Page 9 of From Me to You

“I could have gotten that,” I mumbled.

“I am pretty sure you wouldn’t have,” Jay replied, still looking at me with those gorgeous eyes.

“How do you know that?” I was suddenly annoyed that he could affect me like this.

He appeared so casual, but amusement danced in his expression. I was certain he was delighted to watch me fumble around like an idiot.

“I just do.” He smiled.

“Ugh, you are so annoying,” I muttered to myself.

Jay just laughed and turned around just as Fiona started placing the food and everyone’s milkshake around the table. I noticed that Jay ordered a strawberry one, unlike others. I guess that it was his favorite flavor. He was even drinking strawberry milk at school.

“You should try it. It is only fair assuming I tasted yours,” he said, bringing his straw up to my mouth.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking in a sip. I moaned. It was really delicious. It tasted like it was made out of fresh strawberries. His eyes darkened while he watched me.

“So not cool, Emmie. How can you let her taste your milkshake when you never let me have a sip? I want one now,” Mike exclaimed.

I realized that we were not alone, and everyone was watching us with a smile on their face.

Jay rolled his eyes at Mike. “I am not having your ugly mug drink my precious milkshake.” He brought his drink closer to him and closed his lips on the straw, the same one that I had in my mouth a few seconds ago. I blushed.

“I am only sharing it with Evy.”

I blushed harder as I felt his arm fall onto my shoulders, holding me from the side. His smell was intoxicating, and I felt so small in his arms. So warm and safe.

Everyone laughed as they dug into their dinner.

I glanced at Jay, who still kept his arm around me, and it didn’t look like he was moving them anywhere soon. And I didn’t complain.

Soon enough, my milkshake quickly disappeared. I glanced at the old vintage Elgin on my wrist that had seen better days, but it was my grandma’s and I loved it. The watch face was a small oval with classic patterned numbers, and the strap was a delicate gold chain twisted in links. It was just past seven. I needed to get home before Aunty M left for her shift. She was pulling a double shift tomorrow, so I wouldn’t be able to see her the entire day and I promised her dinner.

The gang started getting up, already finished with their food—it looked like everyone was heading home too.

Jay finally untangled himself from me as he slid out of his seat, and chatted with the rest of them.

I bent down to reach for my bag, and my short arms did nothing to help. I bent lower, peering through the gap in the table to locate my bag. Ah, yes, I finally found it. I grabbed it and pulled it up so fast that I banged my head on the table. Ouch! God! I was the clumsiest person I knew.

“Are you all right?” A warm hand suddenly replaced mine, gently rubbing my head. Jay grabbed my bag from my hands and put it around his shoulder.

“Yes sorry. I am a bit clumsy,” I said, smiling shyly.

“Evy, are you sure you are, okay?” Katy asked with a frown on her face. I turned to see everyone looking at us.

“Yeah, I am fine,” I said, waving at her.

She nodded, and we made our way out the door, bidding goodbye to Luie.

“Evy, where do you live?” Katy asked.

“I am up at 40 Swan Avenue.”

“Good. Em and Lily live there too. They can walk you home. We all live in Rose Hill. It’s this way,” Katy said, pointing to the right. She asked me one more time if I was okay and then hugged me goodbye. She waved as she walked off with the rest of them, leaving me with Lily and him.

What are the odds that they lived so close to me? I think God had chosen today to punish me.

I noticed that Jay was still carrying my bag.

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