Page 15 of From Me to You
“You do that a lot.”
“Uh?” I lifted my gaze back to him.
“Stare at something like it is the most interesting thing in the world,” he said, pointing to the walls.
“No,” I mumbled. “I hate those walls.”
“Yeah, they do look like they need some TLC. Ever plan to repaint them?”
“Yes, but I am not sure when or how. I have never painted a wall before. I need Aunty M’s help.” I sighed.
“Why don’t I help you paint them when I come over next weekend? I could ask the guys too. I am sure they would be happy to help.” He offered. Was he trying to become my in-house handyman now?
“No, that’s okay. I don’t want to impose.”
“Come on, sweetheart. That’s what friends are for.”
Something happened to me whenever he called me sweetheart. Wait, we were friends now? I guess that made sense. I should be relieved that he called me his friend, but I wanted more than just to be his friend. But I could use his help.
“Okay,” I agreed.
“That’s settled, then. I should get going. I promised Mumma that I would make it home for dinner. Do you wanna come eat with us?” he asked, putting his glass in the sink. He was so close to me that I could feel the warm heat radiating off him. I licked my lips as my mouth suddenly dried. His gaze closed in on my lips, and he swallowed. He muttered something to himself and turned away quickly.
“No, Aunty M would be back soon,” I muttered, answering his question.
“I should get going,” he croaked, pointing to the door.
Hmm, was he affected too?
I nodded, willing my feet to move. I stepped back. I immediately missed his warmth, but I reminded myself that we were just friends.
“I will see you later,” Jay said, looking at me one last time as he made his way out the door, closing it behind him.
He didn’t kiss my cheek this time.
CHAPTER 5
The rest of the week went by in a blur. I helped Aunty M unpack everything downstairs. Finally, our living room looked a lot better with an entire couch set, tea table, and Grandma’s old glass cabinet, where we put our most cherished items.
Aunty M’s room was also almost done—the only thing left were the boxes in my room. Which I didn’t have the heart to open because I promised Jay.
I sighed as I thought about him. I hardly saw him this whole week except the very next morning after he helped me unpack. He looked so gorgeous standing on my front porch holding the signed CD just as he promised. I just about swooned when I saw him—now that was the perfect way to start the morning.
He walked me to school after he handed me the CD—but he didn’t try to hold my hand though. We walked in complete silence, his presence intoxicating my senses. And I didn’t see him after I bid him goodbye that day.
The guys were busy practicing for their gig this Saturday, so it made sense.
I learned from Katy that the Red Rock Hall was a pretty famous venue around these parts. And the guys had already played there a few times. It was on the edge of the town near Cross Fields Lake, and people from the neighboring towns and even the city came in to watch the festival.
The girls and I had decided to go to the mall on Friday to pick out some outfits for the show. Bellevue Mall was a bit far up at the edge of Tonton Square, so Katy drove us there, having already gotten her license. The mall was pretty big for a small town with almost all of the famous retailers. We first decided to get some hot chocolate because it was the perfect weather for it, and I never said no to chocolate.
We stopped short at a shop called ‘Cupid’s Chocolate’.
“I am getting the fudgy milk chocolate with regular milk.” I decided as we placed our orders and waited by the counter.
“I am so excited for the show tomorrow! It’s going to be so much fun. I heard there may be a scout coming in. They have also expanded the venue, so it’s going to be a bigger crowd this time!” Katy exclaimed excitedly.
“I don’t know how to get there. Do you think you can drive me there?” I asked her.