Spark (3 page)

“Toast, thanks,” I mumble. “I need carbs.”

After toast and coffee, I pick up my shoes and bag, and hug Cassie goodbye. With swollen bare feet, I struggle on the gravel driveway, but there’s no way I can put those heels back on.

“See you Monday morning, hon,” Cassie says waving as I drive away. I put down the windows to drown myself in fresh air.

This hangover shit is not for me.

****

I push open the apartment door to find Crystal taking the plastic cover off our new couch.

“What do you think?” she asks, no doubt happy with the purchase. The smooth suede and plumped cushions look inviting.

“Looks great. I think I’ll be spending some quality time on it later.”

Crystal narrows her eyes at me. “What time did you get in? You’re lookin’ a bit shaggy.”

“Sometime after two, and I had a few smokes, so I’m not feeling the best.”

“I didn’t know you smoked.”

Correct. “That’s just it. I don’t.”

“Well, you’ll have to tell me all about it,” she says, giving me a heartfelt smile.

“Soon,” I say and sigh. “I desperately need to brush my teeth and take a shower.” I cover my mouth. I hope she can’t smell my breath. The vapours would probably knock her out.

After a long hot shower, I’m feeling a little more human.
Just
. I slip on a pair of leggings, a hoodie, and the daggiest bed socks known to man, and sit down at the dining table and flip through the paper. I’m not even in the mood to read.

“There’s a message on the answering machine for you,” Crystal chirps, her words ringing in my ears. “Oh, and where did
these
come from, huh?” She raises her eyebrows and points to the roses, propped up in a makeshift measuring cup vase.

“Oh, they’re from Jon.” I hesitate. “They’re a housewarming present.”

“Sure they are …” Crystal smirks.

Not her, too.

CHAPTER TWO

I sigh, and roll my eyes. “He’s just a friend, Crystal … you know that.”

“
I
know that, Eevie, but does
Jon
know that?” I leave her question unanswered, and walk over to the answering machine. I press the button and it announces
Friday, 7.32 pm
in a mechanical female voice.

“Hey, Eevie, it’s Jon. Give me a call when you get home. Just wondering what you’re doing tomorrow night … okay, catch ya later.”

“Oooohhh,” Crystal teases.

“
Really?
Is that necessary?” I frown.

“Maybe he wants to take you out on a date.”

“Yeah,
that’s
likely.” I scowl at her, pick up the phone and go to my room. I dial Jon’s number.

“Hello?” a familiar voice answers.

“Hey Jon, it’s Eevie,” my voice croaks.

“Hey, how you doin’? Did you go out last night?”

“Yeah, with Cassie from work.”

“Big night?” he asks. He must hear the huskiness in my voice. As if I could hide it.

“Yeah, I’m feelin’ pretty seedy.”

“Do you wanna do something tonight?” His voice is casual, yet hopeful.

“Well … I’m pretty tired, so nothing that requires too much energy.”

“How about I cook us somethin’, and we watch a DVD at my place?”

I hesitate. It’s not like I haven’t had dinner with him before … but now, with the flowers … and the comments from Cassie
and
Crystal, I’m not sure of his intentions.

“Sure,” I reply, not wanting to seem too eager. Crystal is out tonight, so I’d be home alone cooking for one—something I struggle with, after cooking for the family. It wouldn’t be any more imaginative than eggs on toast. “What time, and what do you want me to bring?”

“How about six, and … just bring yourself,” Jon says.

“Okay, see you then.”

“Bye.”

“Bye, Jon,” I say quietly, and hang up. Did I imagine that being awkward, or are those damn flowers making me crazy? My head throbs again, not coping with the questions swirling around in it. I return to the kitchen, take two Panadol tablets, and put the kettle on.

“You want coffee, Crystal?” I yell.

“Yeah, good idea,” she calls from the balcony.

I make two mugs of coffee, and meet her at the dining table. I fill her in on last night as we sip away. She pumps me for information about my plans with Jon, and even though I tell her it’s a casual night in, the suspicious look on her face tells me she thinks otherwise.

****

The sun goes down. Dinner at Jon’s is fast approaching. I’d better put
some
effort into what I’m gonna wear, but unfortunately my bed socks won’t be joining me. I change into jeans and a jumper, and wrap a scarf around my neck. Crystal is in the shower, so I leave her a note on the kitchen bench.

