An Endless Serenade

Chapter Twenty-Three

The rest of December passed quickly. Christmas came and went, bringing a family dinner that Paul couldn't attend because of a Christmas recital, and the awkward we-just-started-dating presents. Movies from myself to Paul, and a bunch of sweatshirts from him to me. Winter break started, and I picked up more hours at work. January brought college applications, forty-hour workweeks, and finally enough money to buy a car and register it. Then, before I knew it, Valentine's Day was staring me in the eye.

"What do I do?" I complained for the hundredth time, dropping my head against my lunch table. "What do I get him?"

Aspen patted my back sympathetically. "Valentine's Day sex?"

I looked up and scowled at her. "Don't say anything if it's not going to be helpful."

"How about she doesn't say anything at all?" Elliot muttered, stabbing his mashed potatoes with his fork moodily.

"Oh, Elliot, look at you being all sweet," Aspen returned, batting her eyelashes.

"Valentine's day is stupid."

I rolled my eyes. "People only say that when they're jealous and don't have anyone to celebrate with."

Elliot scoffed. "Or people who actually don't like it."

"Because they're jealous."

"I'm not jealous. I hate everyone."

Aspen faked a horrified expression. "Even me?"

"Especially you," Elliot said.

"If you guys are done flirting," I interrupted, giving them a pointed look. "We're still dealing with my Paul dilemma. We've been dating for about two months now... what level have I reached?"

"He should buy you dinner and flowers," a new voice suggested and I turned to see Olivia standing behind me.

I frowned. "I want to get him something."

"A necklace?"

"No, too cliché."

She took a seat next to Elliot who pursed his lips and leaned away from her. Noticing this, she shot him a dirty look. They still didn't get along very will.

"Why don't you make him something?" Aspen suggested. "I like when things are made for me."

"Like what?"

"What does he need?"

Furrowing my eyebrows, I thought about it. What did Paul need? He had everything he wanted, and could afford anything he didn't have. So what could I make him that he would make use of? "Well," I began slowly, "he's always complaining about his pillows."

Aspen nodded. "Make him a pillow."

"Stupid," Elliot said.

"No one asked you, ugly."

"Why are you even still dating him?" Elliot demanded, turning his disapproving gaze onto me. "He's annoying."

I crossed my arms. "I told you, Elliot, I like him."

"He's a child."

"Are you jealous?"

He snorted. "Absolutely not."