Page 6 of Chase

Thirty minutes later, I bring out the brownies and vanilla ice cream. We all sit out on the deck eating.

“This is fucking good Layla,” Kade growls, “The woman can bake.”

“It seriously is,” commends James. “Wait, I thought you said you couldn’t cook?”

I stifle a laugh and say, “Baking is not cooking.”

Kade glances over at me and grins, “I think we are gonna be the best of friends,” he says before shoving a huge spoonful of brownie in his mouth.

I laugh.

Chapter Three

My third night in the house was fun. Kade and James make me feel welcome, so it’s not as awkward as I thought it would be. We end up watching a few movies, and playing more PS3. It turns out I’m pretty good at Call of Duty, and Kade kept muttering ‘wifey’ comments every time I played well. We order Chinese for dinner, and when I try to pay, Kade and James almost have a fit. I ordered my usual honey chicken and fried rice, and the guys ordered enough to feed an army. When they finished everything, I must say, I was impressed.

The next morning, I wake up when I hear noises in the kitchen. I walk out wearing a pair of track pants and a tank top.

“Hey James,” I mumble sleepily.

“Mornin’ Laylay,” he greets.

“Laylay?” I repeat disbelievingly.

James just grins.

“Oh come on! Find something better than that please!” I beg.

“Hmmm I quite like Laylay. How about princess?” he asks.

“Princess Laylay?” I must look horrified.

James bursts out laughing.

“Maybe. I do like star wars,” is his reply. Ugh. That’s princess Leia not Layla. But whatever.

“What are you doing today?” I ask after I put two pieces of toast in the toaster.

“Got some shit to do in a bit.” James, always so vague. I’m not going to lie, I’m curious as hell about James. He is so laid back, calm, easy going and sometimes very quiet. The saying ‘It’s the quiet ones you need to look out for’ reminds me of James. There is something there under that gentle exterior.

“So tell me about the illusive landlord. I’m curious as hell.”

“He comes and goes, you might only see him once a month or so,” James says.

“And?” I want more information than that.

“And he’s here now. But I think he’s leaving today.”

“Doesn’t he want to meet his new tenant?”

James just gives me a small grin, and doesn’t say anything else.

“I’m gonna run out and give out some applications. Know if there are any salons close by?” I ask around a mouth of toast.

“Um, I only know of one I pass on the way to University. On Cedar Street.”

“Cool, thanks. I’ll go there then.”

“Good luck princess Laylay.” James grins at me cheekily.

---