Love Rivals

A moment alone

Esme woke the next morning to the feeling something, or someone, was watching her. She turned over to face the door and her tired eyes blinked as she focused on a figure standing in the doorway.

* * *
Roman

I couldn't sleep that night because I was too worried about what Seth was doing with Esme. After an hour of trying, I gave up and wandered around for a while before deciding to make some breakfast. At around 7.30, I made my way into Esme's room and stood in the doorway for a while before she woke.

"Roman?" Esme mumbled "What are you doing?"

I cursed myself as I realized what she must have thought

"I couldn't sleep" I explained

"So you thought you'd watch me sleep instead?" She asked as she sat up.

"I wasn't watching you sleep" I said defensively. "I made breakfast and wanted to know if you'd join me"

She didn't seem convinced. ''What time is it?''

"8am'' 

She let out a displeased sound. ''Wake me up in another two hours''

''Dean and Seth won't budge for ages yet and I'm lonely by myself'' I tried

Esme was not a morning person 

''That's your fault for getting up so early on a weekend!'' She replied as she settled back down

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Roman made his way over to her, mustering his best pout. ''Please'' 

Esme chanced a look at Roman and quickly succumbed. "Ugh, fine''

By the time Esme made her way to the kitchen, Roman was wearing an apron and was flipping pancakes, humming happily to himself 

''If only I had my phone'' Esme voiced "A photo like this would go viral." 

''You wouldn't dare'' Roman said as he turned around

''Oh, I would'' Esme laughed

Roman had made an impressive display of fresh fruit, bacon, scrambled eggs, cereal and pancakes. 

Roman handed her a plate, and she eyed the food Roman had made. "How many people are you planning to feed?"

They ate in silence for a few minutes before Esme broke the silence. "So why couldn't you sleep?"

''I've just got a lot on my mind'' Roman replied 

''Wanna talk about it?'' Esme offered

''It's not important'' Roman dismissed

''Roman, if it's bothering you enough to keep you awake, then it's important.'' 

* * *
Roman

Esme was staring at me expectantly and I wanted to tell her the truth, but I was also worried about making a fool of myself. What If she didn't feel the same way?

"Ok so let's just say I like someone" I said "but I'm afraid of telling her because I'm not sure she'll feel the same way'' 

"Oh, so it's a woman that's got you all messed up?" She replied with a smile "Tell me about her"

"She's a few years younger than me, brunette, beautiful and funny. However, we've been friends for a while and I don't want to ruin things'' 

Esme took a moment to consider what I said. "Yeah, that's a tough one. If you become more than friends and things don't work out, your friendship might suffer because of it"

"Exactly" I agreed 

"However" she continued "if you remain friends, you'll always wonder what could have been if you'd just took a chance''

"What would you do?" I asked, interested to hear her answer 

"I'd go for it" Esme replied "You never know unless you try'' 

"Mmm, do I smell bacon?'' 

Seth had the worst timing of anyone I've ever known and the most annoying nasal voice to match. He walked straight over to Esme, helping himself to some of her bacon.

''HEY!!'' She complained as she hit him on the hand with her fork

"Don't be like that'' Seth replied as he rubbed his hand. ''Sharing is caring"

"I don't need to share when there's plenty to go around" Esme argued 

Seth looked between us, glaring at me.''Since when have you two been having private breakfasts?" 

"Since Roman asked me to have breakfast with him" Esme replied

Seth huffed and walked into the kitchen to get himself something to eat

"Spoilt brat" Esme complained 

I nodded in agreement. Spoilt in more ways than one.