Any Given Thursday

Chapter 10

Four days passed since Jake's confession, and Celina had yet to respond to him. Perhaps it had been a mistake to admit to his feelings to her, but there had been no viable alternative. He was tired of pretending that he hated her and more importantly, Jake was tired of lying to himself.

Celina was not the type of person that one just forgot about and moved on with life. She was an amazing and beautiful person, though hurt by their shared personal trauma.

That night he had laid his heart on the line, hoping that she would not be adverse to the idea of a relationship, but instead Celina said that it was best if they pretended he had never confessed.

He didn't think that he could go back to the way they had treated each other ever again. He could sense that things were changing between them, because now they were at least cordial to each other.

"Jake could you pass me that manila folder to your right?"

He almost didn't hear the soft voice that broke through his reverie. He passed the requested folder, trying to avoid looking into her eyes. So far they had made it through Hampton, having successfully interviewed seventeen respondents.

Dylan and Anna had not yet surpassed them, and at the rate Celina was going, she was determined to ensure that it did not things remained that way.

At the moment they were in the middle of emailing Professor Gaither of their progress and in the down time Jake wanted to discuss where they stood with one another. Once again, they were working in an extended stay suite, having turned the room into a mini office.

"Celina, I really think that we should discuss what happened between us last night."

Passing Jake the revised copy of the response to their political survey, she continued typing.

"Do you recall our rules Jake? I hope that you would remember when we agreed that we would not butt into each other's lives?"

Jake flopped into the chair next to her, briefly scanning the rough draft of their report. He smiled slightly at Celina's writing, admiring her ability to be bluntly professional and to leave personal political ideology out of their report.

"We also promised that we would be honest with each other and 'keep it real'. How can you expect me to lie to you and to myself?"

Celina rolled her eyes, shaking her head. Sorting through the numerous survey findings that they had amassed allowed her mind to forget the importance of that night.

She couldn't afford distraction at this moment. If they won the project then she would be clear to go on to graduate school at any college of her choosing.

She was still mulling over the decision to go to law school. It was a costly and potentially draining experience. At least by graduating with distinction, she could finagle her way into a lucrative career.

Jake needed to keep his eyes on the prize, and preferably away from her. Although she was glad that they could be friendly once more, she wasn't ready to face what his confession would mean.

"Jake do you want to win this thing or what? We have to focus here. Pay attention! What is the matter with you?"

He reached over her shoulder, placing his report on her portfolio bag. When he withdrew his hand, they both struggled to contain the moan that overcame them as his arm brushed her left breast.

"I'm paying attention and I am doing my fair share. I already analyzed and triple checked your report and I waiting for you to finish entering in responses so that I may begin the third chapter of our thesis."