Sparks

Eighteen

After returning to the coffee shop, having forgotten to ask Chloe for her address, Jonny set on his way to her apartment.

He turned the key of the lock to Chloe's small apartment, a stupid grin on his face. She was so sweet! They barely knew each other and she had offered him the key to her apartment. How could he get any luckier?

He set his sandwich and coffee on her dining room table, ran to the bathroom, and came back to enjoy his food. He admired the sandwich, knowing that her hands had touched the bread, the tomatoes, the lettuce, etc. Don't be a pillock! Just eat the sandwich! He chuckled at his own stupidity.

Since he had extra time, he decided to text all the guys to see if they were up yet. He took his time with Chris' message, for he wanted to be gentle, but demand answers.

Hey Chris! Just checking to see if you're up.

You must've still been drunk this morning. Or really hungover. You kicked me out of the hotel, basically. What was that all about? I'm always willing to talk to you, you know.

Well, it's ok. I'm at a friend's house right now. Call me if you wanna talk.

He took a deep breath. Friend. He wondered how much longer Chloe would keep that status. He knew he was starting to fall in love with her. The way the thought of her put a goofy grin on his face, how he couldn't help but staring at her. The warning signs were written all over.

Suddenly, his phone rang and it took a bit of encouragement to answer the caller. "Hey Chris," he said, trying to muster a happy persona.

"Hello, Jonny Boy."

The conversation was already tense and awkward. "Why'd you call?"

"Well..." Chris sighed. "I'm just... I wanted to apologize for kicking you out earlier. I wasn't completely sober, I guess."

"That's alright, Chrissy. You've always been known to be a real wanker when you're drunk." This earned a chuckle from the singer. "But why did you?"

A deep breath. "I..." A sigh. "That's a story for later."

Jonny nodded, disappointed. "That's alright. Just know I'm always here for you."

"I know."

"Yeah."

More silence. Jonny was genuinely concerned about his friend. He had seemed really distant lately, much like during the making of X&Y. It hurt, and he felt like he needed to address it before it got any worse.

"Hey uh... J?"

"Yes?"

"...What's your relationship with that girl like?"

The question startled Jonny. How did Chris even know about Chloe? Jonny certainly hadn't mentioned her in front of him.

"Do you mean Chloe?"

Jonny heard Chris shuffle on the other end, then whisper, "Mhm."

Jonny shifted in his chair, uncomfortably. "She's a friend. I met her last night at the bar. She lives here in Argentina. I'm over at her apartment right now, and we're going on a... date tonight."

"So you're dating her?"

Jonny huffed. "It's one date, Chris. I doubt she'll even like me. Besides, even if she does become my girlfriend, how would this whole long distance thing work out? It wouldn't."

"But you like her?"

Jonny was irritated now. Why did Chris care so much about who he liked? He had a wife and two kids now. Jonny should be allowed to go on dates with Argentinian girls! The whole thing irked him. "Yes, Chris. I like her. Why do you care?"