Oakley was on my mind the whole time as I drove back to my house to change, but that wasn’t a surprise. I really didn’t want to go looking at boring carpets and different shades of the same colour paint, but she was excited about it so I could suck it up for the afternoon.
As I stopped in front of the house, she came walking out. Her eyes were tight with stress, and she walked with a clear, single purpose – getting away from whatever had been going on inside.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, anxiously.
She shook her head.
“If I don’t leave now I’m gonna kill them both, I swear!” She took a deep breath. “And new rule, don’t ask me if I’m okay.”
“I take it you’ve heard that a lot today.”
“Every five seconds. If I left the room for longer than a minute, one of them followed me and asked how I was.” She got in the car, laid her head back against the seat and closed her eyes.
“It’s only because they care.”
“I know it is, but it drives me crazy! I’m not the only one going through this, but they only focus on me. Anyway, can we change the subject? How was work?”
I shrugged. “Fine.”
“That’s what you used to say when your mum asked how school was.” That was the universal reply to the ‘How was school?’ question. “I thought you like your job?”
I did until you came back. “I do like it. Just had other things on my mind.”
“I would ask what those things are, but I have a feeling I’ll have to tell you to behave yourself again.”
Shrugging innocently, I turned the key in the ignition and started the car. “Smart girl.”
“Do you have the room measurements?” she asked.
“Yep. Ready to be bored to death in a carpet shop?”
“Yep,” she replied, mimicking my voice badly.
Walking into the carpet shop, I fell into a deep boredom. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t want to start.
Oakley laughed at the expression on my face.
“What’s wrong?”
“There’s just rows and rows of rolled up carpet.” Oakley shot me a warning look. “I know that’s what it’s supposed to be, but it’s so boring. If I worked here, I’d suffocate myself in one of those rolls.”
Someone cleared their throat behind me. “Can I help you?”
Oh shit. I grimaced, and Oakley replied, “No, thank you.” She grabbed my hand and pulled me outside. As soon as the door closed behind us she turned and slapped my arm.
“I can’t believe he heard what you said! That was so embarrassing!”
“Well they shouldn’t creep up on you then.” I linked her arm in mine and we walked on, laughing.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in DIY shops. I was instructed not to talk to anyone. Ever again, actually. By the end of the day I had, well Oakley had, picked out carpet for my house, and I had some say in the paint. Apparently I had to pick actual colours.
“Are you coming in?” she asked as I parked outside Ali’s house.
“Are you asking?”
“Did that sound like a question?”
“Err, I think so?” I said, laughing. “I don’t know. I’m confused so I’ll just come in.”
The house was empty. Sarah had left a note saying they were all at her parents’ house, and we could join them if we wanted. As I thought, Oakley didn’t want to, so we ordered a pizza and sat in front of the TV.
“You’re coming out again tomorrow. Kerry’s ordered another night of ‘getting trashed’, so I’ll need you to suffer with me.”
Oakley laughed quietly. “Sounds good. Although I’m not doing shots.” She shuddered. “Never again.”
“So you don’t do gymnastics any more?” I asked, changing the conversation. She shook her head. “Are you still really bendy?”
She nudged my side with her elbow. “I should have expected that, shouldn’t I?”
Grinning, I tried, discreetly, to look at her full lips; in reality I was probably just staring. I had never wanted anything more in my life than to kiss her that very moment and carry her upstairs.
“Do you want to start it again?”
“Yeah, I would like to. Maybe when this is all over I’ll join a class,” she said and smiled sadly. “And yes, I’m still really bendy!”
Hmm… “Prove it.”
Oakley pushed me down on the sofa. My eyes widened in shock. She sat on my lap with her legs either side of mine. Okay, I like where this is going, but huh?
“Um,” I mumbled, mentally punching myself. That was all I could say?
“I shouldn’t have to prove it, you should trust me.”
“You’re such a fucking tease.” I groaned, pulling on my hair.
“And you’ve got a filthy mind!”
Oakley giggled and laid down, settling her body in between my legs and her head on my shoulder.
“Not that I mind,” she mumbled against the skin of my neck. My hands automatically tightened in her hair.
“Oakley,” I murmured, closing my eyes as she kissed just under my jaw. She ignored me and carried on planting little kisses all over my neck and jaw, working her way across to my mouth.
I moaned loudly in anticipation of finally kissing her again. Just as she reached the corner of my mouth, the sound of car doors opening outside reached my ears. No. Fucking. Way. Oakley looked up, and I knew the moment was over.