Page 27 of Friends Rucked Up

“Has he told you how he feels about you?”

Way to bring me back down to earth, Gordon.“No, but we shared a little kiss,” I repeat with enthusiasm.

“Good for you… and me,” he says, patting the cardboard sweet box.

“Yes. Enjoy.”

I move onto the next person, serving each resident a fresh pot of tea. My phone is burning a hole in my pocket as I will a message to come through. I’ve had the biggest smile on my face since the kiss last night and I’d like confirmation he doesn’t regret it.

We didn’t talk about what it meant, and I’ve been over analysing it ever since. It might not change anything between us, we might stay friends but occasionally kiss, or maybe he’ll want more. That last idea sets butterflies off in my tummy.

I’m not sure when my feelings for him changed, but I want to kiss him more and maybe get freaky between his sheets. A warm blush creeps up my face. Now I’m picturing him naked and I’m burning up.

“Are you feeling okay?” Doris asks with a worried expression.

“Of course.” I give her my sweetest smile while putting her cup down.

I push thoughts of Alfie to the back of my mind. This is not the place to be getting turned on. I continue my work, first serving drinks, before filling up the washer. I hang out wet clothes, then help with the lunch menu.

It’s gone 2 p.m. before I get my break, and I spend it outside listening to the traffic passing by. I pull out my phone staring atthe screen. No messages are in my inbox which is disappointing. Deciding to take fate into my own hands, I open my camera and snap a picture of myself with my sandwich. It’s not sexy or glamorous, but it will do. I send the picture with the caption ‘Not as good as the eggs.’ I wait for a reply which doesn’t come.

By the time I’m leaving work, I’m disappointed he hasn’t contacted me and I’m ready to confront him. My message was friendly and gave an opening for an easy reply. The least he could’ve done is send me a cute message back even if it was completely platonic. I go home, freshen up, and make my way across the road to his apartment.

I knock on his door with a little too much force and the rattle fills the corridor. “Why are you ignoring me?” I rush out as the door opens. I blink a few times in confusion while my brain catches up. “Harlan, what are you doing here?” I ask.

His light-hearted chuckle echoes around the hall. “Nice to see you too, sis.” He pulls me into a hug as Alfie catches my eye. He gives me a weak guilty smile.

“Sorry. I was driving and only just seen your message. I’ve been to the airport to pick up this stray.” Alfie sounds too cheery like he’s detached from what happened last night.

It’s not the sort of thing I want to discuss in front of my brother, so I’ll let it go for now.

“I thought you said you had your transportation covered?” I ask Harlan before pointing my finger at Alfie. “I’ll let you off this time,” I say. Letting go of my brother, I follow him into Alfie’s apartment.

“My ride fell through, and we both know Mr. Reliable would show up when he’s needed.” He’s referring to Alfie.

Harlan’s suitcase is open in the corner of the living room, and he has his washing piled up on the laminate floor in the kitchen area. “Did you bring me a present?” I ask my brother.

“Me. I’m the present,” he says with a cheeky grin.

“So, no then?” I pout, but I’m only messing with him. I’m glad he’s here and I get to actually hug him.

He roots around in his backpack which is down the side of the sofa and pulls out a shell with googly eyes. “I got this.”

He waggles it in the air and the googly eyes roll around. He hands it over, looking pleased with himself.

“Thanks. This is great.” I shake it, making the eyes move again.

I sit on the arm of the sofa and look at the two guys in my life. My brother’s tan makes me and Alfie look pale. I’ve missed Harlan so much and it’s almost unbelievable that he’s here. If I couldn’t see him with my own eyes, I’d think it was a lie. He’s been gone for too long.

“When did you get home?” I ask.

He rubs the side of his face, and I can see the tiredness I missed when I first greeted him. “Less than an hour ago. I have got to admit I’m shattered. I think I’ll order a pizza before hitting the sack.”

“Well, I wasn’t planning on staying.” I abruptly get to my feet suddenly feeling awkward about barging my way inside Alfie’s apartment. “We’ll catch up tomorrow after you’ve rested. It’s good to see you, Harlan.”

Without waiting for a response, I turn and race for the door. My brother’s visit explains why Alfie hasn’t messaged, and I’m embarrassed I showed up unannounced. I’m halfway down the stairs when Alfie catches up to me.

“Saylor, wait up. Why are you running off?”

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