A/N: Some of the feedback I received, said people were interested in more of what Nick and Jess are thinking/feeling and though I intended this to be more of a light/funny story that is definitely something I would like to try and incorporate more. Really do appreciate the feedback guys is so good to know how people are enjoying (or not) this story lol
As always reviews are encouraged :)
Jess's guilt from her uncharacteristic episode of alcohol filled bitchiness caused her to go into baking overload. The initial idea of apology muffins eventually resulted into three baskets of mini-muffins, two trays of cupcakes and cookies and a special 'I'm sorry' pie.
Despite her fears, Elizabeth accepted apology and mass of baked goods. She told Jess there were no hard feelings; she understood Jess was protecting her best friend. Jess had been so relieved, she hated any idea of confrontation but Elizabeth didn't seem like one to hold a grudge.
Following Jess's major baked apology the four of them actually made it to their double date. Despite her worries the night would be tense or awkward Jess had a great time. Though she still decided it was best to stick to iced tea for the night, virgin not Long Island.
It was at this surprisingly relaxed and fun dinner Schmidt brought up the fact it had been almost four weeks since the non-wedding, nonchalantly commenting Nick and Jess had been together for almost a month. Nick had gone instantly quiet whilst Jess merely had smiled and said,
'Almost a whole month, who'da thought it Miller?'
Nick knew Jess's words had been meant playfully but they had nevertheless bothered him.
And were perhaps why, two days later Nick found himself in a state of panic, standing in the kitchen, stressed and flustered surrounded by an array of ingredients he had never even heard of.
"This doesn't look right…" he said slowly raising the sticky dark mustard coloured ball of sludge from the pan.
Red faced and clearly agitated Schmidt looked over Nick's shoulder, Nick against all his better judgement, having begrudgingly asked for his culinary help.
"No that looks perfect Nick, if you're planning on serving Jess a bowl of cat sick."
Nick gave a disgruntled growl as the batch of ruined pasta returned to the pan with a loud thud.
"Why the hell can't I do this!" Nick said forlornly looked down at his latest culinary failure.
"Because you are a Neanderthal Nicholas. Unlike swilling beer and having a questionable sense of personal hygiene, basic culinary skills remain out of your repertoire." The condescension clear in Schmidt's words.
"Shut up Schmidt!" Nick yelled slamming fist down on metal counter.
"Ok, ok don't get your panties in a twist." Schmidt said moving the ruined pan out of Nick's line of fire. "May I make a suggestion Nick?"
Nick gave him a look that said he would rather hear anything than a Schmidt suggestion right now. Schmidt either didn't notice Nick's unenthusiastic response or simply chose to ignore it.
"Perhaps we should save what little pride you have left and Jessica's digestive system and call it a day. I can make you guys a…"
"No." Nick said firmly.
"C'mon Nick…" Schmidt pled. "Anniversaries are flowers and candy, not salmonella and projectile vomit."
Nick shook his head, ignoring Schmidt swipe. "No, I wanna do this."
Schmidt let out a defeated sigh, "Fine, fine...you know what they say, seventh times the charm."
Nick retrieved a fresh pan setting it on the stove, a determined look upon his face. No matter how many tries or how long it took he would do this, seventh time would not only be the charm, it would be perfect. Tonight would be perfect.
Almost forty minutes later and Nick's confidence was more than a little low. As it turned out the seventh, eighth and ninth attempts were not the charm, they were, if possible, even worse.
"For the love of…the sauce…Nick!" Schmidt cried barging Nick away quickly covering the fourth grease fire he had started that day.
Nick stepped back and lent against the kitchen counter, his face a mixture of disappointment and angry frustration.
Schmidt moved the latest burnt pan away. "Ok, let's start over…again."
"What's the point I'll just ruin that as well. I ruin everything." Nick said bitterly.
"Stop with the dramatics would ya!" Schmidt snapped. "So you can't even make a simple pasta dish without it turning into the start of a sequel to Towering Inferno. It's no big deal, I don't get why you're freaking out."
"Because this is what I do Schmidt, I ruin things and then I freak out and ruin them some more!"
Schmidt knew Nick wasn't talking about the dinner anymore. Nick had been on edge all day trying to get everything just perfect. In ten years Schmidt had never seen him make so much effort for a girl, even Caroline.
Nodding he said, "Usually yes, that is the tried and tested Nick Miller relationship modus operandi but with Jess it's been…different. You've barely screwed up at all."
Schmidt was unable to conceal the genuine surprise in his voice. Nick didn't say anything but gave Schmidt defeated look.
Schmidt rolled his eyes, "Newsflash Nick Jess knows you can't cook. She's hardly going to break up with you because…
"It's not about that!" Nick yelled. "I just…I don't wanna screw this up. I can't screw this up."
I can't lose her, he added in his head.
Nick knew he was psyching himself out, getting too much in his head. Schmidt was right this dinner meant nothing, it was just another night, who beyond age sixteen celebrated a month of going out?
He didn't know if Jess was even interested, she hadn't mentioned it since her jokey comment at their double date. But her words seem to stir something inside Nick, made him think this was something worthy of celebrating.
Maybe it was because, honestly, he couldn't believe he had Jess at all, let alone had had four blissful weeks with her. Hell if he could Nick would celebrate every day damn.
