Living

Chapter 25: Valentine's Day

Jack walked down the stairs of his house toward the door. Denton was already there, smiling and talking to someone; some girl. His curiosity increased.

I don't know many girls, Jack thought. There's Smalls and Sniper, but they's in The Bronx, I'm sure. There's Sarah, but I don't even know her. Myron maybe? "Hey, Den. Who's you talkin' to?"

"Come see for yourself", he called back, stepping out of the doorway. Jack nearly gasped at who he saw.

"Katherine?"

"Hey, Jack", Katherine greeted, hugging him. "It's been awhile."

Jack patted her arm awkwardly. Yeah, I'd call 'never being seen again since the middle of junior year' a while. "Uh, I thought you was in London?"

"Jack, it's 'you were'", she corrected, her smile never leaving her face. "And I was, but I was just visiting. I don't think I could live there."

Jack nodded, looking her up and down. She was still pretty much the same, except the heels and eyeliner around her eye. "You wear make-up now?"

"Oh, it's just something I tried out", she giggled. "It's a lot more fun than I thought. I don't know why I was so against it."

I might, Jack thought. He nodded and looked behind her, sighing when no one was there. Davey will be over later. "Do you wanna...come in?"

"Well, I was hoping you wouldn't make me stand in the door way", Katherine chuckled, accepting the offer. Jack widened the door and watched her walk in.

——————

Davey was on his way to Jack's house, chocolate and flowers in the passenger seat. After dropping off Les at school, he was able to get everything he needed, including a reservation at a pretty pricy restaurant.

He pulled into the driveway, grabbing the treats as he took his seatbelt off. Today was the day he was going to make Jack like Valentine's Day. He was hoping.

He grabbed his key—Jack had given him one, since he was over there most of the time—but found he didn't need it when Jack swung the door open. "Expecting me?"

"Come on", Jack whispered, pulling the taller inside. Davey furrowed his brows confusedly.

"What's going on?"

"Shhh!"

"Is there someone dangerous in the house?"

"What- no! If there was, do you think I'd've brought you in here?"

"That was the most country thing you've ever said", Davey chuckles as Jack rolls his eyes. The shorter glances towards living room. "Baby, who-"

"Jackie, who was at the door?"

That wasn't Denton or Crutchie. Hell, it wasn't even Les. Those were the only people that were allowed to call him Jackie, besides Davey, of course.

So who the crap is calling Davey's Jackie, 'Jackie?'

Davey sent a murderous glare towards the source of the voice.

Jack snapped. "Hey, get that look out your eye!"

"What look?" Davey cleared his throat, glancing at the living room. Jack poked him.

"That one. We can not have a murder on our hands. I've been wrapped up with the police too many times already."

"Who- I'm sorry, what?!"

"Um, hello", the girl greeted, walking up to Davey with a smile. "Who might you be?"