Ben and Andrea stayed for another hour, talking me down from my craving for a hit. I felt like a prick for being resentful of their good fortune, and the open displays of their obvious love for each other. In my defence, I was frustrated as fuck. Having Veronica here, under my roof, was the most exquisite torture.
Instead of going for a run, I tried out my domestic side. I didn’t want Veronica waking up tomorrow morning to a dirty kitchen. Clearing off the remaining debris from dinner, I brought it inside and locked up for the night.
I tried to be quiet, but the beer bottles clinked together as I put them in the recycling bin. Shit. I hope I didn’t wake her up. Then again, maybe I’d get a glimpse of her in her PJ’s. That thought sent my imagination straight to the gutter. A quiet groan escaped, sounding like a wounded animal. I laughed at the accuracy of that comparison.
A whoosh of cold air hit the back of my head. I’d just shut the windows, but I double checked them even though the air outside was nowhere near as cold. This shit was getting so weird. I felt eyes watching me. Could’ve been old Mrs. Hammond looking over the fence again. She liked to gawk. I shook my head with a smile. The only person I wanted checking me out was sleeping soundly down the hall.
Back off, Ben said. I huffed again. My thoughts swirled like the suds in the kitchen sink. They changed shape, forming a brilliant plan. Andrea seemed to think there was some hope for me. I remembered the way Veronica’s hands shook when I helped her with the dessert. The way she bolted after that. I took it as a bad sign, but what if she was feeling it, too?
I needed to charm her. My Gran would say I needed to woo her. Give her romance. Ben was right, I’d been coming on too strong. Basics. I’ve got to get back to basics, and become her friend.
Friends do stuff like run together, right? I quickly finished up and got ready for bed. Phase one; Friendship, started at sparrow’s fart, tomorrow.
Ronnie
Running was my bliss, but I was dead tired. I woke up in the same position that I’d collapsed in the night before. The smell of coffee invaded my nostrils, making my head throb even more. I wasn’t a coffee person. Tea was more my speed. But in summer, I couldn’t stomach the thought of a hot drink. Apple juice was supposed to be more effective at waking you up than caffeine, anyway.
My mouth felt like a refuge for something furry and pungent. I forgot to brush my teeth before bed. Nice. First priority—toilet. Second priority—toothbrush.
Brad had such a hopeful look on his face when he asked if I wanted coffee, I almost felt bad for turning him down. Almost. My resolve to keep my distance was now firmly in place. I’d be friendly, but I couldn’t give anyone any more than that. If I was reading Brad right, he was attracted to me. He wouldn’t be if he knew the depths of my crazy. It was purely physical, I’m sure. I needed to turn him off, let him see me at my worst. My only concession today was brushing my teeth. I drew the line at pungent, post-alcohol, morning breath.
I still wore the clothes I had on last night. My hair looked like a bad eighties rock video. Deep, crease lines gouged my face from being squashed into the pillow all night. I fully expected a look of disgust on his face, but received a polite smile as he showed me where to find all the required breakfast paraphernalia.
“Do you have any paracetamol?”
“Yeah. It’s in the bathroom cabinet. I’ll go get it for you.” He walked off down the hall and I used the opportunity to admire his rear in his workout gear, with a scowl on my face the entire time. Why did he have to be so … Brad? The name was now synonymous with so many adjectives that all boiled down to beautiful.
He returned, handing me the packet.
“Thanks,” I mumbled after swallowing a mouth full of cereal.
“So, I guess you’re not up to going for a run?”
“Nuh uh.”
His hand scrubbed at the back of his head. He’d go bald at this rate. I didn’t really care. “Okay. My last class finishes at four. Do you want to run this arvo?” He dropped his arm when he followed my line of sight.
“I’ll wait until the sun has set. It’s too hot, otherwise.”
“Sure. Sure.” His eyes drifted down my body for a second before he caught himself, locking eyes with me. “We could go to the pool instead. You like to swim?”
“No.” You are not getting to see me in my togs, Bradlee. My eyebrows shot up. His arm crept up again, but diverted to rub his chin instead.
I decided to add to the unease. “Oh, before I forget, my granny has invited herself here for dinner next Sunday. I hope that’s okay?”
Swinging his arm down, he beamed, making me blink. “Perfect. I’d love to meet your family.”
Huh. Well, she’s it.
Oh boy. My resolution—thwarted by my own grandmother. If I was being totally honest with myself, a small part of me was secretly pleased with her meddling. The rest of me panicked. I downed the paracetamol, hoping to dull the pain that had suddenly escalated.
“Great. Don’t let me keep you from your run, you look ready to go.” Did he ever.
“Nah. I’ll save the run for this arvo. It’s always better with company. I might go and lift some weights. Did I show you the gym yesterday? It’s kind of hidden behind the laundry.”