The truth was Nick couldn't believe how great the past month had been, it was strange how effortlessly he and Jess had fallen into couple mode. Despite all their fears about being friends and roommates it hadn't felt strange or awkward it had felt natural, right…this is how it should be.
Yet Nick couldn't silence that dark voice in the back of his head, the one who questioned how long this could really last? How long would it be before Jess realised she could do so much better than Nick?
Nick knew this was one of the reasons behind his ridiculous determination to celebrate tonight. Not only because he wanted to show Jess he could make the effort and do the romantic stuff, he couldn't deny there was a part of him that truly feared this may be the only anniversary he'd ever have with Jess.
"Earth to Nick." Schmidt yelled bringing Nick's attention back to the present. "Are you even listening to me?"
"Trying not to, as usual." Nick snapped.
Schmidt gave Nick a hurt look, Nick sighed knowing he was using Schmidt has his usual emotional punching bag. Nick knew he should apologise but instead he said.
"So…do you think any of this is salvageable?"
"I highly doubt it Nicholas." Schmidt said surveying the carnage that surrounded them. "How long before Jess gets back?"
"I don't know." Nick said, scrambling for his phone. "She's been shopping with CeCe all day."
Nick didn't fail to notice the way Schmidt's eyes darted to the floor at the mention of the model's name.
"Well Nicholas you know women and shopping…" Schmidt muttered nervously.
Nick frowned and pulled out his phone sending a quick text to Jess, his eyes darting occasionally to Schmidt who was dashing around the kitchen, anxiously humming to himself. Something was most definitely off.
Nick opened his mouth to question his roommate but his attention was broken as Jess replied almost immediately.
"Jess says she'll be home in around an hour…" Nick murmured as he quickly typed his reply, unable to stop the smile that appeared on his face.
Nick hit send and looked up to find Schmidt smirking at him.
"What?" Nick barked shielding his phone from view.
"So cute." Schmidt sneered as Nick's phone beeped again. "You're like a pair of lovesick teenagers. I bet it's all 'miss you sweetie pie' and 'love you snuggle bunny'."
Trying to shield his phone from Schmidt's view Nick shot him a furious looking glare, trying to ignore the terrifying bolt that shot through his body at Schmidt's mention of the L word.
But Schmidt's grin remained fixed on his face, "Or is tonight finally the night for the big L-O-V…"
"Shut up Schmidt." Nick said tightening his hold on his cell phone.
"C'mon Nick are you really saying you're going to all this trouble tonight just to celebrate a month of dating?" Schmidt let out a hoot of laughter. "Or are you hoping Jess will say it first?"
Nick glared at Schmidt but didn't say anything, partly because he didn't have an answer. He wasn't sure himself why he had been so focused on tonight, on making everything perfect. After all they had only been dating for four weeks, no time at all really but it didn't feel like just dating, it felt different, if felt like…something more. Deep down Nick knew what it meant, what he felt but he wasn't ready to say that out loud. Besides he still didn't know how Jess felt, maybe she didn't either, maybe she was still figuring it out in her head.
Deciding to ignore Schmidt's words completely Nick kept his eyes fixed on his phone. Schmidt let out a low chuckle at Nick's response.
"Ah avoidance and denial, good to see a Nick Miller classic move."
"Funny Schmidt." Nick shot him a dark glare shoving his phone back in his jeans. "Look at this place, it's a disaster…what the hell am I going to do?"
"Oh not this again." Schmidt muttered walking towards Nick. "Ok first things first; you need to shower…"
Nick shook his head, "I haven't got time to…"
Schmidt cut him off. "There is always time for cleanliness Nicholas… honestly you smell worse than a William's sister sports bra."
Nick glared at him, "But what about the…"
Schmidt raised his hand cutting off Nick's words. "Stop! Schmidt will take care of everything, it will be perfect. Trust me. Now go!"
Nick slowly walked towards his room, casting a quick uncertain look back at Schmidt scurrying around the kitchen, frantically muttering to himself. He wasn't sure that leaving their first anniversary plans in Schmidt's hands would do anything to lessen the knot in the pit of his stomach.
"What about this one?" CeCe asked as she twirled in front of Jess wearing a very tight and short red dress.
Jess nodded as she leant forward in her chair, "Awesome Ceece, you look super-hot!"
CeCe frowned and set her hands on her hips, "Jess! You said that about the last four dresses!"
"That's because you're hot." Jess said matter-of-factly.
"That doesn't help me pick one." CeCe held up her hand. "Ok, lemme just try one more."
Jess sighed as she watched her best friend disappear back into her closet for what felt like the millionth time that afternoon.
"CeCe you could rock up to this party wearing a grocery bag and still look smokin'." Jess called after her as she flopped back against the chair.
Jess was exhausted, she had spent the entire morning and half of the afternoon with CeCe traipsing around designer boutiques to find the perfect outfit and they were down to the final five.
Jess knew she wasn't being much help but she wasn't just placating CeCe when she told her all the dresses looked good on her, they really did. CeCe was a model after all, it was her job to make clothes look amazing and boy was she good at her job.
"What d'ya think of this?" CeCe asked reappearing in doorway.
Jess's mouth dropped open as she took in her best friend's latest choice. CeCe was wearing a skin tight strapless leather dress, so taut against her chest her boobs were at her chin. CeCe had paired the incredulously short dress, with six inch stiletto heels with gold spikes on the heel, making her legs appear even longer than usual.
