Chapter Fourteen (Wonderwall)

Previously, on "Heat":
Ch. 13 (You And Me)
-Nate asked Hannah out to dinner that same day they met.
-To his surprise, she said yes.
-He found himself taking extra care in his appearance, 
making sure he had a haircut and even wore contacts.
-He hoped that Jessica wouldn't show up at the bistro
during his date, as the attraction between him and Hannah grew.
-Jamie invited Jake to the fall festival, which he happily accepted.
-They competed in a pie eating contest, which despite Jake's
thrash talk, Jamie won.
-Jamie wiped the rest of the blueberry goo on Jake's face, an act 
that rattled the boundaries of their friendship.
-As the booths closed up, Jake offered to hold Jamie to keep her
 warm after a cold gust.
-Despite her suspicions of his motives, she relented.
-Entranced by her scent, Jake said, "I had a really good time, Brunie."



Location: Bridgeport Community Fire Department
Date: Saturday, 11/05/2011
Time: 10: 07 a.m.

"Guys, thanks for being here at such short notice.  I know it's Saturday, so I won't keep you long." Joseph takes a sip of his steaming, black coffee as he scans the curious eyes in the briefing room. Today would normally have been his crew's day off but the aftermath of yesterday's dispatch left him without much sleep---or mental rest.  Meetings like these don't require uniforms since the crew is free to do as they wish on their day off, but every single person that showed up, including his own sons, were dutifully dressed, to Josephs's surprise and gratitude. He pauses for a moment, grasping for the right words to convey what he is about to say, as he briefly glances in Luke's direction.  But he knows there is no other way to do it but the truth---like a clean incision. "I have some information regarding yesterday's residential dispatch. As you are all aware, there were two victims that ended up in the hospital. One man was released for minor smoke inhalation, but the other one did not survive."

"What?" Luke asks, shifting in his seat, giving his father an accusatory look, as if he misheard it all.

Joseph dreaded this day, when his boys followed his footsteps, and a victim did not meet an expected outcome. Especially one whose fragile life demanded so much effort just to be spared. Reluctantly, Joseph confirms this information with heavy eyes. "I just received word from the hospital that he passed last night due to lung collapse and heart failure." 

Unable to look at his father, Luke's eyes drop to the floor.  He seems to be searching for something, perhaps fragments of his optimism and valiance strewn everywhere, along with flashbacks of desperation as he carried that unconscious man in his arms.  In that moment, survival was the only option---both his and the victim's. "But I thought he made it. I carried him out."

"I know, son. I know you did everything you could. But he already suffered serious internal damage before you found him."



"I am very proud of all of you who have combated these last few fires," The captain wearily acknowledges each individual face, leaving a wake of humble smiles that softens the heaviness in the room.  As a father and leader, he knows how important it is to encourage those who rely on him personally and professionally.  Just like any service job that takes more than it can ever give, sometimes all that is left is hope and a belief that things will get better and all of the sacrifices are worth it. Joseph pauses again, this time bracing himself as he prepares to deliver the second bad news. Gently running his hand over his beard, he says, "I was also at the site earlier this morning.  And I found something startling."

"What is it, Joe?" James asks as he sits up, his cornflower blue eyes deepening in concern.

"There were traces of gasoline around the perimeter of the home, close to the foundation.  I also found what appear to be pieces of a glass bottle in the living room and kitchen...and  a strip of fabric soaked in kerosene."

"Bottle bombs?" Luke finally looks up, as the key words catch his attention, temporarily freeing him from the invisible chains of disappointment.  

"That's correct.  And with the progression of the fire, it appears the first and second floors burned at the same time. It leads me to think that bottle bombs were thrown in the bedroom windows too, which explains why the two victims were trapped in the second floor."

"That doesn't make sense," Austin comments.  He's usually quietly absorbing and observing during the meetings, so this is the first time he has actually spoken up. "Why would someone purposely burn a house when people are in it? That's too risky." 

"Exactly, Austin.  The fact that this is done in broad daylight, with victims involved, leads me to two conclusions. Either these guys are morons or they are trying to make a statement. It's like they're crying for attention."

"Huh." Austin appears to open his mouth as if he's going to say more, but as he glances at all the faces locked in on him, he changes his mind. "Go ahead, Joe."

