Finally after 6 weeks had passed since the incident, Horace let them lift the lockdown. It didn't mean much, other than he was back to a completely normal schedule and didn't have to go tromping through the jungle all the time. With more time on his hands, James became even more preoccupied with telling Juliet how he was feeling about her. He just couldn't' work up the courage.
One lazy Friday night James was seated at the table, reading in their communal kitchen while Miles was fixing his dinner. Jin was noticeably absent as he was patrolling late. A few moments later Juliet walked past them both and headed for the fridge. James watched longingly after her every move as she poured herself a glass of tea and drank it standing at the counter. And Miles studied them both like they were two animals at the zoo. Juliet only noticed the two of them staring at her when she sat down the emptied glass.
"Everything okay?"
A flustered Jim LaFleur tried to act like nothing was amiss.
"Yeah. Just reading."
Miles held up his spatula in mock surrender.
"Just making a sandwich. Nothing exciting here."
She looked at them both like they were crazy before turning to leave.
"Alright then. I'm heading out to the beach. Have a nice night."
James watched her leave with a look of panic on his face. Once the door clicked shut Miles slapped his sandwich on his plate and sat down across from the lovesick man in front of him.
"Dude, what are you doing?," Miles asked accusingly.
"What are you talking about?"
"Why are you not just asking her out?
"Who asked you?"
"Nobody, but it's getting exhausting watching the two of you. Just ask her out already."
"It's not that simple. I don't think she even thinks of me like that."
"She does."
Jim wondered if Miles knew something he didn't. Did they talk?
"How do you know she does?"
"Cause I'm not blind."
This was not the concrete answer he was hoping to hear. He looked back at this unwanted Truthsayer with disdain.
" Well, I don't even know how to ask her out. She's not like other women."
"Well, you should know."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Jin filled me in. I know you've slept with like every woman who's ever stepped foot on this island. So what's the hold up here?"
"I have not slept with every woman on the island!"
"Whatever man. Close enough. I just mean you never had any reservation before. Why now?"
He thought about it for a minute. If he knew, he wouldn't be in this predicament. Why was Miles being such a jackass about it?
"I don't know. It's like she's immune to my powers or something."
"Powers? Umm, okay Clark Kent."
"No, I just mean she never seems phased by me. I'm not trying to con her, but I know what women like to hear. And none of that works on her."
"Did you ever think maybe that's a good thing?"
"How's that?"
"Well, all those women you were trying to con or get in their pants, whatever. That wasn't real. Juliet doesn't want your bullshit man. You just need to be honest with her."
He stood perplexed for a moment. Why hadn't he ever thought of it that way?
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"And anyways, believe me, maybe you're lines don't work on her, but she's not 'immune' as you put it."
"I don't know man…"
"DUDE, I watched her read the same page like 10 times the other night while trying to not look at you. She's smitten."
"Why are you watching her?"
"Cause, I can't help but watch the two of you dancing around trying to pretend you're not staring at each other all the time. It's annoying. And if you're not gonna go for her, then maybe you should let her down nicely so someone else has a chance."
"Sounds like someone's got a crush on her themselves!"
"A crush? What am I little girl? No. I'm just saying if you weren't around I'd waste no time in asking her out. The chick's hot…not only that…she's cool!"
Jim looked annoyed that Miles was thinking about her this way. He couldn't blame him though. He was right.
"You'd never have a chance. She'd kick your ass."
"Probably, but still…Carpe Diem my friend. Why not go for it? What do you have to lose?"
"I got a lot to lose! In case you haven't noticed she's the best friend I got around here."
"What are me and Jin? Chopped liver?"
"No Barney Fief, you're fine. It's just not the same thing."
"Exactly! Even more reason to ask her out. Y'all are clearly meant to be."
Jim looked up at Miles like he'd lost his mind. Miles didn't back down and just stared back at him with pity. Jim let out an exasperated sigh. He felt like a child who couldn't seem to understand the simple math lesson that Miles was trying to show him.
"Just think about it will ya?"
"Fine. I'll think about it. Now eat your damn sandwich and leave me alone."
Miles gleefully chomped down on his grilled cheese, feeling pretty satisfied with himself. Jim went back to pretending to read as he thought about his next move.