"CeCe wow…I…" Jess stammered. "Wow."
CeCe looked incredibly pleased by Jess's awestruck reaction.
"This is the one." She said as she turned to check her refection in the mirror, rubbing her hands down sides of the dress.
Jess nodded, not sure what to say. "Sure yeah, I mean if that's the look you're trying to go for."
"What look?" CeCe asked looking at Jess in the mirror.
"Err…" Jess said not wanting to offend her best friend. "Honestly?"
CeCe nodded.
"You look a dominatrix."
CeCe only grinned at Jess words. "Perfect."
"Really?" Jess asked surprised. "What kinda weird ass party are you going to?"
"Some B-list singer's perfume launch or something…" CeCe mumbled still checking her appearance over in the mirror. "I'm more interested in the entertainment."
Jess face fell into a dubious look; she didn't like the sound of CeCe's tone. "Why?"
"J-Saw is DJing." CeCe said with a playful smirk.
Now Jess understood CeCe's desire to look even hotter than usual tonight. Justin 'J-Saw' Shaw was a mildly famous DJ CeCe had hooked up with when she first moved to LA. Completely gorgeous, over six foot tall, blonde hair, blue eyes and arms that looked like they could lift a car off a small child like in one of those superhero movies.
He was also a total asshole who treated CeCe like crap, picking her up and dropping her whenever he felt like. It had taken CeCe years to break that horrible cycle, Jess knew she was still hurting over Schmidt but couldn't believe she would want to go back there.
"Eurgh, CeCe really?" Jess said the disapproval clear in her voice.
CeCe ignored her tone and gave a light shrug.
"I'm just catching up with an old friend Jess."
"With Justin you'll definitely catch something" Jess muttered but loud enough for CeCe to hear.
CeCe frowned at her in the mirror, "C'mon Jess don't be like that. I just need to have a little fun right now, after everything…"
Her voice trailed off, Jess sighed remembering all CeCe had been through in the past month. She decided not to go into a full anti-Justin rant, knowing CeCe would just ignore her anyway. Jess knew CeCe's favourite way to deal with tough situations like this was to go crazy, party and let off some steam.
A part of Jess wondered how long this would go on before things went too far. But for now Jess decided to be a good best friend and keep her opinions to herself.
CeCe rounded on Jess eyes bright and twinkling with a look of mischief.
"If you're so worried Jess why don't you come along?"
"What?" Jess asked.
CeCe grinned, "Yes you should totally come!" she said excitedly. "You can keep an eye on Justin and we can go dancing and drink fancy pink cocktails…"
Jess shook her head furiously, "No, no, no. I'm still haunted by my last night of CeCe drinking."
CeCe smiled, "C'mon Jess we don't have to get wasted. No shots I promise."
"How many times have I heard that before?" Jess let out a small laugh, "Besides I can't CeCe, I told you I'm spending tonight with Nick."
"Like you do every night." She said lowly then set her hand on her hip. "I thought you said it you guys were just staying at the loft, nothing special."
"We are but…" Jess began but didn't really know how to explain.
Jess knew how cheesy it sounded but she wanted to say every night she spent with Nick was special, no matter what they did. Though she didn't know why something about tonight felt different to Jess, she couldn't put her finger on it but she felt excited and…nervous? But a good kind of nervous.
It was how Jess had felt for the past month, every time she saw Nick, every time she woke up next to him she felt that same butterfly feeling in her stomach. She'd felt it before, everyone went through the 'honeymoon phase' but with Nick that feeling didn't seem to fade, it seemed to grow stronger…deeper.
Jess couldn't believe it had only been a month, it felt so much longer. Perhaps because for Jess it was, she'd felt something for Nick for so long, even before he'd first kissed her. Of course she hadn't admitted it to herself then, hadn't let herself believe it could actually happen.
But it had, she and Nick were together and she had never felt happier, a night alone in the loft with him sounded like her idea of heaven yet she had a feeling CeCe wouldn't want to hear that right now.
"Fine Jess you spend another boring night at home with your boyfriend watching re-runs of Walking Dead, whilst Nadia and I attend a fabulous Hollywood party!" CeCe replied.
Jess opened her mouth to respond but another voice interrupted from CeCe's bedroom doorway.
"CeCe, what time we make for party?" Nadia asked in her thick Russian accent.
CeCe turned and looked from her model roommate to her best friend, "I don't know Jess what time is good for you?"
Jess rolled her eyes at CeCe's determination CeCe grinned back at her but Nadia gave Jess an incredibly displeased look.
"Oh no is monkey girl coming wiv us?"
CeCe tried not to laugh as Jess scowled at the Russian beauty, hating the memory of the mortifying primate dance CeCe's model friends always forced Jess to perform.
"No I'm not but thanks for the kind invitation Nadia." Jess snapped.
"No Nadia, Jess is spending the night in her happy little couple bubble." CeCe teased.
Nadia nodded a disinterested expression on her face. "Yes you date Jew's friend. One who looks like fat hobo."
"Nick does not look like a fat hobo!" Jess yelled furiously.
Nadia shrugged, "Whatever. It good you not come, you no fun."
Jess glowered at her even more, "Hey I'm fun! I'm a bundle of freaking laughs!"
Jess looked to CeCe for back up but she only grinned in response.
