1.29 Suddenly Lost

Matt and Hazel finally arrived home and they saw Kirsten run up to them. “I’m so happy for you both. Now I need to borrow Hazel for finalising the party plans.” Matt couldn’t say anything and watched them giggle as they made their way towards the house.

Matt saw Jake on the way to his room, “I hear congrats are in order, you fool.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment coming from you.”

“We need to talk.” Following Matt to his room, “You slept with Kay, didn’t you?” Jake could see that Matt was angry, “What…no, the thing is we are dating. 

The engagement party will be our second date.” Matt listened intently as Jake continued, “I really like her, and I just hope you will be ok with it. Kay said you two are just friends…”

“We are friends, Jake. I have no siblings so I guess that is why even after all this time I’m protective of her. So don’t you dare hurt her, ok?”

“Matt even though I could kick your ass I get the message. Andrew ever hurt Kirsten I would beat the crap out of him so I get where you are coming from.”

“I thought I’d find you here.” Dan said as he sat next to his wife. “You look very beautiful today.”

Laura firmly replied in an upset tone, “Dan just stop I’ve come to a decision.” 

Dan started to shake as his stomach churned inside, “I want to move to lucky palms to be near the kids and separate from you.” Dan felt sick as he heard those words, “Laura, are you sure because I know we can work on this.” She saw the hurt in his eyes and just quietly said, “I’m sure. I found a small place here so I won’t go back with you.”

“I meant what I said everything will be yours.”

“You don’t have to Dan. I will let you know the address when I’m settled so we can sort things out. I wouldn’t want things to be bitter between us.”

“I’ll say good bye to the kids and…” 

He trailed off as he couldn’t finish his sentence. Laura watched as he walked away and felt her heart shatter into tiny pieces. She remembered when she first met Dan and how he bowled her over with his charm. Every time she looked at Jake it reminded her of how her husband looked back then. How it felt when he used to call at her parents’ house and on every date her father would grill him on his intentions towards her. They had tried several times before marriage to sleep together but they always got caught by her father who seemed to be one step ahead. Laura then laughed when she remembered Dan trying to explain how sleeping together was because they loved each other and her Dad insisting that until your wedding day you are not allowed to touch my daughter. Now after all these years they were finally separating. Laura felt empty and suddenly lost, had she made a mistake? 

Jake ran up the stairs after his Dad, “You look awful, what’s wrong?”

Daniel tried to hide his feeling, “I’m fine really. Business calls.” 

Jake wouldn’t let his Dad out and firmly said, “We are just starting to get along and you are back to lying…don’t.” 

Dan fell on the bed, “Here’s some advice for you Jake don’t let Kay down and whatever you do don’t break her heart. Your Mum wants me out, she is moving here to town.” 

His temper was getting better of him, “Do you have any idea how much I love her? I had one stupid night…it should have been with your Mum, shit I screwed up.” 

Andrew came in and asked, “Is everything ok?” Jake shook his head to Andrew. Dan then started up again, “No, everything is not ok. I’m fucked off because I messed up and my marriage is over.” Andrew wasn’t sure what to say and was about to walk out when he heard Dan say, “As for you Andrew I want you to look after my daughter.” Andrew didn’t turn around but replied, “Daniel, I will don’t worry.”

Laura saw the girls chatting away, “Hazel, congratulations you look over the moon. Kirsten told me Mathew proposed.”

“Thanks, Laura.”

“Are going to have a big or small wedding?” Hazel laughed, “We aren’t getting married yet. A few years maybe.”

“Mum and Dad have an anniversary coming up soon…” Laura interrupted Kirsten, “There isn’t going to be an anniversary Hun. I’ve decided to separate from your Dad. I know you are going to be upset but it’s for the best.” Hazel could see Kirsten and Laura needed to talk so made her excuses and left. “Mum, I saw you the other day with Dad. You looked so in love.”

“I haven’t stopped loving your Dad but the infidelity is just too painful and I need to think away from your Dad. I’m moving to this town to be closer to you and Jake. We can go shopping and…”

Kirsten was yelling with tears down her face, “Stuff the shopping, you can’t you just can’t. I know Dad has been an ass over the years but its Dad, please Mum please.”

“Kirsten please try and understand…” Kirsten interrupted her Mum, “Understand…” Trailing off then she ran from the kitchen only to see her Dad at the bottom of the stairs. 

He could see Kirsten knew and just hugged her, “Don’t hate your Mum for doing this. I’m the one that messed up not your Mum. I’ll come and visit and I’m always on the end of the phone if you need me.” Kirsten was still upset and he put her in Jake’s arms and saw Andrew, “I was hoping to get to know you better but circumstances as they are at the moment.” 

He held out his hand and Andrew took the opportunity to shake and call a truce, “You are always welcome here.”

“Thanks Andrew and if Kirsten needs anything just call me and I’ll be here. I will be here for Jake’s birthday so maybe we can have a drink then?”

