Hey guys, welcome back. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter.
A Week Later…
Kate's POV – Kate's Apartment – 10:41 A.M.
My fingers drum lightly on the desk, which is covered with various art supplies and a small pile of unfinished drawings. Work has really kicked up a notch recently, not that I'm complaining. While rent prices in Arcadia Bay are relatively cheap, I still need the money to afford it. Mom and dad told me to let them know if I needed any help, but I don't want to have to rely on them. That's not why I moved out.
I lean back in my chair and stare up at the ceiling, hearing the wooden frame groan. One of my hands dangles limply down at my side while the other rests on the desk loosely holding my phone. I have been staring at a blank text for a while now, debating whether or not to text the number currently displayed on screen… Max's number.
Max and I have been texting a lot since exchanging numbers, much more than I normally would. I have to admit it's been nice having someone to talk to like this. Max's texts often contain some cheesy pun or comment. In fact, it's almost a requirement for her it would seem. She told me it was good to finally have someone new to try them out on. I am more than happy to humor her pun skills and some of them actually aren't half bad.
Both of us were extremely busy last week. Rachel was off sick, so Max had to pick up more shifts at the pet store and I've been trying to get some projects finished off. Because of that, it's been hard meeting face to face. I did manage to drop in once or twice to the pet store over the week though, just to check in and "save Max from boredom" as she claimed. Although I can't see how much I helped with that. The important thing was that she seemed happy to see me, so that's something.
Seeing Max during that week was really calming for me too. I am easily stressed out and getting stuck in a rut is a bad habit of mine. As much as I love drawing, sometimes it can become a chore if that is all I do. A change of scenery and activity can help revive my creative flow. Sure enough, keeping in touch with Max and taking Dana up on her advice about working outside helped me power on through. Since I managed to make decent progress, I thought I'd check to see if Max was free now.
For some reason though I'm finding it difficult to pluck up the courage. It's stupid really. I must have re-written this particular text at least ten times now. Each and every time I get close to writing something coherent, I delete the words I've typed out only to repeat the process again a few minutes later.
Come on, Kate. Just ask her if she wants to hang out. It's not that hard… or at least it shouldn't be.
I don't understand why I'm finding this so difficult now. Maybe it's just because of my shyness, but I find it so easy talking to Max. Thinking about it now, I've never felt such a natural connection with anyone before. The fact that I have only known Max for a couple of weeks makes it even weirder, but in a really good way. I suppose this is the first time I've had to actively ask Max if she is available to meet up. Before it just kind of happened. Shaking my head and steeling my resolve, I begin to type before I lose my nerve.
Kate: Hi Max. I was wondering if you had some time tod
In keeping with the last half an hour, I immediately delete my progress. After mentally kicking myself for chickening out yet again, I place my phone back and rest my head on the desk. I let out a tired sigh as I stare at my phone.
What is even so hard about this?
I'm making this way more complicated than it has to be by overthinking every little word. I guess I just want to make this work. It's been a long time since I found someone I actually get along with this well. I don't want to mess that up because of clumsy wording. My phone vibrates on the desk, breaking through my self-conscious thought and causing me to jump. I almost lunge at it, my hands slightly shaking and my heart rate increasing as my eyes scan the text.
Max: Hey, Kate. I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out after my shift today
I let out a sigh of relief and a smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Now that Max has text me first, there is no more backing out of it. After the initial moment of excitement, I compose myself and reply with almost record breaking speed.
Kate: Of course I have time for you :)
The minute I send the text, I freeze up and immediately begin questioning my choice of wording.
Did that sound weird? It kind of comes off as desperate reading it back…
My thoughts are interrupted when my phone goes off again. I stare at it for a moment, bracing myself for the worst case scenario.
Max: Great! I'll swing by your place and pick you up around 6 if that's ok
I chuckle lightly at her consideration. Most people demand things instead of asking nowadays. I get the feeling that Max and I are very similar in certain aspects, shyness and awkwardness especially, which is a comforting thought in a way.
Kate: That's perfect. What did you have in mind?
I wait there at my desk patiently for Max's reply, which follows almost immediately.