"Prove it." The challenge clear in her voice.
"Nice try." Jess said.
Nadia stood, just staring ahead in a robotic like manner. "CeCe what time we go?"
CeCe turned to her roommate, "9.30 I think?"
"Ok." Nadia said with a nod then turned to Jess. "Bye monkey."
And she left without another word, Jess's eyes scowling at her as she left.
"A pleasure as always Nadia." She called after the model before turning back to CeCe. "You know she's really growing on me."
CeCe laughed as she played with hair in the mirror. "You can tell."
Jess's attention was broken as she felt her phone vibrate in the purse at her feet. Scrambling in the tiny red bag to locate her phone, she was pleased to discover a text message from Nick; feeling a smile instantly appear on her face.
NICK: Hey, what time will you be home? X
Jess's fingers tapped quickly in reply.
JESS: Hopefully not long, an hour or so. Can't wait to see you. X
She hit send. It was true she couldn't wait to see him; she hadn't seen him in twenty four hours which for Jess was twenty four hours too long. Nick had worked the late shift last night and though he crept quietly into her bed around four a.m. Jess had been up and out of the loft before he woke up and had spent the rest of the day with CeCe.
Her phone beeped again as Nick replied almost instantly.
NICK: Great. Missed you today x
Jess's grin grew even wider, pleased the feeling was mutual.
JESS: Me 2. C u soon. Xx
Jess looked up to CeCe staring at her.
"Nick?" she asked.
Jess face scrunched up, "How'd you know?
"You always get that goofy look on your face when it's Nick." CeCe unable to keep jealous tone from her voice.
Jess didn't say anything but just put her phone away careful not to let CeCe see her new screensaver, a collage of her and Nick pulling funny faces together.
Nearly half an hour later Nick left his room, freshly showered and wearing the smartest clean flannel he could find which Schmidt had insisted on ironing.
Checking his watch Nick stumbled into the living room, he should have a little time before Jess got home yet he suddenly felt incredibly anxious. His nerves multiplied tenfold as he finally looked up and saw the scene in front of him.
"Schmidt…" he murmured. "What did you do?"
Standing over by the dining table Schmidt turned to face Nick as he finished lighting what Nick assumed was one of at least a hundred candles in the room. Schmidt blew out the match he was holding looking very pleased with himself.
"What do you think? Awesome right?"
"Err…" Nick said stepping forward his eyes still struggling to adjust to low light and ridiculous scene in front of him.
The loft was barely recognisable, the entire place filled with candles; every available surface had a small flickering light set atop it. Which Nick now noticed also served as the only light for the room.
The biggest array was centred on the dining table where Schmidt had put out lavish place settings surrounded by more cutlery than Nick even realised they owned.
Scattered across the extravagantly decorated table were dark red rose petals. Nick's astounded eyes followed their trail around the couch and coffee table creating a path leading back to his bedroom door. Nick scowled as he lifted his shoe he found a collection of smushed red flowers on the sole.
With a groan Nick looked back to Schmidt, grinning proudly at his handiwork. When Schmidt had said he would 'take care of everything' Nick assumed this meant clearing up his kitchen disasters and making the room appear mildly presentable again, maybe running the vacuum round and fluffing up the couch cushions. Not…this. Nick should have known better.
"Well?" Schmidt chirped clearly taking Nick's speechless state as one of wonder and awe not total disbelief.
"It's a lot Schmidt." Nick finally said stepping forward. "Like a lot a lot."
Schmidt waved his hand dismissively, "Pssh Nicholas. This is perfect, just the right amount of sensual ambiance to ensure one's libido is properly aroused."
"Jar." Nicks aid his face twisting into a sickened expression. "Where the hell did you get all this stuff? I was gone like twenty minutes!"
"My room." Schmidt answered simply as he adjusted the dining table.
Nick raised his eyebrows. "You're telling me you just happened to have a spare bunch of rose petals and enough candles to fill the Vatican hidden away in your room?"
"Yes Nick." Schmidt answered slightly irritated as though he couldn't understand Nick's disbelief. "One never knows when one will need to commence with an unforeseen seduction."
"Please stop saying 'one'." Nick grumbled. "This is not Downtown Abbey."
"In fact I have a few more tools which might come in handy for you tonight." He replied ignoring Nick as he went to his room and returned with a medium sized black box.
Nick stood in terrified silence as Schmidt set the box on the kitchen counter, fearing whatever seduction 'tools' Schmidt had hidden inside.
"Now I know condoms aren't an issue given the lifetime supply Jess appears to have purchased and stored in her panty draw." Schmidt said as he rummaged in the box.
Nick felt a flash of rage as he stepped towards Schmidt, "Why the hell were you…"
But Schmidt cut him off, "Here we go…massage oil…"
He began to remove objects from the box, reeling them off as he lined each one on the counter.
"…edible body paint, handcuffs…" he continued as Nick stood with a horrified expression on his face. "…nipple clamps…"
"What?" Nick yelled loudly, physically jumping away from the counter.
"Nipple clamps." Schmidt said a little louder as though Nick were an old man.
Nick rolled his eyes, "I heard what you said Schmidt. Why the hell would you have…those?"
"What theeeeeeese?" Schmidt teased dangling the small black and silver objects in Nick's face.
Nick shook his head batting them away furiously as though they were dangerous.