1.28 I think I like her

“I got your emergency texted. What’s up?” Andrew asked. Jake finished off his drink and said, “I refused to sleep with Kay.”

Andrew laughed, “Come on Jake you’re winding me up, right?” Jake looked at his mate and said, “No joke. Sounds strange but I walked her to her bedroom door and asked her for a second date. Kay said yes then asked me into her room and I said no.”

Andrew asked the bartender for two drinks, “Jake, I can’t believe this. I’ve never known you turn down any female. If they have a pulse you are there.”

They got the drinks and Jake asked, “So why did I say no. I mean she is beautiful, sexy and the outfit she wore on our date was hot. You should have seen her bowl in that dress, what a view.”

“Maybe I’ll take Kirsten bowling…”

“That’s my sister you are talking about there. Anyway I think you have seen more than enough of my sister lately.”

“I guess it would be weird talking about your sister like that. Anyway if you like her what’s the problem?”

“I think I like her too much and I…don’t know. It’s just I love being with her. The longest relationship I’ve had is a month. I’m twenty four in two weeks, is it time for a real relationship?” Andrew had another sip of his drink and thought before answering. “Jake I’d love to say yes but only you can honestly know the answer. All I can say is that if you hadn’t sent me to your parent’s holiday home I’d still be admiring Kirsten from afar.”

“I can sort everyone out but me.”

“Hang on your date was tonight right?” Jake nodded, “Then get back to her and if you won’t make love and you want more then show her. I mean there are more ways to show love than sex.” Jake finished his drink and replied, “Andy, you are right. Thanks.”

Kay was ready for bed and started to read her texted book when there was a knock at the door. She opened the door and saw Jake standing there, her heart skipped a beat but said, “I’m ok with you saying no.”

“Can I change my mind?” Kay didn’t say anything accept moved from the doorway so Jake could come in. He sat on her bed and asked, “What were you reading?”

“Jake, what do you want?” Jake ushered her to come closer to him and when she did he held her pulling her onto the bed, “I turned you down not because I don’t want to but I want to see where this goes. I came back because I felt bad about how I left things and I so want to…” 

Jake finished by kissing her while running his hand through her hair. Kay let out slight moan causing Jake to intensify the kiss. 

After a few minutes as their lips parted Jake asked, “How did you end up on top?” Kay smiled and ignoring his question, “What’s going on with us?” Jake couldn’t think straight and as she pressed her lips against his but Kay repeated her question and this time Jake answered, “I want to try the relationship thing.”

Kay laughed, “The what?”

“This isn’t a laughing matter Kay, I’m serious.” 

Kay got up and asked, “But what about me at university? I have to study a lot. We might spend time together then it could be a few weeks before I can spend quality time with you again.” 

Jake held her and said, “I’m willing to give this a go if you are?”

Kay smiled and replied, “I guess this means I have to get my boyfriend a birthday present.” Jake held her even tighter, “You don’t have to get me a gift but just so you know I won’t refuse if you do.”

“Now we have cleared all this up, you need to leave.”

Trapping her against the wall Jake said, “Hang on I just got here can’t I have another kiss first.” Kay smiled at Jake and replied, “Of course you can.”

While they kissed Kay felt for the door handle and as she turned the handle she deepened the kiss between them. Once again as their lips parted Kay pushed Jake slightly and he found he was the other side of the door in shock he asked, “How do you do that?

“A woman never reveals all her secrets. Night Jake.” Once the door closed Jake made his way back to his room and thought, ‘She is one hot woman. When she kisses like that I can’t think straight. I’m so in trouble now.’

Kay fell onto her chair looking on her Ipad for a suitable gift for her now new boyfriend. ‘Shit what do I get him?’ Then a thought had occurred to Kay, ‘If he will like any gift I get him, what if I gave him me as his gift? I can hide the gift under the outfit then surprise him later when we are alone. I don’t think he’d say no. If he does then I know for next time.’

1.27 Jake's Date

Kirsten squealed like a little girl and ran into the gym where Andrew was training Jake. “Hazel has just rung. Matt proposed and she said yes.”

They both stopped and looked at Kirsten and Andrew asked, “What did you say?”

“I congratulated her, why?”

“Aren’t they a bit young?”

“Maybe they are but it’s so romantic being madly in love and he pops the question. Hazel said the weather was beautiful and she couldn’t be happier.”

The boys had to agree they suited each other, Jake said, “I guess we have no choice but to throw an engagement party. Does Kay know?”

“I don’t know unless Matt rang her.”

Andrew asked, “When are they back?”

“She didn’t say but she sounded so happy.” Jake decided to tell Kay. 

After Jake left Andrew wrapped his arms around Kirsten, “You are ok with their engagement?”

“Andrew I’m not jealous. When the time is right we will be the one’s having a party.”

“If you’re sure?”