Max: That is for me to know and for you to find out
This just makes me even more curious as to what Max has planned. I hadn't expected a straight answer from her anyway, still I had to try. She seems to have a mischievous streak, at least from what I've noticed. I suppose I have one too with the right person. I trust Max though and appreciate surprises, so I have nothing to worry about.
Kate: You're such a tease
Max: ;)
A wide grin forms on my face as I scan back through the conversation one last time. I glance over to one of the half-finished drawings at the top of the pile, filled with a renewed determination to get it completed before this evening.
Max's POV – Max and Chloe's Apartment – 5:13 P.M.
I step out of the shower, happy to take advantage of Chloe's absence and use the bathroom without the constant fear of being walked in on. The warm water has helped soothe my aching muscles. It's been a long shift today restocking shelves and moving heavy boxes, so I'm glad to be back in my own safe haven. It always feels like that though.
No matter where I go, coming back to this apartment at the end of the day is a relief.
After drying off with a surprisingly clean towel hanging from a rack, I make my way over to the fashion hole in my bedroom to choose some clothes. Most of my shirts are crumpled up on the floor and covered in stains, but there are a few left that have been spared my messy eating habits. I pick out the one that looks the least worn, a rust colored short sleeved shirt that was hidden in the back. This outfit is completed with my trusty gray hoodie and jeans. Now all suited up, I gather the dirty clothes lining my floor together and shove them in the bottom of my closet to sort out later. On the way out of my room, I nearly trip up over some of Chloe's dirty laundry sitting just outside my door.
"Fuck, Chloe. Are you trying to kill me?" I mutter under my breath once I've finally managed to steady myself. Once my heart rate has slowed again, I frown at the small pile and sigh when I notice there is some underwear in there too.
She really has no shame.
Not wanting to pick up after her, I kick what I can see back into her room so it's out of the way. I also take the chance to gather up the various takeaway containers that have accumulated. Chloe and I are usually too lazy to cook anything… or clean up after. Finally, I crack open a window and spray some air freshener to help get rid of the faintly lingering herbal odor present courtesy of Chloe. Satisfied with my effort, I flop down on the couch and channel surf for a few minutes to pass the time before glancing down at my phone.
5:34 pm. Guess I'd better head on out. I wouldn't want to keep Kate waiting after being the one planning everything. Something tells me that she runs a pretty tight schedule and she would probably be too polite to point out if I was late.
I manage to prize myself off the couch, with some difficulty I might add. It's one of those couches that essentially eats you the second you sit down on it, so escaping is a small miracle. After shoving my converses on I head out of the door. I find myself humming Crosses as I take the stairs down to the first floor and exit the building. The closer I get to Kate's apartment, the wider the grin on my face becomes and the more I pick up my pace.
I'm actually pretty excited for this. As fun as it is hanging out with Chloe, she can be a handful at times. I wouldn't change her for anything, but it might be nice to spend time with someone a bit more chilled out for once.
As I pass the park on the way, I slow down to a stop. My mind wanders back to the other week, frowning slightly as I recall how gloomy and bummed out Kate looked. I guess I kind of understand her being homesick. I miss my parents and having sisters must make it twice as difficult to adjust to living on your own.
Maybe that's why she wanted to get a pet…
This makes me feel miserable. I have people like Chloe to keep me company, but Kate probably doesn't really have anyone here. At least it seems that way right now. The thought of her sat all alone in her apartment only fuels my need to get to her as quickly as possible. By the time I reach my destination, I am actually a little out of breath and on time for a change. I take a deep breath before dropping Kate a text to let her know I'm here.
Max: So… do you want me to shimmy up the drainpipe to your window?
Kate: Now that I would like to see
Max: Just give me a couple days and I might make it
Kate: I don't know if I can wait that long to see you
Max: Good because you'd probably have to drag me to hospital if I tried
Kate: We can't have that. I'll be done in a minute so don't even attempt it
Max: No promises
True to her word, Kate emerges from the apartment complex moments later. She takes a moment to notice me, instantly greeting me with a huge grin. I hadn't expected to be received with such a dazzling smile so it catches me off guard. It seems to come to her almost as effortlessly as breathing, not one bit forced. It's not just her smile though. It's the twinkle in her soft hazel eyes, the way her entire face and body seem to light up simultaneously. Just seeing her like this gives me a second wind and eases my worries. I find myself instinctively returning her smile with my own brand of shy dorky grin.