Schmidt laughed. "You really should think about broadening your sexual horizons Nicholas, Jess will thank you for it."
"Mine and Jess's sexual horizons are plenty broad thank you very much." Nick snapped. "Would ya shove that crap back in your pervert box before she gets back!"
Schmidt sniggered still swinging the clamps at Nick when they heard the sound of a key turning in the door.
Swivelling on the spot Nick could do nothing but stare at the door, panic flooding through him; this was not how he'd imagined starting his anniversary night with Jess.
The door slowly began to open and a quiet but high pitched voice trailed inside one instantly recognisable as not Jess, Nick let out a sigh of relief.
Winston shut the door behind him and looked up to his two roommates, "Hey guys."
"Winston!" Nick yelled. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I live here Nick." Winston replied. "What the…"
His face fell into a perplexed expression as he took in the transformed loft. The candles, the rose petals, Nick all dressed up (or as dressed up as Nick Miller got).
Winston looked at them suspiciously, Schmidt, are those…nipple clamps?"
"No!" Nick yelled forcefully at the exact moment Schmidt said. "Yes."
Winston stepped towards the kitchen, looking even more confused. "What's going on?"
"Tonight's Jess and Nick's one month anniversary, so he planned a super special romantic night in…" Schmidt began.
Nick cut him off, "I did not! All I wanted to do was make a nice meal and have the place to ourselves for the night. You…" he said narrowing his eyes at Schmidt. "…are the one who turned this place into something out of a Julia Roberts movie!"
"One month anniversary?" Winston said with a snigger. "Really Nick?"
Nick fidgeted uncomfortably not meeting either of their grinning stares.
"What's next are you going to ask her to wear your class ring?" Winston teased. "Or your Letterman jacket?"
"Please, Nick was far too rotund to have ever made varsity." Schmidt chipped in.
"Whatever." Nick snapped. "If we're done with the Nick Miller mocking part of the evening can you guys shut up and help me."
"With what?" Winston asked.
"Fix this ridiculous over the top mess!" Nick said pointing to the surrounding candle-lit scene.
"Ridiculous? Over the…" Schmidt said aghast. "How dare you! After all I've done to help…"
"I never asked you to do…this!" Nick yelled.
Schmidt scowled darkly at Nick, "Philistine, wouldn't know romance if it fell out of his flabby…" he mumbled as he packed up his seduction box. "Fine, fine Nick, you think you can do better by yourself, be my guest."
"I don't want to do it myself. I want you to fix it!"
Schmidt shook his head, "No can do, I'm already running late to meet Elizabeth, we're attending a celebrity filled fragrance launch party this evening."
"Why the hell are you..." Winston began to ask.
But Nick called. "Jar."
"My company are doing the marketing." Schmidt snapped glaring at Nick.
Nick rolled his eyes and turned to his other, slightly less annoying roommate, "Winston?"
Winston shook his head, "Sorry man I just ran back to grab my cell and I'm out."
"Can't you just help make this place look semi-normal again and not like the 90s R&B video Schmidt's clearly used for inspiration?" Nick asked.
Schmidt stopped immediately as he walked back to his bedroom, letting out an infuriated cry and shooting Nick a hateful look over his shoulder.
Nick ignored him and turned back to Winston. "Where are you going anyways?"
Winston looked instantly at the floor, hands fidgeting in front of him. "Err I…I got a date."
Inches from his bedroom door Schmidt spun on the spot, tossing the box into his room.
"Taking your right out to dinner and a movie isn't a date Winston." He said snidely
"Hilarious Schmidt."
Nick chuckled, "So c'mon man, spill, who is she? How'd you meet?"
"Her name's Natalie." Winston said looking remarkably uncomfortable at their interrogation. "And we haven't met…yet."
Schmidt and Nick shared dubious looks.
"So it's a blind date?" Schmidt asked.
Winston gave a half shrug, "Yeah…sorta."
Nick and Schmidt were staring at Winston so intently he could feel his forehead start to sweat. They were both looking at him with knowing smirks on their faces. Winston threw his arms up in defeat.
"We met online ok!" he yelled.
Schmidt let out a shriek of laughter and Nick's face fell into an uncertain turtle expression.
"Jeez I knew you were in a dry spell post-Daisy but online dating…really?" Schmidt tutted. "The internet is for shopping and pornography not finding real love. Haven't you ever seen Catfish?"
"Jar." Nick said then frowned. "What's Catfish?"
Schmidt rolled his eyes, "It's a TV Show grandpa! Check it."
"Watch your mouth before this old fella checks you." Nick muttered looking back to Winston. "But really man, online? I mean there's gotta be some girls out there you have scared away yet."
"Thanks Nick." Winston said bitterly.
"I didn't mean…"
Winston cut him off, "Look not all of us are lucky enough to have two women fighting over us or get our dream girl move in across the hall ok!" He yelled. "Do you have any idea how hard the past month has been? You two have been off in happy couple-land whilst I've been here…alone."
Nick and Schmidt's mocking smiles were gone as they stood listening to their friend, both feeling incredibly guilty. Honestly neither of them had given much thought to Winston lately, he was right; they had both been so caught up in their own lives.
"Do you guys even realise how many puzzles I have done in the past couple weeks?" Winston said with a disbelieving shake of his head. "Too damn many. That's how I met Natalie in the first place; I just wanted someone to talk to…"
Nick felt so bad, "Winston…"
Winston shook his head, "I'm happy for you guys, really I am but I'm tired of being on my own. And I like Natalie so could ya maybe just cut me some slack about this?"
