1.18 The Setup

They arrived at lucky dive and grabbed a table at the front. Spencer was getting to know Hazel and soon they were joined by Jake.

"So who is this singer?" Jake asked.

"An old school friend her name is Kay."

Just then the lights when up and the music started and there stood Kay giving her all to the crowd. Matt couldn't believe his old school friend was not only beautiful but a very talented singer. He noticed Jake's eyes never came off Kay while she performed and when the first set was over she ran straight over to Spencer and asked, "I thought Matt was coming?"

"Kay, this is Matt." She looked at Matt and in shocked, "Matt is that really you? Where are your curly locks?" Hugging him tight. Jake laughed at Matt and said, "You had locks?" Matt glared at him as Jake sat back down then spoke to Kay, "This is Hazel my girlfriend." as she approached the bar.

Kay smiled at Hazel, "If he is any trouble just let me know." Hazel couldn't believe that Kay was being nice and replied, "Thanks."

"It's just my job, singing but I am really nice." still talking to Hazel. Then she turned to them all and said, "I have to do the next set." Jake was glaring at Matt. "Kay before you go this is Jake my roommate."

"Hi Jake, I have to get back up there speak after the set ok." Matt smiled and replied, "Ok."

"Dad, Kay is really good."

"She is and is looking for a place in Lucky Palms too." Hazel started to panic and Matt asked her to get some drinks at the bar, "Haz, I'm not dating Kay I'm dating you. She and I are old school friends. You have nothing to worry about I promise. Although by the way Jake is behaving I am worried about Kay."

She felt Matt's arms surround her and she whispered in his ear, "I'm just happy and don't want this thing with you to end." Matt kissed her and added, "It won't. Besides we are taking off early, remember?"

Jake came over to where Matt and Hazel were and asked, “Matt my good friend…” Matt knew what he was after and cut him off, “The answer is no.” Hazel left them too it, “Matt please I would really like to get to know her better.”

“I’m not letting Kay be another notch for you. If you want to know her you are on your own.”

After the performance Kay needed a drink she noticed a familiar face, “Jake, right?” 

“Yeah Matt’s friend and you are Kay. You have a great talent.”

“Thanks and what do you do?”

“I’m a trainee fire fighter. Listen would you like to go on a date?” Kay looked at him smiling, “You are sweet but the answer is no.” Jake had never been turned down before. “I promise we will have a good time.”

“Jake, thanks for the offer but I know your type. Love ‘em, leave them type! Good luck with your career though.” Leaving Jake speechless Kay headed back to the table.

Matt made his excuses as to why he had to leave and Hazel went with him. Spencer had a horrible feeling they were going to rush things. He didn’t have an issue with being a grandparent but at the right time. He just hoped his son would think things through first before anything happened.

“Why are we here? We would have the house to ourselves.” Hazel asked.

“That’s the point; I wouldn’t trust myself being alone with you and in a house with lots of beds.” He wrapped his arms around her and Hazel replied, “I want too, don’t you?”

Matt was taken aback by Hazel and her response, “You know I want to but I think we should get to know each other first.”

“You slept with that woman.”

“That was a stupid move. I told you that but I’m not seeing her but you. If I slept with you now, you would think that’s all I wanted when I want more from us a lot more.” 

She tried moving her hands below his waistline but he stopped her, “Stop trying to tempt me.” Then Hazel started moving her hand again and this time got further. Hazel could feel what Matt wanted and was continuing to arouse him. 

“Haz we mu…” then he kissed her with urgency down her neck while his hands slid down her exposed back. Then it was as if Matt had alarm bells go off in his head. He pulled away from Hazel leaving her surprised, “We can’t, not now.”

“Why?”

“I have an idea what our first time should be like and it’s not this on the park floor.” Hazel turned away from him but he put his hands around and added, “Don’t be like that. You know what I mean.”

“I guess but when I’m around you I can’t think straight.” Hazel added.