Won’t be home late, maybe we can do
breakfast tomorrow?? Have a good night.
- Eevie

The short drive to Jon’s apartment seems to take forever. I knock lightly on the door, and moments later it swings open. Jon greets me with a huge grin. He must have had a good day.

“Hi. Come on in,” he says, ushering me inside. He follows close behind me as I walk towards the kitchen. The strong smells of spice and the sea have my mouth watering.

“Mmm. Looks like you’ve been busy. What’s cooking?” I ask, taking in the aroma.

“Pad Thai with prawns,” he says proudly.

“Yum.” I’m surprised. I didn’t know he could cook. Well, not something like that.

“I made a chocolate mousse for dessert, too.” He grins, and I know exactly why. He knows me too well.

“Yum. I
love
anything chocolate.”

“I know,” he says, raising an eyebrow.

What was I so worried about? Things between us are just like normal.

“Need a hand with dinner?” I ask as I move into the kitchen. The room is filled with sizzling noises.

“No, no. I’ve got this. You sit.” Jon ushers me out.

“Okay, okay.” I take a few steps backwards and sit on a barstool on the other side of the bench.

As Jon moves busily around the kitchen, I watch him. And
really
take a look at him. He’s tall, with blond hair, and he’s fit. He doesn’t have your typical rugby-player physique—not over-the-top muscly like some. His jeans hang nicely on his hips, and his long-sleeve top is a little too baggy to really see what’s going on underneath. He must have just gotten out of the shower, as his hair is still wet, the longer hair on top clumping together in a few soft curls. By all accounts, he’s pretty attractive. It’s surprising he doesn’t have a girlfriend.

“Dinner’s ready,” Jon says in triumph, interrupting my thoughts. He carries the plates over to the small dining table, and I sit down. “You wanna beer?”

“Yeah, maybe the hair of the dog will make me feel better.” Jon takes two Coronas from the fridge, opens them, and hands me one as he sits.

“So,” Jon says inquisitively. “Tell me about your big night.”

There’s not much to tell, but I give him a rundown. Of course, I don’t tell him that he came up in conversation. That awkwardness is totally unnecessary.

He tells me about his week, and we talk like always. I really treasure this. I don’t have to pretend here. I can be myself, with my best friend. Jon’s really been there for me, through all the family shit. More times that I can count, I’ve thanked my lucky stars for having him in my life.

“This is delicious,” I stumble over my words with a mouthful of noodles. “Who knew that Jonathan Cooper could cook something other than steak?”

“Hey … a man can only try.” He smiles. “I’m glad you like it.” We eat for a while in silence. I didn’t realise how hungry I was, but I haven’t eaten much all day. Luckily, Jon never takes long to finish a meal and I don’t look like so much of a pig, finishing just after him.

Breaking the silence, I wave my hand towards the TV in the adjoining room. “What DVD are we watching? Not some action-packed blood-and-gore movie, I hope?” I’ve watched my share of those with my brothers.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” he says, sweeping his blond locks back with his hand. He gets up, and takes our empty plates to the kitchen.

“Do you want me to help you wash up?” I suppose I should at least offer to help after he cooked such a delicious meal.

“Not unless you have a dying urge to.”

I smile at Jon. “Mmm. No then.”

Jon laughs out loud, and shakes his head.

We move into the lounge room, and I slip off my shoes. My skin prickles with the change in temperature. It’s much cooler in here. I sit on the left side of the small couch—the only couch—and curl my legs under me. I drag the blanket that is draped on the back of the couch over, and cover my legs and bare feet. Jon sets up the DVD, turns off the lights, and moves towards me. The light from the kitchen and the TV, is just enough to prevent us from being in complete darkness.

“Are you cold?” Jon asks.

Ah, hello? Yes!

“Yeah, but I’ll be fine, I’ve got this.” I rub my hand over the blanket.

“You planning on
sharing
that?”

“I guess I have to, otherwise you might not share dessert.” I smirk at him, and move the pillows to get comfy. I begrudgingly offer half the blanket. His warm hand brushes my icy toes as he shuffles under.

“Jesus Christ, Eevie. Your feet are freezing,” he says, squeezing my toes in his hands.

