“Yeah.”
There’s a pause,as if Nick is waiting for me to elaborate but I don’t.
He swings the bag onto the counter, the delicious smell of food wafting towards me.
“Smells great!”
“Also,” he says, producing a bottle from the bag. “I brought wine.”
“You know me so well.” I grin.
As soon as the words leave my lips, I regret them. Nick meets my eyes, and I dart away, trying to remember what cabinet I put glasses in. I pour us two very large glasses; Nick raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment.
We dish out our plates, and since I don’t have the space for a dining table, we move to the lounge. I fold my legs beneath me, feeling oddly unsettled as I try to limit how much I fidget.
“I got a job.”
“You did?” There’s a hint of surprise in his voice. “Where?”
“Danny’s Dental.”
“That’s great, Josie. Does that mean you’re planning to stick around for a while?”
I stuff my mouth full, so I can take more time to answer. “Maybe.”
I feel nauseous at the thought of packing and moving again. Starting all over again. The last experience aged me a lifetime. I’d gladly do it to be away from here, but the whole experience is exhausting.
My hair sticks to my forehead, and I sweep it back. When I stand, I feel my shirt sticking to my skin. I bought several fans, scattering them through the small place. I turn on a couple, pleading for them to cool the place down. The candles are making it worse, but at least the place smells nice.
“I can’t handle this heat,” I groan. “It’s disgusting.”
Nick smiles. “You get used to it.”
I shake my head, frowning. “Nope. Never did.”
I settle back down beside him and finish eating. Nick reaches over, and I flinch at the quick movement. He pauses, eyebrows drawing together, and takes my empty bowl, placing it on the coffee table at our feet. I exhale a shaky breath, flattening my fingers onto my thighs.
“Are you seeing Jess?”
He blanches at my words. I lean back into the lounge, staring at him. I know I’ve made him uncomfortable, but I don’t look away.
He sighs. “How …? Never mind. No. Maybe. Sort of.”
“Huh?”
“I don’t know.” He exhales, raking a hand through his hair. “She’s been interested in me for a while. I know that. We went out for dinner a few times.”
“Do you like her?”
“Sure. She’s nice.”
“Nice is boring.” I smirk.
He shakes his head, smiling. “Is it? Am I boring?”
“No, Nicky. Not you.” I smile. “Have you kissed her?”
“Josie!” he exclaims, flushing, as if we were twelve years old again.