Nick nodded, "Sorry man."
"Yeah, sorry Winston." Schmidt mumbled then asked with genuine worry. "But what if she's a dude?"
"Jar." Nick said glaring at him.
Winston shook his head and looked around the kitchen, "Where's my cell? I left it charging in here?
Schmidt gave him a snotty look, "I moved it to the bathroom! As I have said, continuously, the most neutral room in the loft!"
"Not this again." Nick muttered.
"Schmidt!" Winston yelled. "How is the bathroom the…I mean it's basically a room full of water, the shower, the sink, the toilet!"
"What d'ya think comes out of this…" Schmidt said pointing to the kitchen sink. "Rainbows and unicorns?"
"The kitchen is clearly the more neutral…" Winston glared yelling at Schmidt.
"The bathroom is used by all therefore…" Schmidt yelled speaking over Winston.
"What? That's insane. The kitchen is used just as…" Winston yelled back.
"Enough! The Loft king has spoken. Now be gone peasant and retrieve your cellular device from the most neutral of rooms…" Schmidt said putting his palm in Winston's face. "…the bathroom."
Winston glared at Schmidt and stormed off, still muttering to himself. Nick was pretty sure he heard the word 'revolution' as Winston disappeared down the hall.
Schmidt sighed beside Nick. "No one said ruling would be easy."
"You're an idiot." Nick said checking his watch, wondering how much time he had before Jess got home. "I need a beer."
Nick grabbed a cold Heisler from the ice bucker Schmidt had set beside the fridge, noting the bottle of rose set beside it.
"I can't believe Winston is actually going on a date with some loony toon he met online." Schmidt said. "This is dangerous Nick. This could be the last time we ever see our Chocolate Musketeer."
"Jar." Nick said taking large gulp.
Schmidt shook his head, "I bet it's a dude."
Nick shrugged, "C'mon Schmidt you don't know that."
"Fine if you're so confident fancy a wager on that?" Schmidt asked.
Nick shook his head, "No, no, no I'm not betting with you Schmidt. You get real weird with bets."
"I do not!" Schmidt whined.
Nick frowned, "The last time we let you play poker with us you wanted to put your grandma's house in Florida up as collateral."
Schmidt shrugged, "So?"
"It was a ten dollar limit Schmidt!"
"Go big or go home Nick." Schmidt said. "I'll bet you a hundred bucks this Natalie turns out to be a Nathaniel."
"No Schmidt." Nick said pushing past him.
"Ok fifty…" Schmidt said but Nick shook his head. "Twenty?"
"No." Nick said firmly walking away.
Schmidt let out an annoyed grunt, "Ah man this sucks. I'm already out of the Nick and Jess pool…" he muttered under his breath.
Nick stopped dead in his tracks and turned back to face Schmidt who suddenly looked very nervous.
"The what?"
Schmidt leant against the counter, trying to appear as nonchalant as possible. "N-Nothing."
Nick took a step closer. "What did you say Schmidt, something about a…Nick and Jess pool?"
Schmidt waved his hands dismissively, "Oh that. Yes what I said was…err…"
"Schmidt." Nick said warningly. "Don't make me beat it out of you."
"Ok, ok there's no need to threaten physical violent Nicholas. Please you're not on the mean streets of the Windy City now."
Nick glared at him and took another step forward, "I'm warning you…"
"Alright, jeez. Give a guy a minute." Schmidt held his hands up defensively, "Before I tell you this you have to promise not to get mad and remember we are all your friends and we love you. This was nothing more than a harmless wager between amigos."
"Schmidt…" Nick said clenching his fingers painfully tight around the neck of his bottle.
Schmidt took a deep breath. "Well we kinda have this pool… about you and Jess…" Schmidt paused then added sheepishly. "…about how long you two will…you know…before you…"
Schmidt wasn't brave enough to actually say the last part out loud but he's said more than enough.
"What?" Nick yelled furiously. "You guys are actually betting against our relationship?"
Schmidt looked uncomfortable. "It's not like that Nick. It's silly really, Bob started it at the wedding…"
Nick shook his head incredulously.
"Bob? Jess's dads apart of this?" Though Nick wasn't really surprised, Bob had been against Nick and Jess before they'd even begun. Nick glared at Schmidt. "Who else?"
Schmidt took a moment as he ran through a list of names in his head. "There's me, Bob, CeCe, Nadia, erm…oh Sadie and Melissa…" said biting his lip still thinking. "Big Bob, your mom…outside Dave and…someone else oh and Winston."
Schmidt said pointing to Winston who had returned cell phone in hand and looked up with a confused expression.
"Winston what?" he asked.
Nick rounded on him, his face twisted in anger. "Oh nothing. Schmidt was just telling me about your little wager…"
Winston's confused expression fell instantly and he looked to Schmidt eyes wide.
"You told him!"
"I…I was confused!" Schmidt said. "I thought he was you!"
"Does Nick look like a young Denzel Washington to you?" Winston cried in a high pitched squeal.
"No and neither do you!" Schmidt snapped back.