Kate tucks a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear as she comes to a stop in front of me. "Shall we go then?"
Once I have managed to tone down my smile a bit so I don't look like a total loser, I clear my throat nervously. "Y-yeah."
She gently motions in front of her with her hand. "Lead on oh fearless leader."
I chuckle lightly at her faith in my plans. "Just to let you know, my sense of direction is terrible. We might get lost."
Kate goes quiet for a second before replying, "I can think of worse people to be stranded with…" She pauses before catching my eye shyly and adding as a mumbled afterthought. "Not many better though."
Uncertain how to react to this, I take a moment before managing. "Let's hope I remember the way back so we don't have to find out."
"Where are we going anyway?" Kate asks curiously. "Or is it still a secret?"
Any confidence I had in my idea wavers on hearing her question. I wonder if what I have planned will be too much too soon. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but maybe it could be taken the wrong way thinking about it more. Still, it's too late to be having reservations.
I gather my thoughts before replying to her, "I… you said you liked Disney movies before. So, I thought we could watch some together at my place and maybe order some pizza or something. Chloe is out right now and I figured that it was only fair since I got to check out where you live before." I pause momentarily before backtracking a bit. "We can totally do something else if not…"
Kate smile widens, which I can only take as a good sign. "It seems you've passed the memory test."
"Of course I did," I answer without hesitation. "My memory isn't that bad… sometimes." A very light blush forms on my cheeks now as I shyly play with a stray strand of my hair. "You seemed really stoked so it'd be hard for me to forget."
Kate really did look so excited when she was talking about it before. It was actually kind of cute how pumped up she was. I guess I kind of wanted to recreate that reaction again by doing this.
Her eyes flicker with fleeting surprise and then overwhelming delight. "I'd love that, Max. More than anything."
I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding in, feeling the corners of my lips tug upwards into an involuntary smile. "Awesome. Let's get going then."
I instinctively hold out my hand to her before my brain catches up with the action. I'm so used to Chloe being all touchy feely that it just comes naturally to me now, especially after knowing and living with her for this long. Unlike with Chloe though, I've only known Kate for a couple of weeks now. Although it feels like way longer than that for some reason, in a good way. Maybe that explains my lapse in judgement here. When I realize what I'm doing I go to retract it, but Kate chuckles lightly and shyly takes hold of the hand I offered her. Her hand is really soft in mine for the most part, with a few light callouses on her fingers.
I wonder if she plays an instrument or something. Maybe I should mention I play the guitar sometime and we could duet… if Kate wants to of course.
Kate meets my eyes briefly with a bashful smile. "Shall we get going?"
Without further hesitation, we begin to retrace the steps back to my apartment building. I thought Kate might let go of my hand after a while, but she doesn't. Not that I really want her to truth be told. I guess it would be more awkward letting go abruptly anyway. She gently swings her arms and hums contently as we walk down the street. I listen guilt free, appreciating the sweet melodies she creates. Some I know and others I don't, but she makes them all seem so familiar. I keep shooting her sideways glances, on occasion catching her eye and offering up a shy grin.
Before I know it, we're standing outside my apartment building. I fumble around for my key and unlock the door, stepping over the threshold with Kate close behind. The interior of the building is just as bleak and bland as the exterior, but it's still home. With the elevator busted, we climb the stairwell until we reach the third floor. We stop outside the door at the end of the short hallway and enter inside to mine and Chloe's apartment.
Kate takes her shoes off, placing them neatly beside the door, unlike me kicking my converses off and leaving them where they land. Her eyes wander over to the worn dark blue two-seater couch with a small screen TV positioned in front of it and the other two mismatched chairs either side of the couch. Several doors lead off from this room into the kitchen and bathroom, as well as mine and Chloe's respective bedrooms. It's not much, but it's enough for us.
