Chapter 24
James and I have hung out on a number of occasions, strictly as friends. At first I didn’t believe his intentions were honorable, but he’s made no advances whatsoever. I’m definitely more comfortable around him the more I get to know him. He’s really personable and funny—the kind of guy I can see making anyone feel comfortable. But it’s all genuine. I can see why his students love him. Tonight I’m going over to his place to help him make dinner. He has family coming in town over the weekend and his plan is to get everything prepped in advance so all he has to do is throw everything in the oven.
I call him on my way home from work.
“Do you need me to pick up anything on the way over?”
“I don’t think so. I’ve got the chicken, vegetables, and everything on the ingredient list.”
“OK. Good. What about aluminum foil? Do you have something to wrap it up in?”
“I have Tupperware,” he says proudly.
“Umm, OK. I think my grandma had Tupperware.”
“Make fun all you want. It’s gonna be right up your alley.”
I laugh and say, “See you at seven.”
I arrive right on time and he’s got everything set up on his counter. We’re about to get to work on the chicken so I look in his drawers for a sharp knife.
“Where do you keep the knives?”
“In here,” he says, pulling open a drawer.
“These are butter knives. What about a steak knife?”
He looks at me blankly.
“Something sharp to cut the chicken.”
He smacks his forehead.
“Shit. I guess I could ask a neighbor. How would that sound? It’s not exactly like asking to borrow a cup of sugar, is it?”
“We could run to the store,” I suggest.
“Do they sell those around here?”
“I’m sure they do.”
There’s a Target nearby. I check the website and they do indeed sell steak knives.
“Looks like we’re making a Target run,” I tell him.
“Sorry about this, Lucy. I can go on my own. I’m sure you have better things to do.”
“And let you pick them out on your own? No chance. You’ll need help.”
He laughs. “They’re just knives. I think I can handle it.”
“The website featured twenty-four different search results.”
“Oh. OK, then. A Target run it is.”
I figure I can pick up some other things I need as long as we’re there. The walk takes us about ten minutes. We find the kitchen section and look at our choices.
“Who knew there were so many different features?” he asks. As we look around I muse this must be what it’s like for a couple registering. We discuss the options and narrow them down to a few choices. James makes his selection and I ask if he minds if I pick up a few things. He says not at all and waits for me downstairs. As we head back to his place he jokes that he’s never felt safer than at this moment. I laugh.
“If only you knew how to use them.”
For that comment he playfully elbows me. I’m about to give it right back to him but he dodges my attempt.
“Hey! No fair.”
“You forget I train high school students. I know every trick in the book.”
It’s just before nine by the time we make it back to his place.
“Sorry about tonight. I’ll just get everything ready after work tomorrow. It’s kind of late to get started now.”
“No problem. It was fun.” And it was. I always have fun when I’m with James. “You know what? I can come over tomorrow and help you.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. I’ll come over right after work.”
“I owe you, Lucy. I’ll walk you to your car.”
He watches me until I pull out of my parking space then gives a wave. He really is one of the good ones.
The next day I show up at his place after work as promised. Again, it was easy for me to find a parking space. Someone was leaving right as I was pulling up. I try not to think about that sign. We’re just friends. We prep the chicken and then the vegetables. Once everything is ready James pulls out his Tupperware. There are containers with matching lids in all different shapes and sizes. I think I may have a tiny O. This is not your run of the mill food storage system. It’s a dream—my dream. James laughs when I tell him so.
“See, told you. Right up your alley.”
“You know me so well.”
“I do,” he says, more serious this time.
I swallow the lump that’s formed in my throat and say I should get going. That moment we just had could change things and I’m eager to leave.
“That’s fine, I was about to go for a run anyway.”
I get in my car and start driving home. That’s when I realize I left my day planner on his hall console. I call him but he doesn’t answer. I cannot go home without my planner. I head back toward his place and grab the first parking spot I find. I ring his bell but he’s not back yet. To kill some time I head to a coffee shop nearby and do some work. After about thirty minutes I try again. This time he answers the door. He’s wearing a tank and running shorts and his body is covered in a sheen of sweat. His hair is pulled back in a bandana. It’s getting longer now and he runs a hand through it, revealing some very large biceps. I never realized he was so fit.
“Lucy, you’re back.”
It takes me a minute to find my voice. “I left my planner here. It’s on your hall table. I tried calling you, but must’ve just missed you.”
“Sorry, I didn’t bring my phone. I like being disconnected when I run. I’ll go grab it for you.”
He comes back and hands me the planner. He has a thin line of sweat running across his chest, which accentuates his nice pecs. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised considering he coaches baseball. Probably works out with the team too.
“Thanks, James.”
“No problem. Do you want me to walk you to your car?”
“That’s OK. I’m just up the street and it’s not dark yet.”
He closes the door and I’m still standing on his doorstep. I take a deep breath and knock again.
This time when he opens it he’s not wearing a shirt. I stare at his muscular chest and the six-pack that is his stomach. Wow.
“Forget something else?”
“Sorry, I can see you’re about to get in the shower.” I’m suddenly nervous.
“No problem.” My eyes drift to the happy trail just below his abdomen, leading down to the waistband of his shorts, then disappears. “Lucy?”
“Hmm.” Oh my God, I’ve been staring at him.
He’s looking at me with an amused expression.
“James?”
“Yes?”
“I’m done being friends.”
The smile he gives me warms my insides and pushes away any doubts. He pulls me inside and kisses me. It’s a really nice kiss.
But that night when I close my eyes before I fall asleep, it’s not his face I see.