Long Time, No See

IIIIIIII: III

Denver

"Nigel, pass me the remote if I have to watch one more episode of this, I might go crazy and run out into oncoming traffic," I grumble reaching my hand out blindly to Nigel who hands it to me slowly with his eyes closed, and head laid back on the couch.

Today was one of the rare Fridays he had a shorter shift so he's been back for a while. We both decided to order from our favorite Chinese restaurant for dinner today since I can't be asked to cook and the Roe's have vacationed to Vermont for the weekend.

Flipping through the channels aimlessly I settle on one program looking at wildlife in safaris. Resting back comfortably into the sofa I get ready to immerse myself for the next twenty minutes into the world of television when a message pops up on my screen.

Ava:

You chickened out again on telling her?!?!

I stare down at the message in confusion for a moment, trying to work out what she's talking about before my mind eventually catches on.

You:
Shit. I forgot to tell you. I can explain though.

Just as I begin typing out my explanation another loud ring comes through as she sends me another message.

Ava:
I dont want excuses. THE NEXT CHANCE YOU GET, FIX THIS!!

Ava:
Or so help me, when the time comes I'll personally mail you the RSVP to her and Reed Norton's wedding!! >:(

Her last message has me reeling back in visible disgust from my phone. Nigel - who I assume has been hearing the loud pings from my phone - points towards my phone, curiosity prominent in his expression.

"Who's that? Denise?" He asks watching as I throw my phone down on the couch beside me and run a hand through my tousled hair.

"Nah. Her friend." I reply lazily eyes glued to the screen but my mind still on the conversation I just had with Ava.

I jump quickly out of my thoughts however when a rough punch strikes against the top of my right arm.

"You dog!" Nigel hollers looking at me with an incredulous expression. "You can't get Denise so you go for her friend? Jesus Christ Denver, what the hell?!" He exclaims leaning so far forward off the couch in my direction he's practically in my mouth; I can't tell whether he's appalled or genuinely interested.

"Ow! It's not like that you idiot! She's helping me-"

"Oh, I bet she's helping you alright! Helping you out of your clothes every now and again! What about Denise you sick son of a-"

Never mind, he is appalled.

"No, listen to me! She's already got a boyfriend!-"

"-DENISE HAS A BOYFRIEND??! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED BETWEEN YESTERDAY AND TONIGHT"

At this point my patience towards him jumping to all these conclusions has officially ran dry causing me to snap at him.

"Look, would you shut up! Denise doesn't have a boyfriend, her friend who is helping me win her over, does. Our relationship is strictly platonic and nothing is going on between us." I stress pinching the bridge of my nose in frustration as I explain everything to him.