Nick was barely listening as his two roommates fell into another one of their usual arguments, tossing insults back and forth, he was still busy trying to process what Schmidt had accidentally revealed. He was dumbstruck; everyone closest to them had bet that this thing with him and Jess wouldn't last.
His two supposed best friends in the world, his own mother…did no one actually believe they could do this? Schmidt and Winston were still exchanging barbs when Nick finally interrupted, asking the question he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know the answer to.
"How long?" he asked quietly.
Both Schmidt and Winston looked at him with puzzled looks.
"What?" Schmidt asked.
"What's the longest one of our supposed friends has bet we'll last?" he asked bitterly. "How long have we got left?"
Winston and Schmidt exchanged nervous glances then Winston said with a sigh, "C'mon Nick it's not like that…"
Nick shook his head knowing what Winston's avoidance answer meant. No one had bet on Nick and Jess long term.
"Listen Nick, this whole thing, the stupid bet was before," Schmidt said apologetically. "Before we saw how good you and Jess are together."
Winston nodded, "And you are man, you're awesome."
Nick didn't say anything in response he just stared at the half empty beer bottle in his hands.
"I gotta go meet Elizabeth." Schmidt said checking his watch.
Winston nodded, "I better go too." He looked to Nick. "Don't let this bother you man. It was a stupid bet between drunk and stupider people at a wedding, it doesn't mean anything."
"Sure." Nick said with a small nod.
Winston gave Nick a reassuring pat on the shoulder as he walked past.
Schmidt followed briefly stopping beside Nick. "I made lasagne, it's in the oven on a low heat it should be ready in about forty minutes and there's left over pineapple sorbet in the freezer for desert."
Nick merely gave a nod of thanks and didn't say a word. Schmidt looked as though he wanted to say something more but just gave a comforting smile before he followed Winston out the door leaving Nick alone with his thoughts.
Nick knew he should have been more grateful to Schmidt after all he was the one who had salvaged this entire evening but he just felt so deflated.
No matter how Winston and Schmidt tried to explain or downplay it, the fact remained not one of the people closest to him and Jess had enough faith in them to believe they could make this relationship work. Nick felt even more ridiculous now, making such a big deal about a one month anniversary.
Jess's words from the other night echoed in his head,
'Almost a whole month, who'da thought it Miller?'
Apparently no one, he thought to himself. Nick almost laughed it was so tragic.
Though the past four weeks had been amazing, Nick had been happier than he had in years yet he still hadn't been able to shake that pessimistic voice in his head that told him it was too good to be true, that it could never last. And now he knew his friends not only agreed with this but were actually betting on when his world would crumble was too much.
Despite how pissed he was, Nick knew it wasn't meant in a malicious way, he knew everyone who was involved probably just thought it was all a big joke but to Nick it was devastating.
Looking around at his ludicrously romantic surroundings Nick decided he was done making a fool of himself. He decided to return to the loft to its former normal appearance and remove any signs of his ridiculous anniversary idea.
He'd clear all this crap away before Jess got back, they'd eat Schmidt's lasagne on the couch and watch TV like always. Jess never needed to know. It was a stupid idea anyways, she'd probably had thought it was ridiculous.
First Nick swept up the trail of rose petals, then he cleared away the dining table before moving on to the mass of candles. It took Nick a good ten minutes but he had almost finished when red faced, out of breath and standing in near darkness his cell phone rang.
Praying it wasn't Jess, Nick was relieved as he saw Big Bob's name flash on the screen. Relief quickly evolved into resentment when Nick remembered Bob was just another traitorous member of the bet.
"What Bob?" Nick answered gruffly. "What…no it's my night off and I worked a double yesterday…"
Nick's voice trailed off as Bob burst into an uncharacteristically hurried and panicked rant about how the bar was crazy, two bartenders were out sick and they had just had a massive unscheduled delivery of liquor which was currently blocking two fire exits.
"No Bob I'm not doing it." Nick said firmly. "What about Kenny why can't he cover? That jackass didn't return any of my messages last week…a skiing accident? Broken in three places yikes."
Nick sighed as Bob continued to plead for help down the phone, claiming how desperate he was; finally Nick gave a overwhelmed sigh.
"Fine I'll swing buy and sort out the delivery then I'm outta there." He said. "And Bob I don't care how busy it gets I am not getting behind that bar."
Bob was still enthusiastically thanking Nick when he hung up the phone without saying goodbye.
Deciding he didn't want the entire building to burn to the ground Nick remembered to blow out the last remaining candles before heading to the door. He cast a quick glance over his shoulder; the loft was now filled with a grey smoke and smelt of burning but looked relatively normal, nothing out of the ordinary.
With a shrug he grabbed his keys hoping he could make it to the bar and back before Jess got home and figured out what he'd almost planned.
As the elevator doors parted Jess was immediately hit by the smell of burning, edging closer towards the loft door she heard the high pitched beeping of their fire alarm. Panicked Jess scrambled in her tiny purse for her keys, shoving the door open roughly as she burst into a cloud of grey smoke.
"Oh my god…Nick? Guys?" she yelled and choked running into the kitchen.
She reached the source of the smoke, grabbed the oven mitts and ripped the stove door open removing a blackened and charred dish. Jess couldn't make out what the dish was originally intended to be and carefully set it down.
Switching off the stove Jess began to frantically wave the mitts in the air trying to fan away the smoke.
"Nick?" She yelled again. "Schmidt…Winston…hellllllo?"