There are a few polaroids stuck on the beige walls of Chloe and I, along with a few nature shots of Arcadia that Chloe insisted I show off. Despite my initial reservations on the idea, I have to admit they look pretty sweet and give a more personal touch. Although I'm starting to feel a bit self-conscious about it now with Kate here.
Kate approaches the pictures with interest. "Are these yours?"
"Um… yeah…" I stutter, swallowing my self-consciousness.
She stands in front of them, examining each one closely before turning back to me. "They're all really amazing."
"Y-you think?"
Kate nods firmly, "I do." A mischievous glint flashes in her eyes reminiscent of the one Chloe gets when she's plotting something, although Kate's isn't as intense or worrying. "I'm almost tempted to steal one while you're not looking to take home."
I come over to join her by the photo wall. "I'll have to keep my eye on you then, won't I?"
She cheekily nudges me in the ribs with her elbow. "Damn right!"
I shrug off my hoodie and chuck it onto the couch, "We can order food before we start if you like," almost the second I finish this sentence, Kate's stomach grumbles loudly. She blushes from the embarrassment and I chuckle. "I'll take that as a yes then."
We relocate to my room since I figure it'll be comfier there and if Chloe does suddenly return it'll be quieter. Kate takes a little prompting to join me on the bed as I start up my laptop and order our food, a couple of pizzas and various sides. Since Chloe will probably want something when she gets in, I order an extra pizza covered in meat and chili peppers to put aside. She paid for food last time so I owe her anyway.
Once the order has been placed, Kate reaches into her bag to get her purse, but I wave her away. "It's cool. I've got this."
"But I'd feel bad if you paid for it all." She protests with an unexpected stubbornness.
"I picked up a couple of shifts last week because of Rachel so it's fine. You can pay next time if it really bothers you." I suggest to pacify her.
While Kate doesn't seem overly impressed by this arrangement she doesn't argue. "I'll hold you to that, Max."
"So long as I've roped you into meeting up with me again." I quip half-teasingly. Joking aside, I would love to spend more time with Kate like this. I can only hope that she feels the same way.
Kate beams at me warmly. "Well you're certainly doing a good job of that. Not that I would need much encouragement."
While we're waiting around for our food to arrive, I decide to get the film set up ready. I already have a good idea of what film Kate might suggest thanks to our conversation from before, but I check anyway. "Since you're the guest here, where do you want to start?"
"Alice in Wonderland," she replies almost immediately with a child-like excitement before she reins herself back in. "I mean… if that's ok with you."
I chuckle lightly at her initial lack of self-control, "I had a feeling you'd say that," I begin tapping away at my laptop, muttering under my breath as loud whirring noises filled the room. This piece of junk is on its way out really, but I can't afford a new one right now. I find the "totally legal" streaming website Chloe and I often use to watch films and it takes a few minutes for the film to load up. Just then, the buzzer for my apartment goes off. It can only be our pizza order.
I place my laptop to one side and shuffle to the edge of the bed. "I'll be back in a sec."
Kate shakes her head defiantly. "Oh no, Max. I let you pay so I can't allow you to get the food as well."
"You'll have to race me then." Without another word I jump off the bed and exit the room, ignoring her numerous objections.
I head on out of my apartment and downstairs to meet the delivery person at the door. They hand over the food and after giving a modest tip I make my way back on up. The smell alone is enough to make my stomach growl angrily as I climb the stairs. Once I get inside my apartment, I place Chloe's pizza out on the side with a hastily scribbled note. I grab a couple of plates along with a pizza cutter and a couple of cans of soda before returning back to Kate. When I re-enter my room she is still sat in the exact same place. If I was her, I would have to clamp down on a major urge to snoop around. My nosiness has gotten me in trouble more times than I can count.
I hold the pizza boxes up victoriously, "And here is pizza for the pretty lady."
The words leave my mouth before I can filter them. Kate's eyebrows shoot upwards, her mouth slightly agape as her hazel eyes widen in shock.
I stutter inarticulately, trying to think up a way to salvage the awkward situation. "Uh… um…"
Kate breaks out into a wide toothy grin as her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. "If I keep getting compliments like that I might never leave."
