AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Until the sound of footfalls comes from the stairwell. I glance up, taken aback by how right Beck strolling into my kitchen wearing athletic shorts and a T-shirt with wet hair looks. I get why my housemates are freaking out about him being here. But to me, the sight looks normal. Appears perfect.
Emma and Cressida keep arguing in an overdone attempt to act casual as Beck saunters over to my side. “Smells good.”
“I can cook.”
“Can you?” he asks, leaning against the counter.
“Mm-hmm.”
We stare at each other, and it’s the first time I wish I lived alone. Emma, Cressida, and Anne are my best friends. They’re a friendly spotlight, but it’s still attention I wish wasn’t on us. The time I have with him is so limited, more slipping away every second.
Beck has one of those faces that looks better the longer you stare at it. I get lost in familiar azure depths, so adrift I startle when Anne says my name.
“Saylor?” she repeats.
“Yeah?” I tear my gaze away from his.
“The timer just went off for the chicken.”
I grab the potholders off the counter and pull the pan out of the oven. Juice bubbles and crackles in the bottom of the dish. The surface of the meat is crispy, cooked to a perfect shade of light brown. I grab the meat thermometer from the drawer to check, but I already know it’s done.
Anne grabs plates, Cressida gets the silverware, and Emma makes one of her gross drinks. We all sit down at the table together.
My three housemates have either gotten over the shock of Beck’s presence or are getting better about acting normal around it. None of them have any shortage of things to say during dinner. They chatter about such a range of topics I can barely keep track. Most of my focus is on Beck’s hand, resting on my thigh beneath the table. He doesn’t move his fingers, just leaves his palm there. Touching me like he’s just as aware of the time ticking away and wants to make the most of every minute.
The food is good—if I do say so myself—but I’m barely tasting what I’m eating. We finish dinner, and Cressida offers to do the dishes.
“It’s fine, Cress. I know you want to watch the show. I’ll clean up.”
“What show?” Beck asks, speaking for the first time since we sat down at the table.
“Twenty-Five to One!” Emma exclaims. “Have you seen it?”
I snort and Beck glances at me.
“What is it about?” he asks.
“It’s a reality television show about finding love,” Cressida replies.
“Filled with unnecessary drama and toxic personalities, and fueled by too much alcohol,” I add.
“Do you watch it?” Beck questions.
“I mean, sometimes. If it’s on…” I hedge.
“She watches it,” Emma confirms, and I glare at her.
“Okay, let’s watch it,” Beck states.
I glance at him. “Seriously?”
“Why not? I’m definitely not playing Clue with you again.”
I fight the smile, I really do. But I don’t win. “Fine.”
We all head into the living room, Cress deciding to do the dishes later, just like I knew she would. They’ll probably sit in the sink until tomorrow. I end up smushed next to Beck on the couch that’s not really large enough for four people, which I’m not complaining about.
The show starts with an elaborate montage replaying last week’s most shocking events.
