Page 29 of Oblivious

“That you’ll still be my best friend.” His brown eyes are wide and pleading.

“I willalwaysbe your best friend, Fitz.”

He beams at me.

“I have a condition too,” I say.

“What?”

“Never try to grow a beard.”

He laughs right from his belly, and it’s such a joyous sound.

“I wouldn’t be a good boyfriendorbest friend if I let you be late for work.”

“I’m my own boss,” Fitz reminds me.

“I know, but you have mouth-watering cakes to bake.” I press my lips to his forehead. “Go to work. I’ll be right here when you get back.”

“Right here?” He points at the bed.

“Maybe not righthere, but I’ll be in the flat, waiting for you.”

* * *

Me:You should cancel the blind date.

Me:Or give me her number, and I’ll do it.

Vanessa:Why?

I pause and wonder if I want to give my sister gloating ammunition for life or not. She did give Fitz and me a push we needed.

Me:You were right.

Vanessa:Oh my God! You kissed him, didn’t you? Is the cafe open today?

Me:Yes…

I hope she doesn’t go round there and bug Fitz at work. He doesn’t need that.

Vanessa:I’m coming over.

I don’t bother arguing with her. Once Vanessa has made up her mind to do something, she does it. Besides, it’s not like I have any plans today. Sunday is my lazy day, where I do nothing except read, watch TV, and go for a walk. There’s a wood about fifteen minutes away that I love to stroll through. It’s quiet and peaceful, plus I’m surrounded by trees. There’s something about hearing nothing but the wind rustling through leaves, the creaking of branches, and the snap of twigs beneath my feet that’s utterly relaxing. When I need to think, that’s where I go.

I get up and grab some breakfast. I’m halfway through eating a bowl of cereal when Vanessa arrives.

“Tell me everything.” She sits at the table and stares at me expectantly. “Did you kiss him?”

“He kissed me first, and then I kissed him properly.”

“And? Were there sparks?”

I laugh. “This isn’t a romance movie, Vanessa.”

She gives me a withering look.

“Yes, there were sparks.” I stir my overly milky cereal. “But don’t go buying a wedding outfit just yet. It’s all a bit strange, and I think we’re still trying to catch our breath.”