A Friendly Encounter

by Alex Dafney

  He places his hand on mine that still rests on his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you, Abbi. You have no idea what it means to me that you came out tonight.” He stares down at me, so many emotions rolling through his eyes. I give him a simple shrug. “It’s nothing. That’s what friends do, right?” He gives me a crooked smile, reaching out and taking a damp lock of my hair between his fingers. “I don’t have many friends who would drive clear across town with their hair dripping down their back to check on my drunk grandfather.”

  He drops the lock of hair, his hand sliding to my shoulder then slowly trailing up to rest on my cheek. His eyes are focused on mine, and for a second I’m certain he’s going to kiss me. He leans forward, placing his lips to my forehead in the sweetest, most gentle kiss ever. “I mean it, Abbi. Thank you.” He whispers as he pulls away, taking his warm, comforting hand with him.

  He takes a step back, gesturing his hand toward the end of the hallway to the living room. I spin, walking in front of him, straight for the front door. I place my hand on the doorknob just as he places his hand on the door, looking down at me with a small smile. “Have you really eaten, or were you just telling Nan that?” I roll my eyes playfully, letting my hand slip from the doorknob.

  “No. I was in the bath when you called.” I flip my damp hair with my hands. “Hence the wet hair and terrible attire.” He lets out a groan, tilting his head up to the ceiling. “At least let me feed you for your troubles.” He drops his head, his eyes finding mine. “I’m sure it’s not every day you’re called out on your day off to diagnose a one too many whiskeys.”

  I chuckle, shaking my head. “No, I can honestly say this is my first.” He reaches between us, gripping my hand and pulling me toward the kitchen behind him. He drops my hand, jutting his chin toward the kitchen table. “Sit. I’ll grab us something to eat.” I pull out the normal chair that I sit in, taking a seat as I watch him pull containers from the refrigerator. He glances at me over his shoulder, a wiry smile on his lips.

  “I hope you like chicken pot pie.” I tilt my head back, a low moan escaping me. “I looooove chicken pot pie.” He laughs at my exaggeration. I return my head to a normal angle, watching as he makes two plates. He places the first one in the microwave, pressing a few buttons then turning and propping against the counter giving me a shy grin. “I’m so sorry I called you.”

  I raise an eyebrow at him, folding my arms and resting my elbows on the table as I sit forward. “You were there for me yesterday. Let’s just call it even.” He chuckles slightly, turning his back to me as the microwave timer begins to beep. He pulls the plate from inside, turning back to me and walking across the kitchen. He places the plate in front of me, turning and walking back to the microwave.

  “Yesterday was different though. You didn’t pull me out of a shower to come and check on a drunk person.” I lift my fork to my mouth, taking the bite of steaming chicken pot pie. I close my eyes, a moan escaping me as I slowly chew. As I swallow, I open my eyes, finding Jase sliding into the chair across from me, grinning at me.

  I wipe my mouth with my napkin, placing it back in my lap as I look over to him. “I was actually in the bath, but as soon as I heard the worry in your voice, I abandoned it and drove straight here.” He drops his head to his hand, letting out a low moan. “Dammit. The one night you had to relax I went and screwed it up.” I take another bite from my plate, my eyes damn near rolling to the back of my head. I finish chewing and look over to him. His head still in his hand.

  I reach across the table, having to lift myself from the seat to place my hand on his broad forearm. He glances up at my touch, an apologetic look on his face. I give his arm a squeeze, placing a slight grin on my face. “It’s not a big deal, Jase. Really.” I slide my hand from his arm, sitting back in my chair. I give him a bright smile as I pick up my fork and take another bite of this delicious heated up meal. “Besides, I got homemade chicken pot pie out of the deal.” He gives me that grin that highlights his dimple as he lifts his fork.

  Chapter 7

  The next few weeks seem to fly by. I find myself planning my days around the Russell’s meal schedule so I’m always there to have lunch or dinner with them. As I drive toward their house on Wednesday afternoon, I find myself thinking over the last month and a half. Jase and I have settled into a comfortable friendship. Neither of us making a move to take us out of the friend zone, even though my attraction to him is undeniable.

