Chapter 7

After leaving Alesha's flat on Saturday morning, James barely had time to stop for croissants before making it home. He was still drying his hair from the shower when the doorbell rang. The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind: homework, Ethan's friends coming over, shopping, playing football on Hampstead Heath... James was grateful for the busy hours which kept him from thinking too much about Alesha.

He still could not believe he had spent the night with her. After four years of knowing her, three year of being infatuated with her and two years of definitely being in love with her, he had finally gotten to "be" with her. He just hoped he would get the chance to keep on being with her. Not wanting to put pressure on her, he did not call her during the next 36 hours. He gave Ethan his complete attention until it was time to drive him to the train station and say goodbye. He then made a quick visit to the market, went home and settled to cook something that would impress Alesha... if she showed up.

By 7, the risotto was keeping warm on the Aga, the wine was aerating and James was changing for the second time. He had not felt this kind of pressure before a date in a long time. A date with Alesha. After being friends for so long, it was a strangely scary thought. Finally settling on tailored but casual beige slacks and a simple white shirt open at the throat, James went back down to the kitchen. The music he had been listening while cooking was still on, one of his numerous iTunes lists. The one he listened to when he needed to quiet his mind: Martha Wainwright, Leonard Cohen, Emmylou Harris, Katie Moore. He had a feeling that was not really up her alley… Oh well, if they were to get to know each other more intimately, she might as well know all his musical secrets.

The doorbell rang at 7:35. James exhaled slowly before heading to the door, realizing how tense he had been, not really believing that she would come. And then she was there on his porch, wearing jeans and high heel leather boots with her signature colourful trench coat, looking up at him with an uncertain look. She was as nervous as he was.

"Lesh. I was afraid you would not come."

She smiled, relief showing in her face, and followed him inside.