“It will be worth it in the end.”

Monte Vista

Kirsten hadn’t been here since she was a teenager. The room she used to share with Jake was still the same. She couldn’t remember that last time she had slept so well. Kirsten did find it strange that the house was quite. When she phoned Jake he assured her he would be there early evening and then he went on to describe how he had met someone and he really liked her. Kirsten wondered if her brother was so keen for her to settle down would he ever take his own advice.

Kirsten had been to the market to get some ingredients to try her hand at cooking again. Growing up she was never taught to cook as it was all done by staff but when they came here to get away from it all her Mum tried to teach them both how to cook. Jake got the hang of it better.

She had finished making the dinner and looked at the clock and said to herself, “Jake where the hell are you?” 

She looked out the window and saw the down pour of rain that had just started, “When he gets here I’m not going out in that and help him bring in his stuff.” 

She tried his mobile but it was switched off. “Damn you Jake don’t you know by now to charge your phone. Then she realised her phone needed to be charged and went to put it on charge in her room.

The front door opened and in walked Andrew covered in water from the rain and he shouted as he was taking his coat off, “Jake, thanks for the key otherwise I’d be standing there forever waiting for you to get your ass to the door. The food smells great I’m starving.” He turned around only to see Kirsten standing there in shock.

“Jake gave you a key and he…” as she trailed off. Andrew wasn’t sure what to do at that moment as he nervously said, “He told me he wanted company because you didn’t want to come here.” Kirsten was angry at Jake for what was now clear the set up but at the same time was pleased. She knew at some point they would have to talk.

“It looks like that brother of mine will have some explaining to do.”

“I’ll leave if you want.” Neither Kirsten nor Andrew had moved since they had discovered the setup. Kirsten had a choice to make, either kick him out or let him stay and for a few minutes stayed silent then said, “Stay tonight as you are soaked plus didn’t you say you were hungry?

“If you are sure…” Kirsten just looked at him and replied, “Your bed is at the top of the stairs as my room is down here and bathroom is downstairs over there.” 

Andrew got dry then sat with Kirsten to have dinner. Most of the meal was spent in silence until Andrew broke it by speaking, “We have to sort this out. We can’t create an atmosphere and avoid each other forever.” He went to touch her hand across the table but she pulled away. 

Andrew softly asked, “Kirsten I know you like me so why are you doing this?”

“Because I know what I’m like. I mean I haven’t been in a real relationship for a long time and…” Andrew got up and started to walk around to her as she watched him come towards her. He pulled her close while leaning against the table, “There are no if’s or but’s anymore Kirsten just you and me alone to get to know each other.”

She looked into his eyes, “The truth is I lied to you. I do like you, it’s just I don’t love you because for me this is new so I’d have to spend time with you to get there.” As she felt his firm chest beneath the shirt her heart started to be beat faster. She had to remind herself that if this was going to be a relationship there was no sleeping with him even though her body was saying right here on the kitchen table.

Andrew saw the look on her face and asked, “Are you ok?”

“I was just thinking…” again trailing off.

“I hope it was me you were thinking about.” Kirsten thought, ‘If only you knew.’

Andrew saw a texted on his phone from Jake, ‘Sorry for the little lie but hope things work out.’ After he read the texted he switched off his phone. When Kirsten pulled away Andrew felt lost without her in his arms even though it had only been seconds, “Come back here, you.” Kirsten ignored his request with a smile and sat on the sofa waiting for him to join her. ‘Look at her, I really want to make love to her but I mustn’t. You can do this remember she needs to trust you and it will be worth the wait.’

He sat down as Kirsten put the television on. Suddenly she moved his arm out of the way resting her head on his chest listening to his heart beat while putting his arm around her. Then she slid her head to his lap to get comfortable.

He kept his hand placed on her hip slightly stroking it as he moved his hand back and forth. Looking down at Kirsten when the adverts came on he realised that she had fallen asleep. He had no choice but to stay with her while she slept.