"This is the third dispatch that involves accelerant.  When victims are involved, the game changes.  There is an individual out there that wants to purposely burn buildings at the expense of people. Why are they doing it? We don't know. But it's our responsibility to find the answers before we lose another victim to this atrocity. The good news is that we have our first witness."

"Who is that?" Jake asks, as a glimmer of hope shines through his boyish features.

"The surviving victim."



After Joseph dismisses his crew, the chairs slowly empty out as bodies leave one by one---either in pairs or separately---taking the conversations with them out the door. As he gathers his paperwork into their respective folders, Joseph looks up, only to find his oldest son sitting in his chair with a distant look in his eyes.  He has seen this look before.  When Luke was 15, his Rottweiler named Spike had to be put to sleep due to bone cancer.  He was only eight years old.  The other time was when Natalie cheated on him. Letting out a deep sigh, Joseph drops the folders on the table and walks over to Luke, asking, "Are you okay, son?"

At his father's movement and voice, Luke looks up, realizing that the briefing room is empty.   He forces himself up and takes a few steps towards the table. With his face and heart overcome by defeat, he looks into Joseph's compassionate greenish-hazel eyes and whispers, "I thought I saved him, dad..."

"You did." Joseph's lips tighten, trying to contain his emotions as he tries to stay level-headed and strong for his son. "You got him out of the fire.  That's what mattered."

"But he died." As if the mere insistence of reality nullified all of his efforts, Luke can feel his throat burn, the remnants of the fire penetrating every blood cell rushing to his face, slowly boiling the salty moisture hiding behind his eyelids.  His heart tightens thinking about the victim, throbbing in disbelief. His lips tremble, making each word a struggle as he continues, "It doesn't...matter...if I got him out. He died!" At the last word, his eyes can no longer hold the heaviness, and they glide on his cheeks in liquid form. He looks away in embarrassment.

"Lucas, listen to me." Joseph searches his oldest son's red, wet eyes until they steady onto his.  He may be all grown-up now, but he will always be Joseph's little boy. From a small nick that needed a band-aid, to monsters in the closet, to a simple kiss on his "boo-boo"---Joseph knows when his sons need him. Placing his hands on Luke's shoulders, he explains, "I was about your age when I joined the fire department.  I wanted to save everyone, just like you and it's a good, noble thing.  About six months later, I was on a dispatch that involved a house fire.  By the time we got there, this man's wife was already dead and he was barely conscious.  I remember him telling me that his daughter was trapped upstairs and to forget about him...and save her instead.  So I rushed upstairs. I was able to get her out."

"How old was the daughter?" Luke asks as curiosity pushes back some of the tears.

"She was five. Her name was Lily."

"Poor thing."

"What killed me was..." This time, Joseph looks away as he squeezes Luke's shoulders, almost clinging to them with hopes that the unpleasant memories will subside like a fleeting thought.

"What?"

"Today is gonna be the day
That they're gonna
Throw it back to you
By now you should've somehow
Realized what you gotta do
I don't believe that anybody
Feels the way I do
About you now"



"The fact that I had to make a choice," The captain briefly closes his eyes as he enters a door that he has long kept locked, a door to a memory that haunts him to this day. He can still smell the smoke invading his lungs, he can still feel the heat beating on his skin and he can still hear the snap and crackle of objects disintegrating, drowning in the deafening roar of the flames. He can still smell the apple scent of Lily's curly brown hair as it adhered to the sweat and soot on her unconscious face. "I should have saved both of them.  It was my duty to make sure they came out alive.  But I couldn't.  And to have to look back at those two bodies while I was carrying that little girl out...knowing those were her parents...it made me wonder if I was cut out for the job. I couldn't handle it."

"I'm sorry, dad.  You never told me this." Luke grinds his teeth, overcome with a newfound sense of understanding for his father. For someone who has been the rock of the family and fire department---this bare, wounded side of him is the strongest---and bravest Luke has ever seen.

