The Bestest Cuddle Buddy Ever

Helpful Advice

My ass got royally reamed that night. Not only was I over an hour late, I made five other people late because I was the carpool driver, and naturally those assholes weren't willing to drive themselves because then they wouldn't get paid the buck fifty for drive time. I came home at dawn, absolutely exhausted. I dragged myself out of my car, glancing up at Jack's building. It didn't look like his lights were on. I winced, looking away. I felt bad for the way I just took off on him, I should have stayed and at least finished that conversation. I was going to be late anyway, a couple of extra minutes to be a decent friend wouldn't have hurt. I stumbled up a stair, nearly falling. Shit, I really need to pay more attention when I'm walking. I really did owe Jack something though, but the thought of facing him made my face light up red like a Fourth of July fireworks fest. I paused to smack my head lightly on the door as I slid the key into the lock. I couldn't believe I had fallen asleep on his shoulder; what kind of mediocre fanfiction bullshit is this? I mean, who does that?? I bounced the heel of my hand off my forehead with another sigh. I knew Jack would laugh at me for being so embarrassed but I couldn't help it. I also knew that the longer I went without talking to him, the worse things would get between us. Maybe I could just make him food? Yeah, Jack likes food. I like making food to avoid awkward apologies.

Perfect.

The next morning I was up early, taking a quick shower and drinking an entire pot of coffee to myself to wake up. Jack would be proud if he wasn't pissed at me. I had no idea if he actually was pissed at me. I would be pissed at me, just dipping out like that. I was kind of mad at myself actually. I felt like a bad friend.

Putting all my negative thoughts out of my mind, I walked to the grocery store around the corner. Tossing ingredients in a basket, squinting at the hastily written list I'd written on my hand. I had to make something that would end up in one dish, something that would keep warm or he could easily warm up himself, something that didn't make a big mess to dish out. I didn't really care how hard it was to make for me, just as long as it tasted good enough for a suitable apology. I'd decided on just a simple baked ziti with some garlic bread. It wasn't too hard to make, just took a while.

After the store, I stopped at a locally owned coffee shop just down the street from the store. It was cheaper and generally tasted better than Starbucks, buut~ on the downside I had to deal with annoying ass hipsters who thought they were cool. Reilly, the cute barista who was normally working when I came in, smiled at me over the counter.

"Regular?" he asked, handing another customer their drink. I nodded, turning a little shy. Reilly was a huge flirt, and he hit on me constantly, he just... wasn't serious about it. I'm one to talk, I flirt with Jack all the time, but I don't mean anything by it. I think... ugh, I don't know. I just know that Reilly always makes me blush like crazy when he throws out these casual compliments about how nice my hair looks, or how pretty my eyes are. I paid and sat down at my normal table, setting my few bags on an empty chair. I looked up from my phone in shock as Reilly sat down at the last empty chair. He handed me my drink, taking a sip from his Trenta sized cup of water.

"I was hoping to spend my break talking to the prettiest girl in the room, is that all right with you?" I rolled my eyes, hiding my blush behind my cup.

"That was weak Ry. You can do better than that." He laughed, bottle green eyes lighting up.

"Oh, give me a break. I'm just warming up, you're the only one who's come in today that worth flirting with." I set my drink down, smirking at the tall boy.

"Oh, do you flirt with other girls often?" Reilly leaned over the table, brushing his fingers over my hand.

"Oh sure, but honestly they're just practice for when I get to see you again." he flashed me his trademark crooked side-smile, and my eyes got caught on his dimples and the sprinkling of freckles across his cheeks. He was adorable... but he was just a little too young for me.