When they approached Jackie with their request, her immediate eagerness to assist was striking. “Of course, I’d love to!”, Jackie had exclaimed with a zeal that seemed to stretch just a touch too far. Heather observed Jackie’s animated nodding and wide-eyed enthusiasm, which, instead of reassuring her, left a tiny, persistent doubt itching at the back of her mind. Why was she so keen to take on such a responsibility? Heather’s intuition whispered that there was more to Jackie’s eagerness than met the eye, and it wasn’t something she could easily ignore.
Heather was frustrated with herself for feeling suspicious. Just a few weeks earlier, she would never have doubted Jackie’s intentions. She had always felt secure in her relationship and had trusted Jackie. Normally, the idea of Jackie house-sitting would have been a relief, but now, things felt different. Jackie’s sudden readiness to step in, especially after her recent odd behavior, made Heather uneasy. It was unlike her to be skeptical, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Jackie’s quick, cheerful acceptance might have hidden motives.