Normal People - Strange Encounters Book Two

Chapter 31

Spencer spent Friday hanging around the apartment while Amelia went to work on her resume at a coffee shop and prep before her interview for the HR position. He was returning to work on Monday and took the day to get things in order, and honestly, just to have some time to himself.

He kicked back on the couch in sweatpants and one of Amelia's Eagles t-shirts, starting in on a stack of books he'd been wanting to read for the past few months but had never gotten around to. He had cracked a window, letting some of the cool air breeze through the apartment as he tucked himself under a knit blanket Amelia's abuela had given him while Swoop curled up on his belly.

A few hours later as he started in on the third book he glanced at his watch, realizing Amelia would be home soon and they'd have to start getting ready for Rossi's. He glanced out the window, admiring the faint whisps of orange and pink started to creep into the skyline, a clear indicator of sunset. Stretching, Spencer slinked off the couch and into the kitchen to brew them a pot of decaf just to help them get ready for the evening. As he hopped up on the counter to wait for the coffee to brew, he heard the front door unlock and watched as Amelia walked in, shoving the door shut with her foot as she dropped her bag on the ground. 

"Hey baby." He watched as she jumped, startled. 

"God, I didn't see you."

"C'mere" Spencer said, able to tell she was a million miles away. As she walked closer he outstretched her arms and she barreled into them, burying her face in his chest. "How was your day?"

"I'm wshmt" she mumbled into his chest, as he chuckled. 

"I can't hear you when you're talking into me, Lee." She groaned, pulling her face up to look at him. 

"It was.. fine."

"Convincing.." He raised an eyebrow.

"They offered me the job."

"That's good, right?" 

"I didn't take it" she whispered, avoiding his eyes as she reached up and twirled his hair around her finger. Spencer looped his arms around her waist, locking his fingers together at the small of her back. 

"It didn't feel.. right?" She shook her head. 

"I've been thinking a lot about the job Pen mentioned to me."

"And?"

"I called Namdi on my way home in the car. I have an interview with her Monday."

"Babe, that's great." And Spencer meant it. He knew Namdi and the work she did with the center, and knew it's something Amelia would be able to throw her heart into. What worried him was the emotional toll it would take on her already fragile state, but knew she had to do what felt right for her and he trusted her instincts. 

"I hope so. I'm nervous but I really think I'd be a good fit for the position, which I normally isn't something I'd feel confident in." Spencer watched as she looked past him, her mind glossing over the possibly of this job. 

"Hey" he tilted her chin up to look at him, "you're more than qualified and besides having the work experience, your empathy and way with people would make you an amazing candidate." He meant every word he said, and watched as a smile grew on her face. 

"I needed to hear that. Thank you" she tip toed and gave him a quick kiss before turning and pulling mugs out of the cabinet. She poured coffee in each, handing one to Spencer. "Alright, I need to shower and started to get ready. Dress code?"

"You know Rossi. Not as formal as thanksgiving, but still nice."

"Whatcha gonna wear?" she asked as she blew on the top of the piping hot mug, cupping her hands around it to warm them up from the frosty temperature outside.