I sheepishly rub the back of my neck with my free hand, my face no doubt mirroring the blush on Kate's cheeks now. "I wouldn't mind."
"I'll remember that." She softly mumbles as she plays with her necklace.
Eager for a distraction from the weirdly tense, but not unpleasant atmosphere, I place the pizza boxes and plastic bag containing the sides on the bed before joining her. The bed isn't really designed for more than one person, so we have to squish up a bit. To be honest I really don't mind this in the slightest. By the looks of it Kate doesn't mind either as she wastes no time shifting closer.
Once settled, I get the food sorted out so we can reach and adjust the laptop until we can both see the screen. "That a good position for you?"
Kate nods in response with a smile as she takes a plate and cup from me. "It's perfect, Max."
The two of us fill our plates with pizza slices and sides as well as opening a can of soda each. When the film starts up, the familiar bright and colorful drawings come to life before our eyes. It's been a while since I watched Alice in Wonderland. The last time was a few years back with Chloe before I moved to Seattle. She fell asleep halfway through like she does with literally every film we ever watch, Blade Runner being the only exception.
I glance over to Kate, who is watching the screen intently as Alice falls down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. She is completely enthralled, her lips quirking upwards into a small smile as she watches the events unfold with rapt attention. To be honest I end up spending more time watching Kate than the film. It's kind of cute how into it she is, letting out a soft gasp every now and then when the pace picks up. Every so often I feel her shoulder brush against mine, something I become increasingly aware of. As the film comes to an end, I feel a light warm pressure at my shoulder and hear soft snoring. When I look down, I notice that Kate has her head rested against me. Her warm hazel eyes are now closed and there is a peaceful expression on her face.
She must be really tired to fall asleep like this. She did tell me she'd been really busy last week so it's no wonder.
Not wanting to wake her up, but also not wanting her to get cramp from the awkward angle, I move everything onto the floor very carefully guide her down onto the bed. She stirs slightly and mumbles softly, but thankfully remains asleep. A flyaway strand of hair has fallen out of her bun and I resist the overwhelming urge to tuck it behind her ear. Before I have the chance to give in, I shuffle over to the edge of the bed, ready to move into the lounge to wait for her to wake. A light tug at my shirt stops me.
In her sleep, Kate has a surprisingly firm grip on me. If I tried to loosen it, I would risk waking her up and I don't want that on my consciousness. In fact, I would feel like a total monster for disturbing her when she looks this serene. I sigh resignedly and lay back down on the bed beside her. She instinctively snuggles up closer and I wrap the blanket around us tighter so she doesn't get cold.
I'm sure she'll wake up soon.
Next Morning – 7:08 A.M.
My eyes open a fraction as a quiet shuffling noise comes from outside my room. It's too dark to see anything properly, but I can just about make out the outlines of my furniture. I listen intently for a moment, my heart beat increasing as a million different bizarre scenarios flash through my mind.
Maybe I've watched too many of those true crime shows with mom in the past.
When I don't hear anything else, I close my eyes again and snuggle up further in the blanket. It feels warmer than normal for some reason, but I am too exhausted to think too much about it. I have no idea what the time is and to be honest I don't care. Today is my day off this week so I don't have to worry about getting up in a hurry… or at all. By the sounds of the birds chirping from beyond my window, it must be pretty early in the morning. A sleepy Max makes for a grumpy Max, so I waste no time allowing sleep to take its hold over me.
That is, I would have done had it not been for my door creaking open and a loud, almost obnoxious slurred whisper. "Max… Maaaaaax. Don't ignore me."
Even without visual confirmation I have a good idea who it is. I have no desire to humor Chloe right now, so I sink further into the mattress, trying to ignore her. This was the totally wrong move. I suddenly feel the bed dip and hear an unexpected surprised yelp. My eyes open abruptly and I fumble around for the lamp on my bedside table. The light flickers on and my once sleep addled brain shakes off any lingering signs of tiredness. It takes a moment to properly assess the situation.
