selfie attached: a handsome man with dark curly hair and an athletic build, smiling confidently at the camera from what looks like a gym. He's wearing a fitted tank top that showcases impressive shoulders.

https://imgur.com/a/hG0KHYa

"LOL playing hard to get after last weekend? It's Jamie from David's gym. We hooked up at Pulse after you had that fight with Matt. Your IG story today looking hot as fuck in that blue dress got me thinking we should pick up where we left off tonight "

Your stomach drops as you stare at the message. Apparently in this new reality, "Mia" has a history with this guy—a history that involves hooking up after some fight with... yourself? The cognitive dissonance makes your head spin.

You quickly tap through to Instagram, and sure enough, there's an account under @mia_osullivan with over 2,000 followers. The most recent story shows you twirling in the midnight blue dress—a video you definitely don't remember taking. The caption reads: "Shopping spree courtesy of @david.wells! What should I wear tonight? "

"Everything okay?" David asks, suddenly appearing at your side. He glances at your phone screen, catching a glimpse of Jamie's selfie before you can lock the display.

A muscle tightens in David's jaw. "Jamie texting you already? That was fast."

"You know him?" you ask, trying to sound casual.

"Personal trainer at my gym," David says, his tone carefully neutral. "Bit of a player."

Clara swoops in, plucking the phone from your hand before you can stop her. "Ooh, Jamie Russell! He's got abs you could grate cheese on." She scrolls through your messages with practiced ease. "Wait, you two hooked up last weekend? After you and Matt had a blowout?"

You freeze, heart hammering. "Matt and I... had a fight?"

Clara gives you a confused look. "You don't remember having a fight? And didn't you say Matt is letting you stay at his flat while he is gone?"

Think quickly, you try to improvise "I mean a guess we had a 'fight' but it was at best a little tiff. I was just surprised anyone else was aware. We are still good, as far as I know"

Your phone buzzes again with another text from Jamie:

"So we on for tonight? Pulse at 10? I'll save you a drink at the bar "

David's watching your reaction carefully. "You're not seriously considering going out with him again, are you?"

Before you can answer, Natalie returns with an armful of shopping bags. "All your selections are packed and ready to go! Would you like to wear any of your new purchases out of the store?"

Clara claps her hands. "Yes! The emerald wrap dress. Perfect for the rest of our shopping day."

"Shopping day?" you echo weakly.

"Obviously," Clara laughs. "We've only just started! Next stop is Gloss & Glam for hair and makeup. Can't have you wandering around with that bedhead if you're hitting Pulse tonight!"

17:15 | Saturday 2 August 2025 | Slink Boutique, Putney