"Don't worry about it.  The only other person that knows is your mother.  It's not something that I like to talk about, but seeing you like this...I had to let you know." Joseph gives Luke one last squeeze before hiding his hands in his own pockets. "This is the nature of the job, son.  We risk our lives to save others, but there comes a point when you need to make a decision. And sometimes, you have to sacrifice one life to preserve your own and another's.  You were only five months old at the time.  Your mother and I weren't even married a year.  If I had been in that situation, I would have done the same.  I would have made sure they saved you first."

"I understand," Luke nods.

"I've lost a few more victims after that, but you never forget the first one.  It stays with you."

"I guess everybody goes through it at one point, right?"

"It's your first heartache as a firefighter.  But you accept it and move on.  And no matter what, do not blame yourself. Understand?"

"Yes, sir."



Date: Saturday, 11/05/2011
Time: 12:15 p.m.

Luke's candid talk with Joseph made him realize just how much his father and brothers mean to him, and how long it's been since they all spent some quality time together---all four of them. It can be something as simple as watching a game at home, playing football at the park or going to a sports bar to hang out and grab some beer.  After tracking Nate and Jake down, it was confirmed that they will head to Eugi's at about 2 p.m.  Luke wanted to get a quick workout in before heading downtown.  As he approaches the outdoor gym of the firestation, he sees Austin on the treadmill, walking steadily.  They give each other a quick nod as Luke climbs on the vacant treadmill and warms up for five minutes at four miles per hour.

 Luke has come to appreciate Austin's dry humor and contagious energy during their exchanges at work, but this is the first time they have worked out together. As a sly smile forms on his face, Austin turns to his green-eyed friend and says, "So...who's the mystery girl that calls you during lunch?"

"Mystery girl?" Luke asks.

"Yeah, you're always on the phone around noon. Who is she? Girlfriend? Side dish? Flavor of the month?" Austin's eyebrows dance playfully.

A ton of bricks fall from the sky.  At least that's what it feels like to Luke, nearly making him duck at Austin's observation. It's a given that his family knows who he's talking to, especially his dad and brothers, but he has never had to explain Lyn to anyone else---until now. Lyn. Her name is like a promise, a sort of whisper into his heart. It bathes him in warmth until he's almost dizzy, as if the need to physically touch her is the only proof that she's real. Luke stammers, "Oh...she's uh...a friend." This was made even more apparent after Natalie left his apartment last night. He felt bad about hitting her.  There was no excuse for my behavior at all. At the same time, he was finally free from his ex's ghost, as well as the emotional torture that he inflicted on himself in the last four years. When Luke woke up this morning, he felt like a new man, and there was one thing he was sure of---he felt absolutely nothing for Natalie.

"Friend, huh?" Austin shakes his head, increasing his speed. "Look at that pathetic smile on your face." 

"Her name is Lyn.  She's a close friend."

"You hit it?"

"Dude!"

"Just sayin'. So did you?"



"Nah. She's actually my best friend's ex." Now at six miles per hour, Luke can feel a slight strain on his lungs as he continues to push his feet. And the fact that he can say he never slept with Lyn---brings a noble, sacred quality to their friendship, a kind of purity in him, in her, in the emotional bond that they have developed over the past month.  His heart swells in pride as it tries not to elevate her on a marble pedestal too much, knowing what happened with the last. "Well, ex best friend. We kinda had a fall-out."

"Let me guess...over her, right?" Moving at five miles per hour, Austin's voice starts to get lost over the mechanical groan of the treadmill.

"Long story, but yeah...sort of." 

"Is she seeing anyone right now?"

"Not that I know of." Even though the words already left Luke's lips, they linger in his mind. He hadn't really considered that question or the answer to it, and he can't tell which one would feel worse. At one point, he wondered if Lyn was just a distraction from Natalie' ghost.  A convenient distraction.  But now...now that Natalie has been exorcised---and the holy water of vengeance permanently closing that chapter---a vacuum opens up.  A vacuum that Lyn---or at least the dream of her---is filling up. "Why, you interested?"

"Come on, Luke. I don't even get down like that." Austin holds his hands up, as if he's insulted by the question. "I just wanted to see if you like her."

"Sorry...it's just complicated." 

"It's simple. Do you like her or not?"

"Yes...I do." He feels like he's backed in a corner, unable to hide from his feelings any longer. It's one thing to admit it to himself, but to admit it to another person...it's too real.  Almost like an alcoholic or drug addict admitting they have a problem. There's no more room for denial.