As per usual, Chloe has burst in and flopped down on my bed without thinking about the repercussions. Instead of getting me however, she has landed on top of Kate who was asleep next to me. I vaguely remember trying to keep my eyes open last night while waiting for her to wake and evidently losing that battle. Chloe immediately scrambles off, startled by the noise. Kate pops her head out from underneath the blanket, blinking and rubbing at her eyes before looking around to see what happened.
Chloe stands there on the right hand side of the bed, looking between Kate and I with a mildly confused expression. I guess I would be doing the same in her position. After a few seconds, she suddenly breaks out into a huge grin. "Wow, Max. Nice one."
I roll my eyes at her hurried conclusion and rub at my temples. "It's not like that, you ass."
"Uh-huh."
Even though I know Chloe is just teasing me, I feel as if I have to offer some kind of justification to make this less awkward for both Kate and myself. "We just watched Disney films and fell asleep."
Chloe's eyes light up with mischief. "Ah, the classic Netflix and chill. Not bad, Caulfield."
I sigh deeply at her continuous teasing. "Can you be any more embarrassing?"
"For you baby, I could be," she grins at us cheekily before glancing over her shoulder at the door. "Anyways, I didn't mean to… interrupt anything so I'll go wait in the kitchen." With that she finally leaves the room.
I shake my head and rub at my eyes. While I wouldn't change Chloe for anything, sometimes I wish she'd have a bit more tact. Not everyone realizes she's joking. I turn back to Kate, who blushes lightly as she stammers. "Max… I'm sorry. I…"
Before she has the chance to launch into a huge apology about falling asleep on me I cut her off. "It's cool, Kate. Really. Don't sweat it. Chloe is the one who should be sorry for crushing you."
If anyone is to blame here, it's probably me for not waking her up when I could. She looked so cozy and peaceful that I just couldn't bring myself to wake her. Maybe I should have thought more about how she'd feel…
She gives me a searching look like she's checking to see if I'm just being polite about this or if I really don't mind. The anxiousness in her hazel eyes fades a bit. "It just startled me really. No damage otherwise."
"I think having Chloe flop on anyone would be startling." I point out. Unfortunately, this theory has been tried and tested on numerous occasions.
Kate brushes the stray strand of sleep disheveled hair out of her face. "Sounds like you are speaking from experience there."
A slight grin tugs at the corner of my mouth. "I wish I wasn't. You hungry?"
"I am actually." Kate admits.
"I'll go see what I can scrounge up. Take your time getting up, there's no rush," I'm just about to leave the room when a thought crosses my mind. "Oh, you're not allergic to anything or vegetarian or something are you?"
Kate shakes her head with a smile. "You really are treating me today. Not as far as I know. Thanks for asking though."
I grin at her. "I wouldn't be a very good host if I made something that might result in a hospital visit."
"I suppose not," she chuckles lightly. "You would ruin your spotless host record so far."
I slide off the bed ready to leave my bedroom. "We couldn't have that."
Once out of my room I make my way over to the cramped kitchen. Chloe is sat at the small circular wooden table wedged in the corner with a smug grin. "So… nothing's going on, huh?"
"Swear."
She grabs a cold pizza slice from the box and takes a huge bite. "You missed a good opportunity then."
I blush from her insinuation. "Dog, Chloe. I have literally known Kate for a couple weeks."
Chloe chews thoughtfully before shrugging. "Didn't stop me."
She hooked up with Victoria pretty quickly after meeting for the first time, maybe a week or two in. Chloe was quick to confide in me with an unnecessarily detailed account to get me all flustered. I lean against the closest wall. "Well I'm not you, am I?"
She goes uncharacteristically quiet as she pokes at her pizza slice, "No, you're not. That's not a bad thing, Max." She flashes me a shit-eating grin. "We can't all be as charming and dashing as myself." Her smile fades to a more serious expression. "Seriously though, chances can pass you by if you let them. Life's too short to be overly cautious. You have to take risks sometimes. Just keep that in mind."
My eyebrows raise slightly at Chloe's unexpected wisdom drop. "Never thought I'd be getting that kind of advice from you."