“I’m fine stop worrying.”

Jake found Kay in her room forgetting all about Matt's news and asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m catching up on my studying before class starts in two weeks.” Jake asked, “You haven’t forgotten about tonight and our date?” 

Kay stood up and laughed, “I haven’t forgotten our date. What time do I need to be ready?”

“I’ll knock your bedroom door at 8 o’clock.” Once Jake had left Kay saw the time and started to panic. 

There was only two hours before he knocked the door. She now had to figure out what she was going to wear and that could be the longest part.

Jake was ready but to calm his nerves while he waited for the clock to say eight, he put his music on and started to dance. Jake heard a laugh as he spun round, “Dad, what are you doing in my room?”

“I did knock but you couldn’t hear me because of the volume. I contacted a friend of mine like you asked and here is the number of a highly respectable firm. They manage up and coming artists and they liked Kay’s performance but that manager wouldn’t let her go and by the looks never told Kay she was wanted by someone else.”

“Thanks Dad. Are you and Mum getting a divorce?” Daniel looked sad but said, “Could you blame her. I messed up with all of you but it’s now up to your Mum. Anyway you have a date with a beautiful lady and you are talking to me, why?” Jake looked at the time and replied, “Shit it’s eight.” He ran past his Dad shouting bye and ran down the hall.

When Kay opened the door he couldn’t say anything but Kay noticed he was in jeans and a shirt and asked, “Am I overdressed?”

Jake looked her up and down with a smirk and replied, “Not from where I’m standing.”

“Is that all you think about?”

“Don’t all men?” He saw her reaction and added, “I didn’t mean it like that.” Kay laughed, “You meant every word…” She got closer to Jake and continued, “And if you look at me like you are right now then dressing up was well worth it.”

When they got to the bowling alley Kay was in shock and quietly but firmly said, “You should have said where we were going. I’m so overdressed.” He put his arms around her waist and said, “I don’t think you’re overdressed. In fact you look beautiful. Let’s have some fun but I warn you I am good at this.”

“Is that a fact? I hate to tell you but I’m not bad myself so you may have met your match.”

“Is that a challenge?”

“It is, so let’s see what you’ve got.” Kay replied with a smile. When Kay started to bowl Jake couldn’t help but look at her butt as she bent slightly to throw the ball. A thought then came to him, ‘I’d never have got that view if she had dressed in casual wear. I could just look at her like this all night.’

Kay snapped him out of his thoughts, “Jake it’s your go.”

“Sorry I was miles away.” Kay noticed his look and asked, “Were you checking me out while I was taking my go?” Jake didn’t say anything as he took his go but the smirk on his face said it all. As she watched Jake bowl she said while laughing, “I’m not offended that you were checking me out.” 

Jake putting his arms around her said, “You do have a cute butt and it’s your turn.” Once Kay had her back to Jake she bit her lip thinking, ‘Is it me or is it getting hot in here? If I kiss him I might not want to stop. Shit what is he doing to me? No, no, no, you are just going to end up just another notch on his bed post. Kay you must be strong.’

‘Last time a girl realised I looked at her ass she slapped me but Kay laughed it off. Holding her felt good. I really want to sleep with her but I want another date. I must be mad I never have a second date it always complicates things. Shit what is happening to me? Am I losing it?’

After having a game they decided to get food and a drink, “Why are you going to medical school if you want to sing?”

Kay leaned back in the chair and replied, “If I couldn’t be a singer then I wanted to be a doctor. I’ve already done a year but took a year out to decide what I really wanted and I’m still unsure but I know going back is something I need to do. What about you and being a fire fighter? I mean you don’t need the money from what Matt told me.”

“I always wanted to be a fire fighter as a kid. As for the money side, I told Dad where to stick his money. I actually like earning my own money; I never thought I would to be honest. Kay you have a good voice don’t waste your talent.”

Kay went red in the cheeks and asked, “If we were together and I became a popular singer how would you feel about the attention I might get from other guys? I mean look what you did to my now ex manager”

Jake looked at Kay and moved his chair closer, “Honestly, I’d hate it but I would have to trust that you wouldn’t do anything with them.” Kay started to melt as she looked into his eyes and said, “I think it’s time we left.” 

Jake got up and held out his hand and when Kay took his hand he pull her in for a passionate kiss and as the kiss continued Kay kept thinking, ‘Shit this guy can kiss and if he lets me go I’ll end up on the floor.’

Jake was thinking, ‘I must stop kissing her or I’ll never let her go. She smells great…Jake snap out of this right now. You got your date now walk away. Remember this is what you do have the date take her home sometimes you sleep with them and that’s it. So why do I want to see her again?’

When he walked Kay to her bedroom door Kay leaned against her door and asked, “So now what?”

Jake looked into her green eyes and replied, “There is something about you that tells me I need to see you again. Are you ok with a second date?”

“I’d like that and would you like to come in?”