"Do you think she feels the same?" Austin asks, wiping the beads of sweat running down his forehead.

This question is something even Luke can't ask himself.  The mere idea that she doesn't feel the same way---is like finding out Santa doesn't exist.  He has to exist.  Even if only in his mind. Love simply cannot be this cruel---can it? Under his quickening breath, Luke mutters, "Sheesh! I think I like you better when you're quiet." 

"And all the roads we have
To walk are winding
And all the lights that 
Lead us there are blinding
There are many things
That I would
Like to say to you
But I don't know how"



Without even taking a break, Luke and Austin move over to the bench presses, as sweat continue to drip from their upper bodies. As Austin sits on the bench, tucking his arms behind the pec deck, he replies,"Okay, alright, you got jokes. I see what you're trying to do. You're stallin'!" 

"I don't know.  Sometimes it seems like she does, but other times it feels like I'm just her friend." Luke briefly glances in Austin's direction as he secures the last plate on the metal bar. "But when I'm with her...and when I hear her voice on the phone...it's like...God...she's everything I've ever wanted in a woman."

"Holy shit." The sound of metal against metal disappears as Austin studies Luke, as if in some sort of epiphany.

"What?" Luke asks as his bare back glides over the smooth cushion of the bench.

"You don't like her, you're freaking in love with her!"

"Dude, shut up! I am not!"

"Whatever you say, bro. You got it bad. Look at your cheeks."

"Nah, that's for benchin' 220." Although Luke recovers---and he did bench 220 pounds three times---he can feel blood rush up his neck before it spreads to his face. It's almost like an affliction to lose control like this, as if he's being teased for having a 5th grade crush.  He feels as if someone is watching him undress, and not in a good way. In an attempt to change the subject and escape Austin's interrogation, he says, "Anywaaay. She's been through a lot though. He cheated on her."

"So he messed it up. Now's your chance."



 After three more reps, Luke puts the bar back and sits up straight to catch his breath. He can hear the wild thumping of his heart---not so much from the heavy lifting---but from dancing with the idea that he might have a chance. Could it really happen? But he finds himself torn between what he wants and what Lyn needs.  And right now, he just can't justify interfering with her needs. "I don't know, Austin.  It just seems selfish to me to put that kind of pressure on her right now. And to go after my friend's ex....it doesn't feel right." He pauses, as if he's remembering something ironic---or ludicrous. Shaking his head, he adds, "Although...his conscience didn't stop him from sleeping with my ex."

"What? Oh, hell naw! It's fair game now. You better go get that girl."

"What if she still loves him? I don't wanna be the rebound guy. Plus, she's in Appaloosa.  How could it work? I don't know..."

"Just do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Don't wait too long. Just sayin'."

"Because maybe
You're gonna be 
The one that saves me
And after all
You're my wonderwall"

*Copyright 2013 Lyn C.S.*
------------------------

"Wonderwall" by Oasis
Video by: oasisinetofficial

Chapter Thirteen (You And Me)

Previously, on "Heat":
Ch. 12 (Superman)
-Luke was not able to resist Natalie's charms.
-Not only did he kiss her but he also spanked her
 while she repeated, "I screwed your best friend".
-Consumed in anger, he ended up hitting her during the act.
-He even asked if she did certain things with Brad.
-Reluctantly, she admitted that Brad gave her pleasure.
-After it was over, Luke pushed her to leave.
-Natalie assumed she would stay the night and get back 
together with him.
-To her surprise, he explained that it was just sex.



Location: Little Corsican Bistro
Date: Friday, 11/4/2011
Time: 8:10 p.m.

The cool autumn breeze brushes past Nate's arms, causing him to follow the sounds of the rustling trees scattered throughout the most popular restaurant in town.  He looks at his watch, growing even more anxious, trying to control the shaking of his leg under the table.  Every minute or so, his eyes dart towards the front entrance, only to find his heart sinking at faces he doesn't recognize.  More and more, he wonders if she's going to show up.  He thinks about Luke's advice when it comes to girls: wait a few days to call.  Did he listen? No. In fact, he just met her a few hours ago outside of Mike's Cornerstore.  Instead of securing her phone number, he seized the moment and asked if she had any plans tonight.  She said no.  He asked if she'd like to have dinner with him.  She actually said yes, to his surprise.  Now here he is, sitting alone, stomach in knots as he waits....and waits.

