Page 39 of The Best Book Boyfriend
“Seriously though, Luke,” Hattie turns to face him again, “Your single friends. Where are they?”
“You’d get on well with my friend Rob,” he says with a gentle laugh. “I think he has a similar attitude to you when it comes to dating.”
“What do you mean by that?” she puts her cutlery down and glares at him accusingly. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat.
“Oh, um, I just…” his face runs a gamut of expressions as he picks his fork through his meal, the right words escaping him. “He also enjoys dating, that’s all.”
Hattie bursts out laughing. “I’m winding you up, it’s no secret I’m a slut. If he’s a slut, then he sounds perfect. Invite him to the next book club.”
“I don’t think he’s the bookish type, I’m afraid, but I’ll suggest it.” Luke looks like he’s taken his first breath in weeks. When I catch him giving me a sideways glance he raises his eyebrows and I mouth, “You’re doing great.”
Luke helps Megan clear the table while Hattie and I make what we affectionately call Sad Girl Snacks; a giant bowl filled with sweet popcorn, salty pretzels, an entire bag of peanut M&Ms, and another of Maltesers. We started making it sometime last year, and it’s been a Friday staple ever since.
Luke takes a seat in the armchair while Hattie pulls out the sofabed and covers. We three take our usually snuggly spots together and Hattie hits play. Nat King Cole croons L.O.V.E. as yachts and fireworks accompany the opening credits.
“Isn’t this a kid’s movie?” Luke asks, leaning across to grab a fistful of popcorn and chocolate. “I think I went to see it at the cinema with my Granny Annie.”
Megan is aghast. “Yes, The Parent Trap is ostensibly a kid’s movie, but more than that, it’s a love story.”
“A second chance love story!” I chime in.
“Exactly!” Megan says. “And we’re working our way through Nancy Meyer’s back catalogue, so if you’re going to be joining us for Friday nights, you’re going to have to rein in the snark buddy.”
I feel warm at her suggestion that Luke’s presence might be more than a celebratory one off. He holds his hands up in defence. “No snark from me, I liked it.”
Megan gives my side a little squeeze under the covers. I cosy up closer to her, but I wish I could climb into Luke’s lap and curl up with him instead. Bar the occasional explicit fantasy, I think I’m doing a pretty good job of keeping my feelings for him purely platonic, but every time I’m in a room with him it’s like a goddamn friendship test. It’s hard to relax when he’s just over there looking that good. I notice the way he rubs at the cuff of his jumper and imagine him touching me in that way, casual and absent-minded.
By the end of the film Megan has dozed off next to me and Hattie is engrossed in her phone, no doubt arranging her next hookup. I’ve learned it’s better not to ask. Luke stretches and stands up.
“I’m gonna take off,” he whispers. “Working early tomorrow.”
We’ve barely spoken all night, I realise. I’ve been quieter than usual getting used to having him here in my space, and with my friends. I feel like I’ve missed out on something more than just his company.
“I’ll see you out,” I whisper back, taking care not to jostle Megan too much when I stand up too.
“Thanks for inviting me tonight. Your friends are really lovely,” he says at the door, hands deep in his coat pockets.
“Yeah,” I glance back through to the living room, where Megan sprawls out into the space I’ve just vacated. “They’re pretty special.”
“What do you have planned for the weekend?” he asks, pulling on his shoes. I like Late Night Luke, when he looks a little tired and ruffled from the day. It makes me want to hug him, but thankfully I restrain myself.
“Lazy day tomorrow. Mostly reading. Sunday I’m taking a van to an antique fair and see if I can pick some things for Claude.” I’m too tired to overthink it and catch myself before I ask. “You want to come?”
“Sounds good. Can you pick me up?”
“Of course. It’ll be early though.”
“How early are we talking?” he narrows his eyes and cocks his head.
“Like six? I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”
“Sounds great. Goodnight, Kara.” He gives me the tiniest peck on the cheek before he turns away. I guess we’re the kind of friends who do that now.
A day trip antiquing with Luke would be the icing on an already great week. I like knowing when I’ll see him next, rather than spending days without hearing from him. He’s doing a great job of keeping things in the friend zone. I’ve not felt a hint of flirtation from him since we agreed to keep things platonic, so that’s helpful at least. Then again, why would he want a sadsack who is incapable of intimacy without bursting into tears?
I snuggle in next to Hattie with my head on her shoulder. She wraps one arm around me and puts a piece of popcorn in my mouth.
“I have a problem,” I whine quietly.