  He’s spent most weekends at my house. Either lounging around the pool together, or TV marathons when the weather hasn’t cooperated for outdoor activities. We’ve talked about all our hopes and dreams for our futures, but never stating that either of us want the other involved in those plans. We always end up sleeping together in my bed, his arms cradling me as I lie on his chest. It’s almost too comfortable.

  I pull into the driveway, slowly making my way along the gravel. As I pull up to the front of the house, I see Jase on the porch talking on his phone. He gives me a wave along with that charming smile that makes my knees weak. I wave back, shutting off the car and taking a deep breath before I step out. Every time I see this man my heart pitter patters in my damn chest like some raging hormonal teenager.

  I make my way up the steps catching the tail end of his phone conversation. “I’ll be there tomorrow around three. I’ve already called Richardson and let him know. Hopefully we’ll settle this one soon.” He hangs up the call, sliding his phone into his pocket and wrapping his large arms around my tiny frame. After kissing my temple, like he does every greeting, he pulls back. “Hey, beautiful. How was your day?”

  I’m not sure when he started calling me beautiful, but every single time he does I want to throw myself at him. Instead, I give him a little shrug. “Not bad. I had two of Amy’s patients this morning, so I’ve been busy.” He shakes his head, letting out a huff. “Does that girl ever work?” I give him an eye roll as he opens the front door for me. “No. I’ve had half of her patients for the last two weeks.”

  I walk straight for the kitchen, Jase following behind me. Agnus and Mr. Russell sit at the table, four plates of food on it. Agnus gives me a tender smile. “We’ve been waiting for you. How was your day, honey?” I give her a slight frown as Jase removes my purse from my shoulder, walking over and depositing it on the counter.

  “I’ve asked y’all not to wait on my account. It’s bad enough you feel the need to feed me everyday.” She lets out a chuckle as she gestures her hand to the seat across from her. “Come on now. Let’s all eat while it’s still warm.” I take my seat, Jase sliding in next to me. After Mr. Russell says the blessing, we all dig into the wonderful meal Agnus has prepared.

  “When will you be leaving tomorrow?” I glance over to Mr. Russell whose eyes are trained on Jase before turning my head to look up to him. He gives an impish grin. “I guess you heard my phone call.” Mr. Russell gives a harrumph. “I just need to see to getting someone out here to take care of the animals while you’re gone.” I clear my throat, taking a sip of the sweet tea before addressing him.

  “I could help while Jase is out of town.” He narrows his eyes at me. “No offense, fired nurse, but I don’t think you can handle your job and taking care of the animals around here.” I dip my head down in defeat. He’s right though. “Why don’t you go out to California with Jase?” I glance up to Agnus who wears a suspicious smile. Jase places his hand on my leg under the table as I turn to look over to his wide smile.

  “I was planning to ask you to join me, but since Nan has already brought it up, what do you say?” My mouth opens, but no words come out. He takes in my hesitancy, launching into every reason I should go with him. “I’ll be working most of the day tomorrow, but Friday and Saturday I’ll be free, and we’d fly back Sunday. You’d only miss two days of work and we all know that girl you work with owes you for all the times you’ve covered for her. Besides, you were just saying that you want to visit California, and if anyone deserves a vacation, it’s you.”
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  He finishes by giving me that damn smile that brings out the dimple in his cheek. I take a deep breath, turning back to my unfinished meal. As I stab a piece of the fried okra with my fork, I give a casual shrug. “What time do we fly out?” He squeezes my leg under the table. “We fly out at five AM. I promise, you’re going to love it!”

  “And don’t worry about the animals. I had Blake come by earlier and showed him what needs to be done.” I cough into my hand, trying to stifle the laughter that comes with the imagined image of Blake tending to farm animals. He’s never been an animal person. Hell, he’s scared of cows!

  After dinner, Jase and I stand side by side at the kitchen sink. Me washing the dishes as he rinses and dries. “I’m so glad you’re coming with me. I can’t wait to show you around.” I pass him the last plate as my chest bubbles with excitement. “Speaking of, I should be going if I’m going to convince my coworkers to take my patients for the next two days.” He passes me a towel and I dry my hands. I step over to the neighboring counter and lift my purse, turning back to him.