1.17 A good plan

Andrew sat back down at the table looking all wet, "Are you going to tell me what happened with my sister? Andrew stayed silent for a moment then blurted out, "I kissed her."

Jake impatiently asked, "Well what happened? Are you now dating?"

Andrew took a deep breath and stated, "No because as soon I kissed her I apologized and came back here." Jake was ready to punch his friend, "So you kiss my sister then come back to talk to me rather than sort things out with Kirsten?" Andrew didn't know what to say to Jake as he was right but at the same time he didn't want to put pressure on Kirsten and scare her away. He was about to answer the question when 

Jake interrupted, "Go and see my sister right now before I knock you out for being an ass." Andrew tried to think of a reason why but couldn't.

He could see Kirsten turn the corner as he ran up the road to catch her. “Kirsten.” She turned around and stopped, “Andrew I can’t be late for work.”

Andrew caught his breath and said, “We need to sort things out. When I kissed you, I meant that kiss. I wanted to show you I really do mean what I say." 

Kirsten thought for a moment about the massage and then the kiss and every part of her started to scream more but her head was telling her to say no. If things went wrong then Jake and Andrew would never speak again, "Andrew, about us dating. It can never happen."

Andrew was starting to go to pieces but asked, "Can I ask why?

"I don't want you and Jake to ever stop being best mates." Andrew was now angry and firmly said, "So you are saying no because of your brother?"

Kirsten hated upsetting Andrew because deep down there was no real reason to say no and using Jake as an excuse was lame but she was thinking of them. "It's the way it had to be, I'm sorry." As she walked off, Andrew was confused by her answer. He could sense that it wasn’t the answer she really wanted to give. Andrew knew what ever happened in their relationship; Jake and he would pull through. He had to tell Jake what was going on.

Jake was walking home when Andrew caught up to him. "Kirsten said no because of you."

Jake looked shocked, "What! Are you serious?"

"I think she wants to give it a go but is using you as an excuse." Jake hated seeing Andrew upset and promised to speak to Kirsten.

Jake found his sister home, “Kirsten why did you turn down Andrew?” She could see he was angry at her.  “Jakey, I don’t want to cause trouble between you both.”

Jake was trying to think of a way to get through to his sister. Then he folded his arms and turned to Kirsten and said, “Sis I love you but sometimes you are an idiot. You have a guy who loves you and has laid his heart on the line and the only reason you are saying no is because of me. I want to ask one question and I want an honest answer. Taking me out of this triangle how do you feel about Andrew?”

Kirsten went to the window as she couldn’t look at Jake, “I like him ok. That kiss from earlier I can still feel his lips pressed against mine, his smell.” Then she remembered who she was talking to, “I hope that is an honest answer Jakey but I said no. You can’t go back.”

Jake’s phone started to ring and when he saw the ID he said to Kirsten, “We are going to discuss this but it’s Mum on the phone.”  After a few minutes he hung up, “Is Mum ok?” Jake was in shock, “Mum asked if we wanted to use the house up at Monte Vista as Mum and Dad can’t go.”

“What’s wrong, they always go.” Jake knew he had to tell Kirsten, “Mum found out Dad was cheating on her so Mum gave Dad a choice counselling or divorce. So they are attending counselling to repair their marriage.”

Kirsten was now in shock but pleased, “Let’s hope Dad learns his lesson and they can get through this. As for the getaway that sounds like fun just you and me.”

Just then Hazel and Matt walked in looking all happy. Kirsten asked to have a word with Hazel outside. 
While they were talking Spencer walked in the house, "Mathew, I'm sorry I spoilt your date with..." Even though Matt was pleased to see his Dad he was also angry at him just turning up out of the blue, "Hazel is her name." Spencer saw how small the house was and said, “I can't believe how little privacy you all have."

"Dad you don't have to look so happy about it. I am an adult and remember this travelling thing was your idea."

