Page 319 of The First Time
I'm not sure if I can do anything to stop myself from falling in love with him.
* * *
The office stays quiet.
I stay restless.
I flip around the TV, unable to concentrate on reruns.
I stare at my sketchbook, unable to form a single line.
This is the perfect time to draw something. My junior year art teacher always told us to pour our emotions onto paper, but I don't know where to start.
Blake is intoxicating. He's fascinating. He's aloof, distant, and moody.
He doesn't believe in love.
A rerun changes to an infomercial. I go to the cable guide.
It's past midnight. I'd better call Lizzy and tell her I'm spending the night.
My bag is sitting on the kitchen table. I fish my phone out of it. There's a new text message.
From Fiona. Her number is programmed right into my phone. What the hell?
Fiona: I didn't mean to intrude, but this is the only way. I need to speak to you about your relationship with Blake. Immediately.
She sent it a few hours ago. I reply.
Kat: There's nothing to discuss.
Fiona: Yes, there is. Are you at his place?
Kat: I am.
Fiona: There's a coffee shop three blocks north. Meet me there tomorrow morning at nine A.M. Don't worry about what to tell Blake. He'll be at work by eight.
Kat: It's Sunday tomorrow.
Fiona: Exactly. He always works Sundays. You should know that. If you've really been together for months.
Kat: I'm busy.
Fiona: It will only take a few minutes. I promise.
I drop the phone. This is weird. There's no way Fiona could know about our arrangement.
Blake is discreet.
And she's caught up in her own problems.
But maybe I'm not that good at pretending.
Maybe she's great at snooping.
I need to hear her out.
Suddenly, I'm not hungry or tired.