  “Oh, does Blake know your grandfather has a cow?” He gives me a little grin as he steps toward me, placing his hand on my lower back as we walk out of the kitchen together. “Yeah. I showed him all the animals and what to do, but he wouldn’t even come within twenty feet of Betsy.” I giggle as he pulls the front door open. He stops on the porch, looking down at me with a smirk. “He’s scared of cows, isn’t he?” I can’t contain my laughter any longer.

  I look up to him, tears glossing my vision as I try to tell him the story of our younger days, but it comes out mumbled and unintelligible through my laughing fit. He chuckles as he watches me, reaching his hand up and cupping my cheek intimately. His dark blue eyes searing into my brown ones. My laughter instantly dies down at the look in his eyes. “You’re beautiful when you laugh like that.”

  I swallow heavily as his face inches toward mine. Oh my, this is it! One of us is finally making a move. I close my eyes slowly when he’s close. His lips barely brush the corner of my mouth, leaving me feeling utterly disappointed and my heart hammering in my chest at the same time. He pulls back, staring into my eyes with a small smile. “I’ll be at your house at three A.M.”

  I give a small nod as I turn my head, walking down the stairs for my car. He keeps his hand on my lower back, reaching for my car door and opening it. I sit down, slinging my purse in the passenger seat before looking up at him. “I’ll see you in the morning, I guess.” He closes my car door giving me a wave as he walks toward the porch.

  I pull the car along the driveway, glancing in my rear-view mirror, finding him standing on the porch, watching as I drive away like he does every time. I grab my phone from the seat next to me, quickly scrolling to my coworker, Amy, in my contacts. She answers on the second ring. “Oh, hey Abbi! I was just about to call you. I need you to-“ I interrupt her mid sentence. “I need you to cover my patients for the next two days. I’m going out of town.”

  She stays quiet for a long few seconds. “Oh, uh, I actually need you to take mine. I was planning on going shopping.” I roll my eyes, waiting for her to agree to take my patients like I always do for her. We both stay silent on the line for a ridiculous amount of time. Both waiting the other out. I let out an aggravated sigh. “Never mind. I’ll just call Donna and she can work it out between you and Rebecca. I’m sure she’d like to know how often I take the two of your patients.”

  I cringe at my own words. Threatening to tell our boss was never my intention, but dammit, I’ve never told her no when she’s asked me to cover for her, and I haven’t taken a day off since I’ve been with the company. I hear her stammering. “No, you, uh, yeah, you don’t have to involve Donna. Just text me the details and I’ll take care of it.” I smile to myself, even though I feel a little guilty. “Thanks, Amy. I really appreciate it.”

  I end the call, a smug smile on my lips as I pull into my driveway. Just as I unlock the door my phone begins to ring; I pull it from my purse finding a recent picture of Blake and I on my screen. I bump my hip into the door to close it as I slide the phone up to my ear. “I hear you’re going to be taking care of the Russell’s animals for a few days.”

  “Are you going to California with Jase?” I scrunch my brow together at the tone of his voice. “Uh, yeah. I just covered my patients for the rest of the week. Why? You don’t think I should?” I hear his oversized truck starting in the background. “Are you home yet?” I stop in the middle of my kitchen, placing a hand on my hip as I cock my head to the side, a frown coming to my lips. I’m utterly confused by our conversation.

  “Yeah. I just-“ He interrupts me. “Good. I’ll be there soon.” I hear a click and pull the phone from my ear, glancing at it I realize he’s hung up on me. “What the hell?” I mutter as I toss my phone to the counter and place my purse on the dining table. I open the refrigerator, grabbing a bottle of white wine before grabbing a glass from the cabinet.

  I take a sip of the cool wine, letting the fruity flavor slide over my tongue as I try to dissect the weird conversation I just had. Well, lack there of conversation. I prop my hip against the counter, folding one arm over as I hold the stem of the wine glass in my hand. Maybe he’s a little jealous of the time I’ve been spending with Jase. Even though we always try to include him in our plans, lately he’s been too busy.

