RC.

Ch7 ...... F

Read Slowly..

The midday sun caresses my skin as I go down for lunch. I bend my head backwards, enjoying the warmth of its rays, smiling with pleasure.

I'm so happy! The night I spent with Ryan was wonderful ...

Since I left his arms, I feel like I'm floating above the ground. I feel invincible.

Nothing can get at me today! Not even the scathing remarks of the very dear Cassidy!

I notice Jake. He hasn't seen me. His attention is caught up in the bustle of the New York workers.

T:"Jake, Hi!"

I shouted out enthusiastically. But he turns around a little nonchalantly, his mouth half-closed so as not to drop his cigarette.

Jake:"Hey."

His tone is cold ... It's beginning to get on my nerves.

T:"Have you eaten ?"

Jake:"Not yet."

T:"Well good, me neither! Would you be tempted by a sandwich?"

He pouts not looking too thrilled by the idea.

T:"Oh come on ... I'm sure you love that kind of unhealthy, rich and fatty snack."

I don't get a big reaction. The corners of his lips stretch very slightly into a half smile.

T:"It won't take long, Bob serves quickly. You'll be back in less than half an hour!"

In front of my almost begging face, he gives in, throwing his cigarette on the ground.

He glances at the Limousine then looks at me, seeming to say: "There you are, I'm all yours."

We walk to Bob's truck. Matt and Colin aren't there.

(It's a good thing.)

To tell the truth, I'm relieved that the boys aren't here.

Something tells me that my conversation with Jake isn't going to be pleasant, and I don't want to have Matt on my back all afternoon.

After ordering, we step back.

(I tell him what's bothering me.)

T:"Look, Jake  ... For some time now, I've been feeling you distant ... I don't like this awkwardness  between us."

T:"I'd really like to clarify things, the situation can't last, could you please tell me what you have against me instead of just sulking?"

He remains silent for a few seconds and pulls out a new cigarette from his jacket pocket. I'd noticed how smokers often gave themselves this respite in discussions.

Jake:"I'm not distant."

T:"Says he, scowling down at his cigarette looking pretty angry ..."

He flashes a sidelong glance whilst lighting his cigarette.

Jake:"I thought you were different, that's all."

(Has he decided to play it like Colin? Like "you're gonna have to worm it out of me"?)

T:"Different...?"

Jake:"Yeah."

(That's it! Colin! Get out of Jake's body !!)

I sigh heavily, gazing into the distance. A hand on my hip.

(I insist.)

T:"Could you do your bit here? I'm just trying to understand ...."

He fixes me with a look I can't decipher. Difficult to know what's going on in his head right now.