Take a Breath(16)

Curiosity seems to get to the better of me as there is only one person who can answer that in a hurry.

“I didn’t do anything silly last night did I?”

He briefly stops washing the dishes and turns to me.

“No, of course not. In fact I would go as far as saying you were kind of sweet, and funny.” He turns his attention back to the dishes and quickly he’s all washed up.

Sweet, when have I ever been sweet? I suppose I should be thankful because at least he didn’t say I was a complete numpty. I try to put this out of my mind as it would only drive me crazy. I can’t help thinking that I said something I shouldn’t have—apart from the kissable lips comment of course.





The rest of the day was as much fun as it was yesterday and I thoroughly enjoyed Jake’s company. We watched movies together; we laughed and poked light hearted fun at each other. This weekend would definitely go down in history as being one of my favourite weekends of all time, and unfortunately I haven’t had many of them. That’s another favourite to add to Jake’s game now.

There were a couple of moments when he tickled me after I poked fun at him and I thought he was going to kiss me again, but again I was bitterly disappointed. I don’t know why he’s pushing this.

Things just seemed to get worse when Matthew arrived. All of a sudden Jake was putting his walls back up again. I don’t know why he does it. Maybe he’s embarrassed to be seen having fun with me in front of Matthew, I don’t know. I tried to not let it get to me and instead just went with the flow.

I spent the rest of the evening talking and having a laugh with Matthew.





Chapter 8





The next few days go by in a haze. Nothing much has happened apart from the night I went out with Jessie and wore those red shoes. Jake saw me and the reaction it provoked had my head spinning for the rest of the night. He was not happy about me wearing them, but he gave me the number for a reputable taxi firm and asked me to promise him I would use it on the way home. He also asked me to promise him to call if I needed him. The look he gave me was one of such desperation; I had no choice but to tell him that I would of course honour his wishes. I thought it was kind of sweet of him anyway to care so much.

Once I got home , Jake was still up and he looked as though he’d been pacing the floor. He certainly wasn’t someone who looked close to going to bed at after midnight. I couldn’t believe he had actually waited up for me. He immediately came over to me and asked if I was okay, and I told him yes. He took care of me again taking me to my bed and making sure I had plenty of water to drink before I got up the next morning.

Jessie had a few dates with Jerry and they were all successful, so much so she is still seeing him. I think it must be a record for Jessie. Jake has been doing his best again to avoid me and the killer is still on the loose, but all has gone quiet. No more murders since the apparent ghastly one last time that everyone felt uncomfortable talking to me about.

I decided that it was time I took some time off also, so booked the Friday off before the barbeque—same as Jake. There appears to be quite a few going now and I’m starting to look forward to it in a way. Today is Thursday and I am feeling good that a welcome rest is upon me. I clean up my desk at the end of the day and say my farewells to everyone. Jessie is still sitting at her desk but it looks as if she is heading out shortly herself.

“Do you want a lift back, Jessie?” I ask.

She spins round. “It’s ok, thanks. I have my car with me today.”

“I wish you were coming on Saturday,” I pout.

“Me too. I really do not want to be going to this wedding on Saturday, but Jerry’s coming with me so should be ok. I’m just dreading him seeing me in my bridesmaids dress. You should see it, Ana. I look like a lemon.”

I let out a giggle. “I’m sure you look fantastic in it, Jessie. So, Jerry’s coming eh? Sounds like it’s serious.”

“I really like him, Ana,” Jessie sighs. “Despite all the joking and everything, he’s a nice guy. And the sex is, phew.” She waves her hand in front of her face like it’s burning up in here.

“Ok, now I’m off.”

She laughs and turns to get her bag.

“I’m glad you’ve found someone who can make you happy, Jessie. You deserve it.”

Jessie swings round and gets up out of her seat. “Ana, don’t make me cry, you’ll smudge my makeup,” she smiles.

I put my arm around her, bringing her in for a hug.

“See you soon and enjoy your weekend.”

She pats my back. “You too, Ana.”





I get back to the house and its all dark. I switch the alarm off quickly realising I’m the only person in the house. I switch all the lights on and put my bag on the counter. I dig around the fridge and cupboards for something to eat and later settle on some leftover chicken and some savoury flavoured rice mixed with vegetables. I boil the rice up and pick some bits of chicken off into a bowl ready to mix. I stir the rice and look in the fridge for some wine. I find an unopened bottle of Pinot Grigio and pour myself a glass.