I withdraw them slightly. “Shut up. I didn’t want to embarrass myself by wearing my crazy bed socks, but I didn’t think I’d be facing blizzard conditions,” I say.

Jon chuckles, and leans back onto his side of the couch. Nuzzling his warm feet over mine, he straightens the blanket over us. I sit there like we’re playing musical statues, and freeze. But I’m the only one playing. This game of footsies he wants to engage in is a bit
too
friendly.

“Just let my feet warm you up,” he says, as if sensing my hesitation. He pulls my feet closer to his.

Loud noise blares from the TV as the movie trailers come on, and we both jump. I giggle with relief, grateful for the distraction from our close proximity.
Mmm,
maybe it’s cold in here on purpose
. Would Jon fail to put the heater on so I’m forced to get closer?

The movie starts, and it’s not what I am expecting. It looks like a romantic comedy. Or is it a chick flick?
What?
I glare at Jon and he shrugs his shoulders.

The film starts off with two friends in University. Enter boy and girl.
How original.
They’re good friends, until the girl leaves to go interstate to start her career. Once she’s gone, the boy realises how he feels about her …

Oh God. I don’t like where this is going.

I need a distraction. I don’t know whether I can watch this.

“How ’bout that dessert?” I ask, kicking Jon’s toes with my now warm feet.

“Good idea. You stay here.”

He gets up, and deliberately tucks the blanket over my toes. Smart arse. As he exits the room, I exhale deeply. Was I holding my breath all this time?

“Do you want me to stop the movie?” I yell.

“Nah, won’t be long.”

The cutlery drawer rattles, and moments later he returns with a small bowl in each hand. He passes me one, and settles back into the couch. He positions his body so he’s more facing me than the TV, and edges his feet closer up my legs.

Ignore it. It’s nothing.

“This is heavenly,” I say as the silky-smooth chocolate glides over my tongue.
God, this is good
. “Are you sure you made it yourself?”

“Yes I did, thank you very much.” He frowns, and places his hand over his heart. “Although, I wouldn’t make it for just anyone, you know.” His frown turns to a shy smile.
Oh.

I clear the lump that just magically appeared in my throat. “Well, thanks … job well done,” I say in a deeper voice.

We sit in silence while we eat our mousse, not paying much attention to the movie. Even though I’m uncomfortable, I don’t want to move around. We’re touching enough as it is.

“Did you get my flowers?” Jon asks softly, staring at me intently.

Aw, shit
.

Before I can blink, my cheeks blaze. I bet I’m glowing like the Queen’s birthday bonfire. The timing of the movie is impeccable, lighting up the room. Yeah, he would have noticed alright. I take the empty bowl from his hand, and put it with mine on the coffee table. I use this time to think of what to say. And to breathe.

“I did. Thanks … but you didn’t have to, you know. You can barely afford to pay electricity,” I say, pretending to shiver under the blanket.

I don’t even get a measly chuckle out of him. I thought that was kind of funny.

“I’ve wanted to for a while now.” His voice is quiet, hesitant.

“Huh?” I frown.
Please don’t let that mean what I think it means
.

“Buy you flowers.”

“But why?” I know why, but I couldn’t stop the words from coming out. At least, I think I know. Jon takes my closest hand in both of his, and stares longingly into my eyes.

“Because, Eevie,” he pauses, taking in a deep breath, “I have feelings for you.”

My mouth drops open. He said it. My best friend, has
feelings
for me? My brain freezes up as I try to process his admission. Like Cassie said, friends don’t buy each other flowers. Cassie knew it, Crystal had her suspicions, but now it feels like everyone else was in on a joke, and I’m the only one who didn’t get the punch line. But this is not a joke. This shit is serious, and I’m not laughing.

How long has he felt this way? Did I do something to lead him on?

I’m not sure how much time passes before he interrupts me.

“Say something,” Jon says softly. His eyes nervously bore into me, desperate for my thoughts.

“I … I don’t know what to say.”

Things are perfect just as they are now. Why would he risk changing that? My hand is still in his. I’m afraid to take it away. “What kind of feelings, Jon?” I need to know how deep these
feelings
are. Is it just a crush, or something more?

Jon draws in another deep breath. “I think … I think I’m in love with you.”