There's a faint rumble of vehicles passing by on the bridge hovering next to the bistro.  It's a pleasant distraction from the millions of thoughts going through his mind: the intense dispatch that he and his brothers just dealt with earlier this afternoon, his inner debate on keeping the glasses or wearing contacts as he stood in front of the bathroom sink, getting ready for this date.  He never really cared before.  If a girl really likes him, she'll like him no matter what (according to his mom).  But there's something about this particular girl that made him want to put his best foot forward, especially when she wouldn't escape his thoughts on the way home.  This time, it mattered. With Jessica, it was more: it is what it is.  Jessica. The thought of her brings on a slight pang of guilt.  

So we had sex.  It's not like we're exclusive, Nate reassures himself as he scans the entrance again.

"What day is it? 
And in what month?
This clock never
Seemed so alive
I can't keep up 
And I can't back down
I've been losing
So much time"



His heart skips a beat at the fleeting glimpse of mahogany hair obstructed by a few bodies entering and leaving.  Could that be her? As soon as the crowd disperses, there is no doubt in his mind as she briefly stands by the entrance, looking around.  The moment their eyes meet---despite what seems like miles in-between---she smiles and walks in his direction.  Clearing his throat, he stands up and mindlessly straightens out his shirt before greeting her.  She's actually here.  Nate still can't believe it.  He already mentally prepared himself for the possibility of being stood up, which he has experienced once.  

He can't look away.  As she approaches him, a light breeze gently ruffles her hair, exposing even more of her classic features, enhanced by the royal blue dress that hugs her curvy body perfectly.  Not too short, not too long...just right.  He loves the way the empire waist makes her breasts look even more supple, and he imagines what they would feel like in his hands.  As her hips sway, his eyes pick up on the shimmer of the crystal beads clinging to the bottom of her dress, practically whispering at him to glance at her legs.  He would love to trace them with his...

Nate suddenly catches himself.  He takes a deep breath and instructs his facial muscles to maintain a smile, hoping she won't pick up on his prolonged gaze...or suggestive thoughts.



Despite his attempt to move his legs, his feet insist on planting themselves on the ground, as if that's the only way to stabilize the erratic movement of his pulse.  Within seconds, she is a mere foot away from him, the corner of her eyes crinkling into a soft, but radiant smile.  This just absolutely makes him want to scoop her up in his arms and let the sweet, floral scent of her perfume linger on his nose.  But he's afraid of being too forward.  Now that she's here, he doesn't want to do anything to mess it up.  Her eyes deepen into a steel blue as she says, somewhat breathlessly, "Hi Nate."

"Hannah...you made it." Just the mere enunciation of her name makes him swallow, making his voice seem hushed.  It almost feels that way anyway.  Despite the ebb and flow of people, humm of voices, movement of limbs and clatter of forks on plates, they all fade into a blur in her presence.  

She subtly studies him, from his black relaxed fit jeans, dark striped shirt, freshly trimmed beard to his impossibly short crew cut, which bring out his strong jawline and pale blue eyes.  Meeting his devouring gaze, she briefly looks away before replying, "Sorry I'm late.  I couldn't figure out what to wear."

"Oh, really?" Nate is awestruck, feeling a cloud of thick air escape his lungs.  She wanted to look good for me? Me??

She laughs nervously, as if she wishes she hadn't said a thing. "Yeah..." 

"Well...you look beautiful." He smiles, using this as an opportunity to absorb the whole sight of her again, before focusing on her eyes.

"Thank you...you look great." The way she says it, with a slight nod, eyebrows arched, as if to verbalize what she's been thinking all along.

"Me? Um...yeah, thanks. Wait, I didn't mean it that way." His usually deep voice starts to falter, abandoning some of his confidence as he tries to regain his composure.  Now he's a bubbling idiot, like Jake, who is usually the shy one around women.  What makes it worse is that the harder Nate tries, the more nervous he becomes, at least around Hannah.  All he can do is helplessly watch his mouth continue to make a fool of itself, muttering, "Like I know or something. More like surprised...you know what I mean. Okay, I'm just gonna stop talking."

