Crushing On The Enemy (Crushing on You 1)

“

Do you have any classes you enjoy?” Jake asked.

“History and art, but that's just because they hardly ever give homework,” Alyssa admitted.

“You could always take art history and work at a museum,” Jake teased.

“Eh, that would be boring,” she laughed.

“Well, you didn't give me much to work with,” he chuckled.

When their food arrived Jake convinced Alyssa to try a slice of his favorite. He could tell by the way she crinkled her nose she didn't like it.

“I've always been a picky eater,” she laughed.

“You could always be a chef,” Jake mused, “then you could influence the world to eat what you like.”

“I don't think I want to spend all day sweating in a kitchen,” she laughed, “It's too much like being a housewife.”

“Maybe, but most chefs are men anyway,” he teased.

“Most chefs are fat men,” Alyssa giggled.

“It comes from all the taste testing,” Jake said.

“They should be pickier eaters,” Alyssa nodded.

After they finished eating they drove to the park and walked the trail.

“It's so nice out here,” Alyssa said, taking Jake's hand.

“I come here a lot to get away from my dad,” Jake nodded.

“When I was little my dad would take me to the park every Sunday afternoon,” Alyssa said, “We went every Sunday until he died. Even when he was bad off, he refused to miss the trip.”

“He must be where you get your spirit from,” Jake grinned.

“It definitely didn't come from my mom,” she laughed.

She sighed and Jake watched as she looked thoughtful for a moment.

“It's not that I hate her or anything,” she finally said, “She just seems to make really bad choices.”

“A lot of people do that after they're hurt,” Jake nodded.

“That's why I don't want to be like her,” Alyssa said, “I mean she lost her husband, but he was my father. I managed to live, without totally throwing away my life.”

“Some people are stronger than others,” Jake shrugged, “and you'll never be like her. You're too strong.”

Alyssa stopped walking and at first Jake thought he had offended her, but then she smiled at him and rested her head against his shoulder for a few seconds.

“You're really sweet,” she said and continued walking.

Jake wasn't sure of how to respond so he didn't. He knew it was a complement, but what do you say to something like that? Every response that came to mind sounded too weird.

“So how's things going with your dad?” Alyssa asked breaking the silence.

“The same,” Jake shrugged.