  It seems to take forever for him to get to my house. Just as I’m pouring a second glass of wine, I hear the front door open. “Abs!” I place the cork back in the bottle, sliding it back in the fridge. “In the kitchen!” I stand straight as he strides in the room, my lips instantly pulling into a smile. He keeps walking straight for me, throwing his arms out to the side before enveloping me in a crushing hug.

  “I’ve missed you, doll face.” I nod against his chest in agreement. It’s been an entire week since we’ve seen each other, and it’s completely unlike us. We’ve gotten together a few times a week for as long as I can remember. We pull apart from each other and I grab my wine glass from the counter, taking a sip. “Where you been? I haven’t seen you in a week.”

  He tilts his head to the side, giving me a cocky grin. “Didn’t think you’d notice since you’ve practically moved in with lover boy.” I narrow my brows at him. So, he is jealous of the time I’ve been spending with Jase. “We’ve invited you to hang out with us.” He let’s out a scoff as he props back against the opposite counter so he’s facing me head on. “Yeah. No thanks.”

  I give him an aggravated scowl. “Do you not like Jase? Is that why you think I shouldn’t go to California with him and why you won’t hang out with the two of us?” He rolls his eyes at me, further pissing me off. I turn slightly, sitting my empty wine glass on the counter. “You know what? I don’t care if you don’t think I should go, or if you don’t like him. I’m going. Hell, I deserve a long weekend to relax.”

  I start to stride by him, intentions of going to my room and packing when he grips my forearm with his large hand, spinning me toward him. He has one brow raised, a cocky grin on his face. “I never said I don’t like Jase. Damn. I’m grooming him to be my new Rem. And having a connection on the west coast will come in handy when I run out of dime pieces around here.” I roll my eyes with a huff, snatching my arm from him and folding my arms over my chest in annoyance.

  “And, I never said I don’t think you should go. You assumed that.” I narrow my eyes at him, trying to figure out what this is all about. He lets out a sigh as he shakes his head slowly. “Damn, Abbi. You really don’t get it do you?” I stare at him with my best resting bitch face, waiting for him to continue. “I came over here tonight to give you a pep talk.”

  I don’t make a move, just stare at him until he explains. “God. You really don’t get it.” He strides over to the refrigerator, pulling out a beer and the bottle of white wine. He fills my glass, passing it to me. “Being around the two of you together is torture. The amount of sexual tension in the room damn near chokes me.”

 
My mouth drops open in shock as I stare at him, my cheeks burning with a blush. “I think you should go on this trip and end both of your vows of celibacy.” I drop my gaze to the floor as I recall how I felt when I thought he was going to kiss me earlier. “He wants to be my friend, Blake.” He lets out a sarcastic mmhmm, causing me to look up to him. “You both want to fuck each other’s eyeballs out, but neither of you will make the first move. Now’s your chance, doll face. You’ll be thousands of miles away from here, in his home, for four days.”

  I let out a sigh as I shake my head. “I’m not even going to try to lie to you. I like him. A lot. But he’s made it clear he only wants to be my friend.” I let out a deflating breath as my shoulders droop. Blake steps toward me, placing a hand on my shoulder as he looks down at me. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one is watching.” For a fleeting second, I let the possibility linger in my mind before throwing it to the side.

  Shaking my head, I look up at him. “I don’t think so.” He wraps his arm around my shoulder, leading us down the hallway. “Well, I guess you better pack some of that sexy lingerie to seduce his stubborn ass.” I swat at his chest with my free hand as we both laugh.

  We step into my bedroom, Blake taking a seat on the edge of my bed as I walk toward the closet to retrieve my suitcase. I walk over to him, unzipping it and tossing it on the bed next to him. Placing both of my hands on my hips I give him a smile. “What should I pack? I’ve never been to California.” A chortle comes from him as he leans back on his elbows, beer bottle in hand. “Nothing, if you want to get laid.”

  My cheeks flame as I kick his shin playfully. “Blake!” A boisterous laugh erupts from him as he leans his head back. I walk over to my dresser, pulling out a few sets of pajamas. He stands up, jerking the T-shirt’s and pajama bottoms from my hand. “Seriously? Do you not own anything sexy?” I give him an annoyed sigh as I place my hands on my hips.