Page 42 of Because of Blake
“That’s what a good mom does.” Blake’s eyes soften into mine. A moment passes and he clears his throat. “Have a seat. I’ll let Oscar in.”
With my drink in hand, I sit in the curve of the couch again, my feet dangling off the edge of the cushion. Oscar comes careening around the couch to leap onto my lap. I laugh as I struggle to get him to settle next to me. Once he’s calm, I glance at Blake, who’s looking at me like I belong right where I am.
My lip twitches, but instead of asking him out, I sip my beer. “How was your week?”
“Pretty boring. Just work, really.” He rubs the back of his neck. “My birthday was the 13th, so me and a couple friends had drinks at the bar. Nothing special.”
“Well, happy belated birthday. If I had known, I’d have got you a card or something.”
He shrugs. “Thanks, but it’s not a big deal. I’ve never been big on my birthday, and year twenty-nine isn’t anything to write home about.”
Blake pops in the movie and takes a seat, sitting on the cushion right next to me. Not close enough for us to be touching, but close enough for me to notice. It may be something harmless, a coincidence, but to me, it’s a sign of him wanting me. Or at least wanting to be close to me.
As the movie wears on, it becomes clear Blake is not a fan of Hallmark movies. I have to laugh as he points out all the cheesy lines, the cliches, and even has something to say about the romantic kiss the main characters finally share. “Really? That’s the big climax? The kiss everyone knows is going to happen?” He sighs, though I think it’s more of a groan. “I think I need another drink. Do you want one?”
“You know what? I will have another, thank you.” As he leaves the couch, I giggle to myself. If he hates this one, then he definitely won’t like any of the others.
When Blake returns, he hands me my drink, but doesn’t look before he sits and ends up sitting so close to me, I feel his body heat on my skin. Again, it might be an innocent oversight of his, but to me, it’s purposeful.
The movie ends and Blake lets out a sigh of relief. “Well...that was...a new experience for me. You actually like watching these?”
“I do. I know they’re cheesy and predictable, but they’re happy. Everything works out in the end and everyone gets what they want. I don’t know, it helps to ease the pain of real life, y’know?”
I turn to look at Blake, who is already looking at me with sympathy in his big brown eyes. They soften as he smiles, and I can see him taking in the features of my face. He’s trying to read me.
“I get that,” he says, the gentle tone of his voice creating a warmth in my chest.
With a sharp exhale, I turn back to the TV. “Charlie always hated them too, it’s okay.”
“Well, at least I know Charlie and I have two things in common. Hatred of Hallmark movies, and love for this beer. It’s really good, thank you for bringing it.”
“You’re welcome, I’m glad you like it.”
We sit for several moments, simply looking at each other. Maybe it’s the romance lingering in the air, or maybe it’s the alcohol, but something prevents me from turning away. The deep brown irises of Blake’s eyes pull me in. They blanket me in comfort and whisper everything will be alright. He has the Hallmark movie of eyes.
Ask him right now, Maggie!My mouth opens, but no sound comes out, so I shake my head and glance at the clock. “It’s late, I should go.”
“Yep, I’ll...uh, I’ll walk you again.”
The walk home is the same as last week. We walk side by side, our arms brushing with every step. Now Iknowthis is intentional.
When we get to my house, I start to climb the steps, but I stop on the first one, which puts me at eye level with Blake. “Thank you for another fun night. Sorry you didn’t enjoy the movie,” I joke.
“It’s okay. Now I know to avoid them, so thank you.”
I laugh, but it’s shaky as I drop my gaze to the ground, dragging my flip flop across the concrete to keep myself from wiggling my toes. I lick my lips. “Blake, I was wondering...”
“If I want to do the same time next week?” Blake asks, a hopefulness to his tone. “Absolutely.”
“What? You want to do this again?” Emotions war within me. My heart wants to sink, since it’s not technically a date, but the idea of spending more time with him sends me reeling.
“Well, I certainly don’t want to watch another Hallmark movie, but I’d like to watch something with you. If you want to, that is. I thought maybe we could make this a weekly thing, until your kids come back, of course.”
Excitement wins the battle, bubbling within me. “That sounds good, but are you really okay giving up your Saturday nights to watch movies with your neighbor? Wouldn’t you have more fun hanging with your friends?”
Blake shrugs. “There’s six other nights I can do stuff with them. Saturdays are for you.”
My heart flutters, my mouth going dry.There’s no way I can stop my toes from wiggling now. “Alright. Saturdays it is,” I choke out.