"It's okay, I know what you meant." She gently squeezes his forearm, trying to appease him, while her eyes maintain their gaze, not wavering one bit. "And you got contacts."

The heat of her hand on his forearm is disarming, catching him off guard.  Her ability to see past his apprehension, and reach out with a touch, allows him to relax a bit.  All he can say is, "Kind of..." 

"I can really see your eyes." 

"That's a good thing, right?"

"Definitely.  So..."

"So...are you hungry?"

"Starving..."

"All of the things
That I want to say 
Just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where
To go from here"



Relieved to finally be able to sit down and talk to her, Nate takes a deep breath as he examines the fresh lettuce, chopped onions and thick slices of tomato sitting atop a thick, perfectly seared patty.  As he covers his lap with clean linen, he briefly scans the bistro to see if he knows anyone. There are several couples having an intimate dinner, one family, some having what appears to be a business meeting, while the rest are a mixture of friends congregated at a large table.  As ecstatic as he is to be here with Hannah, a part of him knows why he's a bit uneasy.  Not only did he frequent this place with Jessica, it's also her favorite restaurant.  At the same time, Nate wanted to take Hannah to the best place in town, with it's romantic and intimate atmosphere, on top of a gorgeous view of the bridge.  He can only hope that his ex stays out of his radar tonight, hopefully long enough for him to determine how this date ends. 

When his attention returns to Hannah, who is sitting beside him, she's taking a bite of her hot dog.  Smiling, he asks, "How's your Chicago dog?" 

Carefully tucking the kosher pickle spear, tomato wedges, chopped onions and pickled pepper inside the bun, she takes another bite before declaring,"I love it, it's my favorite."

"Mine too." He can't wipe the smile off his face as he watches some of the toppings fall off anyway, nearly landing on her breasts, almost ruining her lovely dress.  The way she's hunching her upper body away from the hot dog, holding it from a safe distance as she takes a bite, reveals a lot.  Not only does she have a healthy appetite, but she's not afraid to get messy.  Nate is even more intrigued with this redhead, as he tries not to think about the sexy way she's holding the hot dog in her hand, wondering if she would allow him to lick the mustard stains off her dress, if any conveniently landed on the royal blue fabric.



Pausing for a moment to wipe her hands and face with linen, Hannah watches Nate meticulously spread the mayo over the toasted sesame bun, then squeezing ketchup on top of the patty before completing the assembly.  "I haven't tried the burger here," she says, watching his mouth clamp down on the bun, liquid dripping on the plate, as he takes a bite. "How is it?"

"Pretty good." He sets the saucer-sized burger back down on the plate as he carefully chews.  "Juicy, for sure."

She clears her throat.  Her eyes hide behind her thick, black lashes as she continues to watch him, biting on the tip of her index finger with her head slightly tilted.  A timid smile forms on her lips, radiating all over her face like private thoughts leaking against her will.  In the faintest whisper, almost like a muffled moan, she asks, "Like...medium rare juicy?"

Nate can feel heat smoldering at the back of his neck, slowly traveling to his face.  The way  she's sitting there, like an innocent schoolgirl he just wants to corrupt. The word "juicy" painstakingly oozing out of her mouth like melted caramel.  He starts to wonder exactly how "juicy" she is right now, under the table, under her dress. If she's even wearing panties.  He looks directly into her eyes and whispers, "The best type of juicy."   



Location: Bridgeport Acres Fall Festival
Time: 8:30 p.m.

Jake savors the crisp evening air as he takes a deep breath, knowing it was a quite a struggle for him earlier during the dispatch that sent two victims to the hospital.  It seemed like an endless torture to have to deal with the heat and merciless flames, as well as the smoke that penetrated all the rooms in the house like an invasive cancer.  He can still hear the cries of the man trapped, his heart feeling gutted, knowing he'd have to live with the guilt if he failed to help him.  Then to have to watch Luke carry an unconscious man out of the building, knowing time was running out, made him realize how dangerous the job is.  

After checking on Luke to make sure he was okay, he left the firestation to go home and take a shower.  To his surprise, Jamie called to see if he wanted to go to the fall festival.  He happily accepted her invitation, knowing he could use the company...and a much-needed distraction from such an intense day.  
     