She narrows her eyes at me suspiciously. "I'm not sure whether to be insulted or not."
I offer up a cheeky grin. "I'll leave that choice up to you."
She rolls her eyes playfully. "You are such a bitch sometimes."
"Takes one to know one." I retort.
Chloe simply flips me off and digs into the pizza I put back for her last night. I shake my head as I switch on the heat and grab a frying pan from one of the cupboards. After searching the fridge to find a couple of eggs and some rashers of bacon, I grease up the pan. A few minutes later the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering smell that causes my stomach to grumble. Kate hesitantly enters the room as I'm plating up.
I offer up a warm smile as she sits down in the chair opposite Chloe. "Morning."
She beams back at me and then Chloe. "Good morning."
"How can you be so smiley and awake right now?" Chloe asks Kate incredulously as she indelicately shoves the remnants of the pizza slice into her mouth.
"Practice," Kate answers with a fond smile. "When you have two younger sisters you get used to waking up early." Her brow furrows slightly on the mention of her sisters, but this is only fleeting.
Chloe wipes her hands on her shirt and leans back in the chair. "I don't envy you there."
"Well you don't usually wake up until 3pm if you don't have to." I lightly tease as I bring the food over and take the last available chair. It's a bit of a tight squeeze and Chloe has to move the pizza box, but we manage somehow.
She scoffs at my mockery. "Like you can talk, Caulfield."
There is a really relaxed atmosphere as we eat our breakfast, with Chloe obviously joining in since she's never one to miss an opportunity for an extra meal. Luckily I took her insatiable appetite into account. I swear we spend most of our money on food. It's almost comical how different Kate and Chloe's table manners are. Chloe eats with the ravenous ferocity of a pack of wild wolves, the polar opposite of Kate.
Once finished, Kate gently places her cutlery on the now plate. "As fun as all this has been I should probably get going now. Work doesn't do itself."
I nod sympathetically. "I hear that. I'll walk you home if you like."
"I don't want to cause any more trouble for you." Kate begins to protest my offer.
I stand up from my chair and gather the dirty plates together to put by the sink. "It's no trouble at all. In fact, I highly doubt you could ever cause any bother. I need to get more exercise anyway."
Kate and I exit my apartment building and continue on back to hers. As we walk past the park, a forlorn expression crosses her features for a brief moment. I try to think up a topic to take her mind off her homesickness. "I think your rabbit should be coming in soon."
Her once trouble face lights up. "Really?"
I nod, happy to see her smiling again. "Yep. It should be here within the next couple of days. I'll let you know closer to the time of course."
"I can't wait to finally start using all that stuff I brought." Kate mentions with a wide grin. She looks really excited about getting her rabbit, her hazel eyes glistening with delight.
My lip quirks upwards as we approach Kate's apartment building. "I bet you are. If you ever need any help with little Alice, then you know where to find me."
Kate stops just in front of the door. "Thank you, Max. I had a great time. I just wish I hadn't fallen asleep so soon."
I shake my head knowing that she's still worrying about that. "No worries. I enjoyed it too."
"Hopefully next time I can remain awake for longer." She lightly chuckles.
I rub the back of my neck with a sheepish smile. "Maybe I should have planned a bit better instead of leaving it until the last minute. It's not my strong point."
"You did just fine by my books." Kate reassures. A moments silence passes between us, neither one wanting to make the first move to part ways.
I finally break the silence. "So…"
My words are cut off when Kate gives me an unexpected hug. It takes a second for my brain to catch up, but my arms almost instinctively return her hug. Kate is a couple of inches shorter than me, which makes a nice change from Chloe's lanky frame. She always teases me over my height, even though I'm not that short. Kate's hug isn't anywhere near as bone-crushing as Chloe's, but it's firm enough to notice and she's less boney than Chloe too. A subtle floral scent lingers in the air, much nicer than the usual stale beer and cigarette smell.
After a few moments, Kate reluctantly pulls away from me. "I'll see you soon, Max. Take care."
I wave her off with a totally dorky smile as she enters the building to her apartment. "You bet."
Have a great day and tune in next time for more adorkable awkwardness and fluff.
