Page 47 of Oblivious

“You promised you’d keep me warm.”

“What do you think I’m doing?”

He shrugs. “I dunno. Polishing my nose?”

“I love it when you’re silly.”

Fitz beams at me. He moves closer, snuggling against me before taking a chicken drumstick from the box. I put my arm around him and rub his arm, hoping to keep him warm. It is a bit too cold for a picnic, really, but I adore the spot we’ve picked. Every so often, a delicate pink petal drifts down from the trees. The scent of the blossom surrounds us, floral and fresh. It’s quiet, with very few people walking by. It feels like we almost have the park to ourselves, which is how I like it. I’ve never needed or wanted to be surrounded by many people, but being with Fitz always makes me happy and comfortable.

“I’d like my own fruit trees one day,” I say.

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

“You could use the fruit to make jam or cakes for the shop.”

“Apple jam?”

“You can grow orange trees in England.”

“But do they have blossom?”

“Yes. Pretty white flowers.”

“I could make marmalade,” Fitz decides.

“Without rind?”

He chuckles. “Just for you. How many trees do you want?”

“An orchard full.”

“That would be pretty in spring. Could we make potpourri out of the petals?”

“I have no idea how to do that.”

Fitz waves his hand. “I’ll figure it out. You can take care of the trees, and I’ll make lots of lovely stuff.”

“Teamwork.”

He looks up at me. “Haven’t we always been a team?”

I realise he’s right. We have. We looked out for each other through school and helped each other with homework. Although we had different interests and career ideas, we supported each other every step of the way. Moving in together had felt like a natural step. Fitz needed to save money so he could invest in A Spot of Tea, and I’d wanted to see his business venture succeed. Besides, living together made my costs cheaper, I got amazing food and cakes nearly every day, and I got to hang out with my best friend most evenings. Only now, he’s so much more than that.

Fitz’s phone buzzes, which is a good distraction from the fact that I’m staring at him rather than answering his question.

“It’s Joe, checking if we’re playing poker tomorrow.”

“Do you want to?”

Fitz keeps his gaze on his phone. “Do you think we need to make some kind of big announcement that we’re together?”

“No. They all think we’re a couple anyway. No doubtsomeonewill ask me about my blind date, and I can just casually toss in that I spent Valentine’s Day with you.”

Fitz gives me an incredulous look. “Oh, you will, will you?”

“No, not really. I’ll get tongue-tied and flustered, and you’ll have to swoop in and save me.”

“Uh, I’m the one who keeps losing the power of speech.”