"I am sooo kicking your butt, Blondie." She teases, giving him an evil look while guarding her blueberry pie like an unfed doberman.

"Yeah, yeah, Brunie," he retaliates, secretly fascinated by the change in her hair color.  The last time he saw her---which was the first time they met---she was blonde.  He called her Blondie too.  As much as they hit it off, he was bummed that she wasn't a brunette.  He has a weakness for them.  But now that she's here, with her cappuccino hair glittering under the incandescent street lamp like summer lightning bugs, he finds himself a bit...breathless.  Her earthy satin tube top shows off her mocha skin even more, creating a striking contrast against her blue-gray eyes.  Jake reminds himself that they're just friends.  After all, would such an exotic-looking creature really go for him? To snap himself out of his daydream, he adds, "You can't even finish a slice."

Her eyes narrow in contempt, as if she's hurling imaginary arrows towards him, hoping to hit one of his eyeballs. "What, 'cause I'm a girl?" 

"No, 'cause you're laaaaame." In case she didn't hear, he undulates his neck and adds a scowl with the word "lame".

"Shut up! You just wait." Her fingers wiggle in anticipation like a linebacker waiting for the snap, just itching to get her mouth on the pie.

"La la la. Can't hear you, too busy whoopin' your---"

DING! The time goes off.



Trying to cram as much of the blueberry filling in his mouth, Jake nearly chokes when some of it floods his throat before he can even swallow. This is a lot harder than it looks. He can already feel the gooey filling cling to his face, some of it creeping inside his nostrils.  Still he continues to nip at the crust, chewing quickly before taking a mouthful of the blue goo again.  As a cheap attempt to psyche Jamie out, he looks at her and says, "You're getting fuuuller...fuuuuuuller!"

"Shut up and eat your pie!" She snaps, flashing him an I'm-gonna-punch-you-look, before she buries her face in the round aluminum pan.

He bursts out laughing, watching a piece of crust fly out of his mouth.  The way she said that, so unexpectedly, with her face covered in blue goo, made him forget how to swallow. Now completely distracted from what he's doing, he searches her eyes and whispers, "Well damn...."

She lifts her head up, turns to her side and catches him staring at her with this look she can't describe. "Jake, you are such a perv.'

"Well, you're the one that told me to shut up and eat my pie. Who's the perv now?" He smiles as he watches her cheeks turn bright red in front of him.  This may be the first time he has seen her blush.  She's normally feisty with never-ending comebacks, but seeing her like this, all flustered, is absolutely endearing...and sexy.  There's something about this girl that's bringing him out of his shell.  He can be himself around her.  There's no pretense.

"You know what?" 

"What?"



Without a word, she dives back into the aluminum pan.  Any second now, she's going to come up with a snappy comeback.  She always does.  Jake has never met a more competitive woman than Jamie, and that's one of the things that drew him to her.  She challenges him, and she's not afraid to get down with the boys.  She's probably cooking up a smart-ass comment, Jake tells himself as he returns to his pie, which is half-eaten, with blueberry goo dripping on the edge of the container. But she doesn't respond. It's almost eerily quiet.

"Brunie?" He asks, lifting his head up.  

Still no response, just crickets calling out to each other under the clear night sky.  She won't even look in his direction, not even to come up for air.

Jake swallows, wondering if he went too far with his jokes.  Nate does this all the time, and not once does Jake remember his brother getting slapped.  At least not to his knowledge.  Is there some sort of method in making pervy comments work? Like some type of timing? Is there a handbook on how not to offend women? He can't shake this strange feeling when Jamie remains silent, ignoring him, and he wishes he never "went there." Softly, he asks, "Are you mad?" 

"No, but I just whooped yo' butt!" She bellows, twisting her head from side to side, with her hands on her hips. "In yo' face, Blondie!"

"Whaaat?? Oh, hell naww!" Jake throws his hands up, feeling completely duped.  

"Yeah, that's right! Who's lame now?" Even when she's gloating, she's still endearing.  

"Whatever, I want a rematch!" He looks at his half-eaten container, compared to hers, which looks like it's been licked dry.  Not one trace of blueberry anywhere.  

