Page 63 of Punt

I was ninety-nine point nine nine percent sure he felt the same way about me that I did about him. The way he looked at me, touched me, said more than words ever could have.

We also shared the feeling we should avoid each other, before we got hurt.

I slipped into my car and turned on the engine. Thankfully something went right and it started.

On the drive home, I considered my options. Would I go to the game on Saturday? From what I understood, it was an important one. If the Rapids won against the Kookaburras, it would put them on course to the Down Under Bowl. It was difficult not to get excited about that. If they lost, their season would more or less be over.

The atmosphere would be electric.

Did I want to share that with Kris?

I was still mulling that over when I got home.

The moment I parked the car, I had the feeling something was off.

Gingerly, I climbed out and glanced around. I saw no sign of Harvey Danbury, or anyone with a camera, phone or anything like that. In fact, the street was quiet, but not more so than usual for this time of day.

I shrugged to myself and headed into my building. I gave Greta, the night door person, a nod as I passed on the way to the elevators.

Greta was as sweet as they came, but she didn't look it. She was taller than Chase and maybe twice as wide. Only a brave person would try to get past her.

She gave me a funny look, but nodded in return.

Okay, this was getting weirder. Did I need to cross my fingers that the internet wasn't suddenly full of stories about me, and photos of me at Chase's home? Because I'd totally cross them and keep them crossed while I hid out under the bed covers.

Good grief, when did I start having to worry about being a tabloid headline? As if life wasn't enough of a challenge.

The elevator took me up to my floor without stopping or acting strange. That was a bonus. I dreaded it breaking down some day and leaving me stuck in there. If I didn't have a fear of confined spaces, I would after that.

The doors slid open. I looked each way slowly before I stepped out and let the doors slide shut behind me.

The only sounds in the corridor were the TV in number thirty-three, and someone in thirty-six singing loudly. A male voice, he didn't sound bad at all. I didn't recognise the song, but I wouldn't be surprised if I heard him on the radio some day.

I stopped for a while to listen, then kept walking to my door. The thirty-nine above the peephole was a little worn. I might have to see about replacing that.

I slid the key into the lock and opened the door.

"What the hell?"

Everywhere I looked was covered in bright, round balloons. Red, yellow, green, blue, pink. Every colour you could imagine, it was there. If I guessed, it would be over a hundred of the things. Maybe two. I didn't try to count them.

I shook my head. Should I step inside or turn and run?

I shuffled in and closed the door. The balloons shifted in the light wind generated from my movement.

I stood still. If I didn't move, neither would they. Unless balloons could sense fear. If that was the case, I'd be in big trouble.

The phone rang. I nearly jumped so high I hit my head on the ceiling.

I pulled my phone out of my bag and answered without seeing who was calling.

"Hello?"

"Hey." Kris' voice came through the connection. "Did you find my surprise?" He sounded very pleased with himself.

"You did this?" I asked. Of course he did. Who else would have a key? Stupidly, I was halfway to thinking this was Chase's work.

Idiot, I told myself.

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