Spencer looked at Matt and replied, "I know but you’re still my son and I will always worry about you."

"I know Dad but you can stop worrying. As you can see I'm doing great. How long are you staying?

"I'm staying only a few days. Is that is ok? There is a show on at lucky dives tonight. Do you want to see it?"

"I don't know...I don’t mind you staying a few days."

"Kay is performing. That is why I took a few days longer to get here she is really nervous and wants both of us there."

"Wow Kay sings...I haven't seen her since junior school. Would it be ok for Hazel and the other come with us?"

"I'd like to meet your friends and get to know Hazel more." Matt went to tell the others about tonight. 

He found Hazel upstairs sorting through her clothes, "Shame you are out of that bikini!" Hazel turned to look at him and grinned, he pinned her to the wall and asked while kissing her neck, "Fancy watching a show tonight?" Hazel pushed him off and straightened herself out, "I'd love too, is this a date?"

"I'm asking everyone to go but doesn't mean we couldn't leave early and finish what we started." 

Hazel put her arms around Matt and replied, "In that case can't wait." Jake had just walked out the bathroom clearing his throat while he walked by. Hazel went back outside to talk to Kirsten. Matt called after Jake and asked if he wanted to go. “It sounds good but it looks like Kirsten and Andrew won’t be going because they still need to sort things out.”

"I thought they had talked and sorted things out." Matt asked.

"I tried talking to her but she thinks it will ruin things between Andy and me. I can't see what more I could do." Then a thought popped in his head, “There may be something I can do…Anyway see you there.” Matt wondered what Jake was going to do but decided not to ask any questions at this point.

Hazel had come back outside to listen to Kirsten, “Tell me you understand Haz?”

“Kirsten I understand but I do agree with Jake. If your only reason is your brother then I say listen to your heart and give it ago. Remember when you asked why Matt’s uncle would say about your Mr Right just may be Andrew was the person he was talking about.” Kirsten’s phone peeped it was a texted message from Jake, “Can’t leave tomorrow on trip with you. I will be down in the evening instead.”

Hazel asked, “Everything ok?”

“Jake can’t drive to Monte Vista with me but will be down later on. I guess he has to work late.”

“Just promise me you will sort things out with Andrew when you get back.” Kirsten hoped the trip would clear her head once and for all.

Jake was waiting outside the fire station for Andrew. “Did you talk to Kirsten?”

“I think I got through to her but give her a few days. I had a call from my Mum asking if I wanted to use the holiday home in Monte Vista. Kirsten wants to stay home fancy a trip I don’t want to be on my own up there? Only thing is; can you drive down in the evening?”

“I just got my weeks leave. I was hoping to sort things out with Kirsten how long are you going for?” Andrew asked

“I’m planning to go for five days but you can come back earlier and talk to her.” He had to do something and this opportunity was just too good to pass up.

“I’ll come with you just for a few days.” Jake was pleased now all he had to do was keep Andrew away from Kirsten until she left in the morning.

Jake was finishing maintaining the fire truck when Kirsten appeared. “Sis, are you ok?”

Kirsten smiled, “I’m fine just came to tell you I’m going up to the house now. I called Mum and she was ok with it so I’ll see you tomorrow night.” Jake hugged Kirsten and said, “Just think about what we talked about. Drive safely and let me know you got there.”

Kirsten looked at him, “Sometimes Jakey I wonder who is the eldest.” Then she drove away.

1.16 Do I, don't I?

The gym

The last few days had been hell for Andrew and working out wasn't helping. He missed being home but most of all he missed Kirsten. He had made the conscious decision to stay at the army barracks rather than go home. He thought by staying away it would give Kirsten the opportunity to decide what she wanted rather than feel under pressure.

"Here you are." Jake called to Andrew. He turned to face his best mate and replied harshly, "Yeah, you found me. What do you want?"

Jake looked at him and calmly said, "Hay, Andy this is me your best mate. I know how your feeling but don't take it out on me. She will come around."

