Page 5 of Friends Rucked Up

“Nah, I belong here.” There’s no wavering in her answer.

“Good. I’d miss you too much if you left.” My eyes go wide at my confession.

I mean the words, but they come out too needy for my liking. I’m supposed to be this tough rugby player, but maybe I’m a softie underneath. Plus, I’m not supposed to be letting on how much I care for her.

“You cope just fine without Harlan. You’d be fine without me, too. It’s not like we hang out all the time. You’re always too busy so you wouldn’t even notice I was gone.”

That’s completely and utterly untrue. I keep a safe distance so I don’t give the wrong idea, but I see her all the time.

“I see you every morning.” I make sure my first run of the day is scheduled so I can see her going to work, not that I’d admit that to her.

“Only because you have the urge to exercise at the ass crack of dawn,” she teases.

Coach keeps us on a tight fitness programme so I’d be out running at that time anyway, but I wouldn’t be staying close to home. The local park or playing field would be more suitable than pounding my feet against the hard pavement. I could even run on the beach or in the woods if I was willing to drive to a better location.

“It’s called dedication to my career, but it’s still nice to see you.”

An awkward silence falls between us for a second and she’s first to look away. Does she want me to make more of an effort with her? I’m trying to keep my distance yet tormenting myself by making sure I get a glimpse of her. Saylor isn’t for me, orat least that’s what I have to keep repeating over and over in my head.

“You’re a charmer, Alfie Nash.”

And you’re a beautiful goddess, Saylor Goodyear.“I aim to impress,” are the words that fall from my lips.

“You can impress me by being a gentleman and walking me home.”

My smile falters, but I quickly try to hide my disappointment. She’s been here most of the night but it’s still not enough. It’ll never be enough.

“Of course I can do that.” I down the rest of my beer before going to find a jumper and some suitable footwear.

She leads the way down to the ground level and we cross the road towards her flat. This neighbourhood is decent, but it’s dark, and I’d never let her walk home alone after we’ve spentan evening together. If she thinks it’s gentlemanly, I’ll take that. The main reason I do it is because I’m never ready to let her go.

Loud sirens grow closer as people begin to gather in the street. It’s unusual to see so many of our neighbours at the same time. There are old and young people alike clustering in little groups.

“What’s going on?” Saylor asks someone standing against a parked red car while wearing their pink pyjamas. Her hair’s set in rollers, and she looks uncomfortable to be out on the street.

“The fire alarm went off and we’ve had to evacuate the building.” She wraps her arms tightly around her body.

Saylor points to her block of flats. “Is it block C?”

The woman nods while the corner of her lips droop down.

“Great, I guess my night just got a whole lot longer.” She pats my chest in a dismissive way. “You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to. Hopefully, it’s a false alarm and I’ll be tucked up in bed soon. There’s no point in us both losing sleep over whatever is going on here.” She’s trying to give me an out so I can go back to my flat, but I’m having none of it.

“Don’t be ridiculous, I’ll wait with you,” I say firmly.

The siren silences as the fire engine comes to a stop in front of the block of flats and a couple of firemen go into the building. A dark cloud of smoke escapes from a window a few floors up causing an outbreak of chatter between the people in the crowd.

“Someone’s probably burnt their toast,” Saylor says, with a shrug.

She’s trying to be optimistic, which is Saylor all over. I hope it’s a false alarm and everyone made it out safely, but we’ll have to wait and see.

“I like your positivity. Once they’ve found the toaster and cracked open a window, all will be good.” I rub the top of her back trying to support her the best I can.

“I think that will solve it.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes, and I can tell she’s more worried than she is letting on.

She shivers before holding her arms around her body as she looks up at her home. Instinctively, I wrap my arms around her so I can pull her nearer to me. The soft floral scent she wears makes my mouth water as I realise my mistake. I shouldn’t be this close to her, but it would be wrong to push her away now. She leans back into me, and I can’t help savouring the contact.

“Is this better?” my voice comes out more gravelly than usual.

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