I woke up to the buzz of my phone, still lying in my hand.

I glanced groggily at the screen, irritated and totally out of it.

I didn't recognize the number, but I flipped it open anyway, prepared to yell at whoever was rude enough to call at- I glanced at the clock. Ten o clock!

God, never mind…

"Hello?"

"Hey Suze,"

I felt the unaccustomed guilt rise in my stomach. "Hey Paul," I replied, a little uneasy, "Hey, um, how'd you get my number?"

I could hear the shrug in his voice. "I told you I liked you."

"You stalked me?" I asked, somewhat sarcastic, somewhat unsurprised.

"I wouldn't say that," He said coolly, "I would say your friends are easily pursuaded."

"Cee Cee?" I demanded, a little angry.

"Now now," His voice was low, "I won't reveal my sources."

"Paul!" I complained, "You don't say things like that and not tell me who it was- it was Debbie wasn't it?"

He was silent for a little too long.

"HA!" I cried, triumphant.

"I'm so happy for you- what a fantastic discovery." He said, his voice bitter with sarcasm.

"Shut up," I said, happy for myself.

"I'll have to talk to her…" I grumbled after a moment of short lived joy.

"I'm genuinely sorry for her," He informed me, though I knew he was looking forward to it.

"Sure."

"Why was your Aunt so…" He said after a moment, changing the subject.

I sighed. "IDK, I don't think she likes your uncle."

He snorted, "You think?"

"Yes." I replied, ignoring him, "I couldn't get her to tell me though." I sighed.

"Yeah, well," I could hear his shrug in his tone, "She IS a redhead. Stubborn."

"Not naturally," I declared, "She's actually blonde."

"In that case- she probably doesn't remember WHY she hates my uncle."

I shook my head, disgusted. "You're so rude- I wonder why I ever put up with you."

"Because," He replied, "I'm irresistable." He said it coolly, matter o' factly, like it was obvious.

I rolled my eyes, irritated.

"Well, congrats Paul, you've officially proven yourself an ego case."

I reached for the end button.

"Wait!"

I waited.

"I'm sorry," He said the words slowly, as if he was unaccustomed to them, "If I offended you."

"Whatever."

"God- will you ever stop trying to convince yourself we don't belong together?"

"What does that have to do with ANYTHING?"

"Every time we get close, you manage to pull off an argument."

"Maybe we aren't meant for eachother at all anyway," I said defensively. "It's not like it's just me!"

"But it IS just you- you're afraid, Suze, and don't even bother trying to deny it. You like me. Stop trying to make yourself see otherwise."

"I'm NOT!" I protested.

"Suze, face it. You and I just work."

"It was one kiss, Paul- and obviously a HUGE mistake-"

"But it wasn't just one kiss," His voice was silky, furious. "It's been there since the beginning."

"I don't think it's fair to Jesse if-"

He laughed then, loud and harsh.

"Oh, so it's still about your ghost."

"I was SAYING- it's not fair anyway to Jesse. I don't want to hurt him."

"This doesn't have to be about Jesse, Suze." His tone was alluring. "Just me…and you."

I took a deep breath. "I seriously don't think that's a good idea."

"And why not?"

"BECAUSE- I just don't want to be with you after all- all we do is fight!"

There was silence.

"When will you ever just accept it?" He asked me.

"There's nothing to accept!" I snapped.

Once again, silence washed over us like a wave.

"One of these days, Suze." He promised.

The phone line disconnected.

I stared blankly ahead, faced with dismal thoughts.