Love Thy Neighbour (Friend-Zoned 2)

Ash and I look at each other through narrowed eyes before he walks over to the door and throws it open. He snatches Tatiana out of Nik’s hands and throws her up and down in the air. Smiling like a fool, he walks her into the apartment and says to Nik and Tina, “Well, this is a surprise. A good one, I mean. Come on in, guys. ”

Even though I only saw Tina a few hours ago, I tightly hug her and kiss Nik’s cheek. I ask in mock horror, “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would’ve at least tidied up!”

Tina chuckles. “Oh please, you should see our place. We came here to be somewhere cleaner!”

Tina follows me into the kitchen while Nik and Ash show Tatiana the doggies. She can’t walk yet but can stand with little assistance. Pizza and Donut jump around her playfully. She smiles and kicks her little legs out.

Adorable.

Tina helps me make coffee for everyone and we bring them over. Nik and Tina sit on the sofa while I sit on Ash in the single armchair. Nik looks at Tina with a sly smile. I look down at Ash through narrowed eyes but he just shrugs.

Nik smiles so hard his dimple pops out, “We were hoping to discuss something with you guys…”

Epilogue

Good things come to those who wait

As soon as I say it, I know I’ve fucked up. “Should you be eating that?”

Her face falls and she throws the donut aside.

Great work, ass.

I quickly amend what I said, “No, no! I meant are you allowed to eat that?”

Nat looks at me through wide eyes and mouths, “What is wrong with you?”

Fix this, quick!

Walking over to the box, I pick out two new donuts and bring them over to Tina. I tell her, “Here, I know you like the glazed ones. ”

She smiles up at me and cups my cheek, “Ghost, honey, you don’t need to watch me like a hawk. I’m not ill. And it’s kinda creepy. ”

But I want to watch her!

Playing it cool, I utter, “I know but I just want to make sure you’re comfortable. ”

Tina throws me a sweet smile, “Ash, are- are you nervous?”

Fuck yeah, I am.

I scoff, “What? No. You’re crazy. ”

Nat sighs, “Well, I’m nervous. When is Nik coming home?”

Tina explains, “He called, he has to meet us there. So we can leave anytime you like. ”

We make a move out to Nat’s car and I help Tina sit. When I try to buckle her in, she slaps my hands away, glares at me and says in warning, “No. ”

Commence project drive like an old lady.

Nat says, “Babe, I think you can go a little faster than this. ”

Tina agrees, “Yeah, you can at least go the speed limit, honey. ”

I ignore them both. I’m driving, therefore, my rules.

We finally arrive at the big white building and I spot Nik out front waiting on us. He comes over to me and says, “Nervous, bro?”