"Pfffftt! Lame!" Now she's pointing at him, causing people passing by to look in their direction.  If there's one thing Jake learned about this brunette, she can dish the trash talk. And back it up. "This dude is laaaaame!"

"I am sooo getting you back."

"Hey Blondie."

"What?"

"Laaame!"

"There's something
About you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does
Is beautiful
Everything she does
Is right"



After wiping the blueberry goo off their face, they decide to find a quiet spot to relax.  The pumpkin patch is perfect, where they can sit against the pile of hay, like their own little bunker.  It gives a great view of the festival booths, allowing them to people-watch, but they still have their own privacy from the crowds, which they've had to deal with most of the night.  Now that it's almost 9 p.m., the place is starting to empty out.  As they watch the booth attendants close up their area, Jamie murmurs, "Ugh, my stomach's starting to hurt."

"Hah. That's what you get." Jake leans back against the hay as he rests his hands on his knees. This is the third time he found himself sitting next to Jamie (the other two times at the hot tub in InSomniac where they first met and when she was beating him in Knockout at his apartment).  Now that he thinks about it, this is the second time he lost to her! 

"I think I ate that pie too fast." She clutches at her belly, groaning.

"You should have taken your time. You know, licked it around the edges first." He doesn't even know how that came out of his mouth.  Too late now.  All he can do is brace himself for her reaction, and he's savoring every second of it.

"You know what?" In an exasperated breath, she turns to him, shaking her head.

"What?" 

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that."

"Hear what? The licked around the edges part?"

"No, the part where I called you laaaaame."

"Haha. Whatever. You talk a lot of crap for a girl."

"Hey, you started it." She pauses, studying him for a moment, her eyes narrowing. "By the way, you still have pie on your face."

"I thought I got all of it." Just as he lifts up his arm to wipe his face, she stops him.

"No, don't do that. You'll stain your shirt." She opens up her purse to grab a napkin, whispering, "Here, hold still." Gently, she wipes his chin and the area around his mouth.  When the tip of her index finger grazes his lower lip, his heart stops, causing him to suck in his breath.  She must have felt it too because at that moment, her eyes automatically flew to his, holding them captive, along with this buzz of electricity weaving through the spaces between their bodies.

"Thanks..." He manages to say, trying but unsuccessfully to look away.

All of the remnants from the teasing earlier have abandoned her face as she replies, "You're welcome..." 



 All of the booths are closed now.  Most of the lights are turned off.  The handful of people milling around are headed to their cars to go home.  Jake knows they should probably get going before they get kicked out, but he can't peel himself off the ground...or Jamie's side.  This is the first time they've ever been alone, even if it's at a public place.  The thought of having her to himself, with no one else around, brings butterflies to his stomach.  In the stillness and silence of the night, along with golden maple leaves shaken loose by a gust of wind, landing on the soft grass, they both seem to be lost in their thoughts, as if they are both afraid to call it a night.  Jamie wraps her arms around her knees, pulling them even closer to her breasts.

"Are you cold?" Jake asks. If he felt the chill in that gust, she must have felt it for sure, and she's wearing a tube top.

"I should have brought my jacket." She continues to look straight ahead, hugging herself, as if she's afraid to meet his gaze. "I didn't expect it to get this chilly tonight."

"Why don't you scoot closer to me? I'll keep you warm." Jake holds his arms out, even surprised at himself for such a bold suggestion.  

"You're up to something." Resting her chin on her knees, she looks at him suspiciously.

"No, seriously. I'm not up to anything."

"I swear, if you grope me or do anything funny, you're dead."

"Pffftt. Don't flatter yourself." Hehe. Good one, Jake. 

 With a faint sigh, she eases into his arms until her back makes contact with his upper body. Instinctively, he wraps his arms around her, pulling her close, as she relaxes and leans back against him, the back of her head resting on his shoulder.

Silence.

"Brunie?" Jake asks quietly, aware of her soft face against his, lost in her scent.

"Hmm?" She mumbles, sinking into his warm body even more.

"I had a really good time tonight."

"Me too, Blondie."

"And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes
Off of you"

*Copyright 2013 Lyn C.S.*
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"You And Me" by Lifehouse
Video by:  LifehouseVEVO