Rise To Fame

Chapter 21

(Jamie's POV)

I finish wiping down all the sides before moving on to sweeping the floor. Maybe I'm being slightly excessive, but this is my one chance to make it up to her and prove that I won't be defined by my past mistakes. I can't mess it up.

Got to be honest, I'm not the best chef in the world. I've probably burned toast more times than I've actually cooked it properly. Thankfully, my brother is just phone call away.

"Right. Casserole's in the oven, potatoes are boiling, you'll have to mash them yourself I'm afraid, and the veg is on a slow boil. Should be ready to go in about half an hour."

"Sam, did I mention you're my favourite brother?"

"I'm your only brother you moron."

"I stand by it anyway. How did you learn to do all this stuff?"

"It's not that difficult, Jamie," he laughs at me a bit, "but Mum's been helping me out too."

"You not moved out yet?"

"Nope, looking for a place though. I went to go see some of the places in person, Mum insisted on coming with me. She made a habit of pointing out all the bad bits, it was a bit annoying I'm can't lie."

"She just doesn't want you to leave, you know what she's like."

"Does she not want me to leave, or does she just not want to be left on her own?"

"It can't be easy on her. She's used to a full house, and soon she'll be all on her own."

"She's got the dog."

"It's not the same, Sam."

"She can get another dog?"

I laugh and swat him with the tea towel.

"Just be a better son than I am."

"Hey, you turned out alright didn't you?"

"San. I'm a screw up. Sure, the music and the films and the shows are great. But I haven't exactly got the best track record with relationships, and every time I fuck it up.... Man, the disappointment on her face is painful to look at."

"Well maybe you can learn from your mistakes. Treat this one right."

"I will if you ever get out of here!" I grin and shoo him to the door.

"Alright, alright!" He says. "Just remember-"

"Half an hour. Mash the potatoes, slow boil veggies. Wait on her hand and foot and don't fuck anything up. How's that?"

"Sounds about right."

He gives me a brief but tight hug before leaving me to wait for y/n.

The nerves are starting to take hold and I'm shaking a little. I'm never normally like this about girls.

When I go to the mirror to check my hair in the mirror, I catch sight of the razor that sits temptingly next to the taps.

I could. Just a little.

My arm itches a bit in anticipation like it normally does, but this time I manage to suppress the urge. I even put the razor in the bathroom cabinet so I don't have to look at it any more.

I straighten the cuffs on my shirt before I hear a timid knock at the front door.

She's here.

(Y/n's POV)

I stand nervously at his door with a bottle of red wine, adjusting my dress a little.

The door creaks open and I'm met with a pair of gorgeous blue eyes.

He's really made an effort. He's wearing a shirt that looks like it's been ironed, his shoes are shining, he smells of a beautiful musky aftershave and..... Oh my god. His hair is neat.

"Hi," he gives me a dazzling smile.

"Hey," I grin shyly. "I brought this." I hold the bottle out towards him.

"Is this...?"

"Yeah. It's what we had at the restaurant. I thought it would be nice."

He gives me a genuinely smile, no arrogance or sass behind it. "It's perfect, thank you."

He leads me into the flat and we walk through to the kitchen, which smells absolutely delicious.

"Wow," I say, surprised. "I've gotta be honest, I'm impressed. I'd heard you weren't much of a cook."

"Ah, yeah." He rubs the back of his neck nervously. "I can't take the credit, I'm afraid."

"You didn't make this? Then who...?"

For a split second I think he's asked Ellie to cook for his new girlfriend. But that's just me being crazy.

"My brother knows his way around the kitchen pretty well, he made this for us."

"Well if it tastes as good as it looks then we're in for a treat."

A moment passes between us.

"I know you've only just got here," he starts, "but I think we need to talk."