Andrew sat at another machine, "I miss her Jake but maybe I should move on."

Raising his voice Jake replied, "What! Why?" He stopped working out, "I thought she would call me by now and say either Yes or No but I haven't heard anything. I understand I need to give her space but I'm going out of my mind."

Jake smiled and asked, "You should have told me sooner. Is there anything I can do?"

"Make sure she is ok."

Andrew got up and Jake had an idea and put it to Andrew, "Why don't you take my sister away for a weekend?"

Andrew just stared at his friend and firmly said, "Two reasons one I have no money but the biggest one is your sister and I aren't dating or has that slipped your mind?"

"No it hasn't. I was just thinking time away together, separate rooms, getting to know each other and none of us to interfere."

Andrew thought about it but wasn't convinced, "She won't go away with me besides did you forget I'm broke."

"Ok I get it. I was just trying to help my sister and my best mate get together."

"Thanks, how is Kirsten doing anyway?" 

They left the gym to get a coffee and were walking the short distance to get there. "Kirsten has started back at work and she needs a haircut. I mentioned that to her and almost got my head bitten off because according to my sis, she is growing her hair."

The thought of Kirsten growing her hair made Andrew smile as he'd always thought long hair would suit her. "Jake go easy on your sister after all she has been through enough."

They had reached the coffeehouse and were waiting for their drinks. "How is your fire fighter job going?"

"The training is ok but the guys I have to work with are giving me a hard time properly because I'm new to the station. Are you getting your promotion?"

Andrew sighed, "If I put my arse in gear but my head can't concentrate because of Kirsten." Jake saw his sister walk in and waved to her to come over. 

When she did she sat next to Jake, suddenly there was a silence at the table. Andrew looked at Kirsten and she shyly turned away breaking eye contact with Andrew.

Nervously Andrew complimented Kirsten, "Your hair looks nice."

She turned back to face him, "Thanks. I can't stop guys my lunch is almost over and my boss will kill me if I'm late back."

Andrew thinking she was making it up to get away, "I'll leave. Stay here with Jake." They both stood there for a moment then Kirsten replied, "I am being honest. My boss threatened to sack me when I was late this morning, so I really have to go."

Jake was starting to feel like a third wheel even though the atmosphere was starting to get lighter. He started to walk away when Kirsten asked, "Jakey where are you going?"

"Leaving you and Andy to talk." She looked at Jake with a harsh tone that he knew all too well.

"Sit down, Jakey and finish your conversation with your mate. Andy I'll see you soon."

Andrew kept thinking 'What did she mean by see you soon? Shit she has made her mind up and won't tell me.' Suddenly his mind was in a spin, the thought of her not giving him the chance he wanted. He watched as she walked outside and all he could think was he must do something, anything for her to take notice.

He left Jake behind and went after Kirsten. "Wait."

She stopped and looked at him, "What's wrong?" hoping the subject wouldn't come up.

"What did you mean, see you soon?" Kirsten was puzzled by the question but Andrew fired another question to her before she could react. "Have you thought about what I said?"

Kirsten was thinking what to say after all it was all she could think about. Everyone else thought they would be good together but she didn't want to hurt him and here he wanted an answer. Truth was Kirsten didn't know the answer to the question. As she continued to stare at him the thoughts going through her mind, 'He is good looking; he has a job and he cares for me and lots more.' Kirsten was pulled out of her thoughts by warmth around her. It was Andrew, he had his arms around her waist and his lips were on hers. 

She froze on the spot but she wasn't scared but in shock as she felt the tender touch of the kiss and the firm embrace of his arms holding her into his chest. Then she was standing upright again and Andrew nervously said, "I shouldn't have done that, it's just I wanted you to know how I feel. I'm sorry." Then made his way back inside. Kirsten stood there on the spot and thought, 'First the amazing massage, now that kiss. Don't you mean the best kiss you've ever had? He is definitely not making it easy to say no.'