James Reid was not himself.
He was not himself because he saw Bret and Nadine together on his Instagram feed. It was Bret who posted a picture of them together. If he didn't know any better, he'd think there was something going on between the two of them. And he had no idea why it irked him so much.
He just got home from the MMFF Parade of the Stars. It had been a hot and tiring day, and there were so many people on the float. Nadine was being her usual self, waving, saying hi to everyone, leaning over the float a little too precariously. He had spent half of his time entertaining the fans who came out to see them and the other half just watching Nadine to make sure she doesn't fall off or that those damn guys around them in their cramped float don't touch her.
And now this.
He raked his hand through his hair debating whether he should call Bret or Nadz. Just to ask them to explain. Explain what, exactly, he wasn't quite sure.
As if materializing from his thoughts, Nadine's face suddenly appeared on his phone. He answered in one ring.
"'Sup?" his voice sounded annoyed, even to his ears.
"Hi James! What time are you leaving for the airport?" Nadine's voice, on the other hand, was cheerful. Too cheerful in fact. Did you have a good time with my buddy, huh? James thought bitterly, if unfairly.
"My flight is at 1 am so we're planning to leave around 10, I guess." What's it to you? Don't you have Bret now?
"Oh, okay. Are you finished packing?"
"Not yet. Why did you call Nadine?" he asked, the irritation evident in his voice.
He could hear Nadine hesitate, but then she continued. "I... Can I take you to the airport?"
And just like that, James was himself again.
It was like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. I guess Bret and I can stay friends, then.
His voice was soft when he answered. "Of course, Nadine. I'll see you later, just come over." He started putting the phone down, but Nadine yelled "Wait!"
"Yeah?"
"Can you come with me now? I need to do some last minute shopping then we could have dinner somewhere... I..." Nadine paused. "...I just want to spend some alone time with you before you leave."
James was grinning from ear to ear at the turn of the conversation, but he didn't want to ask himself why.
"Is that okay? I can be there in, like, 15 minutes." Nadine continued.
Something seemed to have gotten stuck in his throat, so he cleared it. "Yeah sure. I'll be waiting."
He packed his stuff in record time after he put the phone down and was out of his room when the doorbell rang.
"Guys! I'll just see you at the airport! My bags are in my room, take them with you!" he opened the front door to find Nadine outside, in a black Adidas jacket, cap and black leggings. How she manages to look hot in such an ordinary outfit was beyond him.
She smiled at him and the world made sense again.
Eat your heart out, Bret.
They got in her car and she sped off. "I just need to buy some gifts at Megamall, okay?"
When they arrived, Nadine took out a mask and put it on her face.
"What's that for?"
"I'm still sick and a little contagious. Don't wanna spread the germs."
I wouldn't mind getting your germs, babe.
They were in and out of the mall in 20 minutes, tops. Good thing too, because people were starting to take notice and he could see some people sneaking shots.
"Where we going now?"
Nadine just smiled at him, but didn't say a word. He shrugged. "Okay, if that's how you want it." he reclined his chair further and relaxed while Nadine drove... Drove them straight to the airport, where she parked the car.
"Hey, it's still early," he whined a little because he couldn't help himself. "I thought we were having dinner."
"We are. Tada!" Nadine took Chinese take out from the backseat of her car and handed a box to James.
James laughed. "Well, I guess this will have to do."
They talked while they finished their food, just enjoying each other's company. They talked about anything and everything under the sun. James still gets amazed sometimes at how much they have in common, and yet they were different enough to keep things interesting.
They had just finished their food when James turned to Nadine and whispered her name.
"Yeah?"
"Please don't fall for my best friend."
Nadine almost choked on her drink. "What?"
"Why did you want to spend time with me?" James went on, ignoring her.
"Why do you think I'd fall for your best friend?"
"Oh, I don't think you will." James said confidently. "It's just a precautionary measure. For him, not for you. Because I'd totally get it if he falls for you. But you shouldn't fall for him, that way no one gets hurt."
James took the drink from Nadine's hands and put it on the cup holder. He used his right hand to cup her face, rubbing his thumb back and forth her smooth cheek. "Why did you want to spend time with me?"
Nadine gazed back into his eyes. "Because you'll be gone for a week and I'm gonna miss you."
James smiled. "I'm gonna miss you too." he looked around the car. "Damn, where's a mistletoe when you need one?" James asked with a laugh.
Nadine's eyes were shining, and she directed her dazzling smile at him before she said, "We don't need one." then leaned over and kissed a still laughing James.
James stopped laughing.
He dug his hands into her thick hair, kissing her like there's no tomorrow. It was crazy. It was insane.
It was something he never dared think or dream about.
But it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
She was the sweetest thing he ever tasted, but then he shouldn't be surprised.
It was ridiculous how happy he was.
They pulled away at the same time, breathless and gasping for air, their lips swollen, their hearts racing, while the sound of an airplane loomed overhead and Christmas songs played on the background.
James buried his face in Nadine's neck and muttered, "how am I supposed to leave now?"
END.
A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! I was just really inspired by those damn shopping pictures. Hahaha.
Hope you had fun reading this!
A/N 2: Decided to post Part 2 of this. Check out First Christmas in a bit. :)
