I’ve almost made a big enough dent in my debt that I can finally travel, because, let’s be honest, this debt is going to follow me around for life, so I may as well try to live around it. If I stay in hostels and stay on a strict budget, I should be able to go in a few months. I’ve already talked to Beck about taking time off at some point. Six months of time, to be exact. He didn’t seem surprised. It’s not like I’ve been keeping it a secret, he’s always known that was my goal. He seemed happy to hold my position here until I get back, which is a relief. The last thing I want is to come back to no apartmentandno job.
I gratefully accept Hazel’s offer to cover breakfast for the three of us and give her a big squeeze before heading on my way.
The walk to James’ apartment is refreshing, the brisk air shaking the sleep from my bones. I bop along to some music in my ear buds as I half-walk, half-dance down the sidewalk. I’m sure I get a few stares, but it’s never bothered me before, not about to start now.
My mood has significantly improved by the time I get there and get buzzed in. I’ve only just shed my coat in the entrance when I stop in my tracks, staring at something very out of place on James’ kitchen table, alarm bells ringing in my head.
“James, there are flowers on your table!” Next to a pint of blueberries?
“Yes, there are.”
“They’re gorgeous.”
“They’re yellow.” My head snaps up to stare at him. “You said that was your favourite.” I had. We’d been texting last night, and I challenged him to twenty questions. I’m just surprised by his thoughtfulness, and a little uncomfortable. James is standing in the kitchen next to Maria, enticing smells wafting through the space that make my mouth water.
“Hi, Maria, no offence, but what are you doing here?” I ask in my most friendly tone.
“None taken! I stopped by to chat and he said he was cooking. I’ve seen how much takeout he gets, and I didn’t trust him on his own. I’m here to make sure no one gets food poisoning,” she jokes.
“I appreciate you looking out for us,” I laugh, still confused by everything. “Why do you have blueberries?” I ask, hesitant. It’s James who answers.
“You said you wanted to make muffins at work, but the supplier was out. I saw them when I grabbed the flowers.” Maria looks between James and me with approval, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
This is dating behaviour. I don’t want him to think this is more than it can be or feel like I’ve led him on. He steps forward and cradles my head, tilting it up to look at him.
“I can see your mind going a mile a minute, sunshine. Don’t overthink it. I was picking some stuff up for Nessa when I saw them. I remembered you liked yellow and thought you’d like them.” He pops a kiss onto my forehead. “Deep breaths.”
He rubs my arm and walks back to the stove where I can see him preparing food as Maria supervises, instructing him here and there. Fish tacos. How in the world does he know that’s my favourite? I definitely didn’t tell him that one.
“I pay attention,” he says smugly from the kitchen. Maria shakes her head.
“Could you stop reading my mind? It’s getting creepy.”
“As long as you let me be nice to you.”
“You’re not nice to other people.”
“You’re not other people.”
“I annoy you.”
“Yes, you do.”
Kids, sometimes honesty is not the best policy. A frown tugs at my lips. I don’t have the heart to tell them I just ate.
“I know you were with Nessa and Hazel for breakfast. We’re prepping this for dinner later,” he says with a knowing smirk.
“Seriously, get out of my brain!” I flap my hand at him in a shooing motion as he openly laughs at me.
Maria saunters over as I settle into the couch. “It’s my fault, seriously.” She soothes a palm over my hair in a motherly gesture. “I know I should leave you two to it, but I swear, if I smell him making you frozen pizza again I’m going to fling myself out the window.” It’s hard to resist her wide smile as she drapes her arms around me, her wavy, dark locks spilling into my lap.
“Your cousin isn’t nearly this dramatic,” I reply dryly.
“You’ve never seen him in a full pout. Just you wait.” Her voice hints at humour, but my gut tells me she’s not kidding.
“Either way, you don’t have to cook for us. We’ll be fine. Besides, this is all casual. I don’t need this sort of special treatment.”
Maria’s brows draw together as she looks up at me skeptically. “It doesn’t matter how casual it is, Stella, a man should always treat you right, and that involves a good meal. If you’re insistent on not going out, you must at least eat here. Especially if you’re going to be burning calories…” My face flames as I shoo her back into the kitchen.