There was no reply, worried Jess searched for her roommates. Quickly she checked Schmidt's room first next to the kitchen, then Nick and Winston's, she popped her head in her own room in case Nick was in there.
Jess returned to the living room satisfied they weren't dead or unconscious from carbon monoxide poisoning but simply that no one was home. The room was still filled with smoke; Jess opened the huge windows and was suddenly hit by a rush of cooling night air.
It was late, almost nine o'clock Jess having gotten home a lot later than she had hoped. At CeCe's insistence Jess had stayed until she and Nadia were ready to go in order to give her final opinions on CeCe's outfit.
Though Jess was glad her friend was back out there having fun she couldn't understand why she was so excited about this party. Jess couldn't believe it was really about catching up with an ex, especially one who had treated her so badly.
As the smoke slowly began to clear Jess took in the loft around her, it looked the same as always, mostly tidy but little clusters of clutter here and there yet something felt…off.
Jess choked back a cough as she remembered the source of the almost loft inferno. She returned to the kitchen and surveyed the burnt mess. Knowing the culinary level of her three male roommates Jess assumed it must have been Schmidt; maybe he was planning a romantic night in with Elizabeth.
Then Jess had a sudden realisation…Nick. With all the panic when she returned Jess had completely forgotten why she had rushed home in the first place, she and Nick were supposed to be spending the evening together.
Jess looked back at the charred pan atop the stove, had Nick cooked? The idea was so preposterous, Nick never cooked, Nick couldn't cook. If they ate in Jess always cooked, Nick called it his kitchen treat.
The memory of their recent double date flashed in her mind, Schmidt's teasing comment that she and Nick had been dating for almost a month. Jess bit her lip; this couldn't be an anniversary dinner…could it?
Her stomach did somersaults at the thought but looking around the room nothing else pointed to this idea. Jess sighed; it was probably just wishful thinking. Did she really think Nick would want to celebrate a month of dating like they were in junior high?
Grow up Jessica, she thought to herself.
Jess shook her head turning away from the charred mess when something caught her eye beside the fridge. It was an ice bucket; Jess peeked in to see a bottle of rose and two bottles of Heisler floating in what was a cluster of ice some time ago.
Grinning at the sight, the butterfly fluttering returned instantly then Jess felt suddenly confused. Where was he? If Nick had planned a special dinner for the two of the, why wasn't he here?
Jess had been a little late getting home, her sudden happiness morphed into anxiety. Maybe he had got tired of waiting? Jess dashed for her purse and checked her phone, no new calls or messages. She scanned the living room but he'd left no note.
Quickly Jess hit speed dial and waited as the phone rang but Nick didn't answer, all she heard was the sound of his automated voicemail. Disappointed and still feeling anxious Jess hung up, not bothering to leave a message, setting her phone down on the counter.
Jess removed the bottles from the metal bucket, she began to pour the ice down the sink when her cell vibrated on the counter, the sounds of I'm so excited filling the silent loft.
She checked the caller ID, instantly relieved.
"Nick." She said brightly as she answered, flinching at the loud and harsh noise on the other end of the line. "Nick…are you there?"
"Jess…hey…" Nick replied loudly.
Jess frowned; it was so noisy she could barely hear him. Was he at a party?
"Where are you?" she asked as clearly as she could.
"The bar. Bob called, needed an extra pair of hands." Nick yelled back over the noise of the bar.
Jess nodded, then said flirtatiously, "Well how long are you gonna be? Cause I have a few ideas for those hands…"
"What?" Nick yelled loudly interrupting her. "Sorry Jess, I can barely hear ya…"
"Forget it." Jess muttered with a sigh, then yelled back. "When will you be back?"
"Whaaat? Wait…hold on."
Jess listened patiently to the muffled sounds of movement on the other line then the roar of the bar disappeared.
"Hey, sorry I'm in the office." Nick said slightly out of breath. "You ok?"
"I'm good." Jess replied.
Nick didn't say anything in response, an almost awkward silence followed before Jess asked again.
"So…what time will you be home?"
Nick made what sounded like a low hissing sound.
"I dunno Jess, things are pretty crazy here." He said simply. "I think I'll have to take a rain-check on tonight…sorry"
Jess nodded, disappointment flooding through her. "Oh, ok."
Another awkward silence followed.
"Maybe I could come down, have a few glasses of pink wine?" Jess said, hoping Nick would pick up on her playful tone.
"I wouldn't bother." He replied. "The place is full of idiots."
Jess nodded again but didn't speak. She couldn't explain why but something felt off between them, it was like Nick didn't want to see her, like he was holding himself back. Was this about the dinner? Was he pissed at her because she was so late?
"Nick I…" Jess began.
"Look Jess I better go." Nick said hurriedly.
Jess heard the sound of a door opening, the roar of the bar retuning in the background.
"I'll see you tomorrow. Don't wait up. Night." He added.
Jess opened her mouth to respond but Nick had already hung up. She stared at the phone in her hand for a moment, disappointed and confused. Clearly something had happened but Jess had no idea what and apparently Nick was in no rush to tell her.
Exhausted and feeling uneasy Jess decided to go to bed; sluggishly she made her way to her bedroom, pausing outside, casting a glance to the door opposite. Something caught her eye on the floor, she bent down and picked it up, twirling the delicate red rose petal in her fingers.