Waking up, Julie Grier didn't need to glance at the alarm clock to know it was too early for her to get up. However, her bladder insisted, and the twenty-one year old sighed. Rolling out of the nice warm bed, she quietly padded to the bathroom.
After relieving herself, she cupped a hand and drank a little from the tap, washing the aftertaste of sleep from her mouth, and studied herself in the mirror. Shoulder-length auburn hair framing her oval face, complimented with a slender nose and rosy lips, she was fairly pretty, not needing much too make-up to enhance her looks. She looked young, almost too young, most people thought she was still in high school. As a redhead, going to the beach this summer hadn't really changed her naturally pale skin any, aside from the slightly-noticeable tan lines from her bikini top. Going to a tanning salon was a thought, but there were still reports on the news making her leary of being bombarded by vast amounts of concentrated ultra-violet radiation. She didn't need cancer, thank you very much.
Looking down at herself, she was quite content with the athletic figure she maintained thanks to a love of soccer, and the healthy meals her roommate, and lifelong friend, Jake, prepared daily. Yet there were a few things she wished she could change, like how her lean body was slightly lacking feminine curves in her opinion, and because of it she often looked taller than her five feet, five inches.
Advice her mother had given her years ago came to mind. Never be anybody but yourself. If someone doesn't like you for who you are, quirks and all, then they're not worth being a friend. Smiling with renewed pride, she nodded at her reflection. Damn right, mom. Damn right.
Stepping from the bathroom, Julie paused. That was freshly-brewed coffee she smelled. Peering over the banister, the kitchen light illuminated the grey carpeting of the hallway at the base of the stairs. Debating going back to bed, the aroma was too enticing to ignore. She headed downstairs.
Entering the large kitchen, she tiptoed across the cold tiles and went straight to the young man sipping a coffee at the oak dining table. Swooping down and stealing his mug of caffeine-filled goodness. Receiving a playful scowl in return.
"Good morning," she greeted, taking a long drink of her stolen coffee. She was feeling far more awake than her usual sluggish morning routine, despite the fact it was 6 a.m. "I hope I didn't wake you up."
Jake shook his head. "Not at all. I just got down here when I heard you getting up. I made another coffee if you, well I guess now, I want it."
"Thank you. By the way" she grinned raising the mug and taking another drink. The coffee he made always tasted better than hers. Mug in hand, she joined him at the table.
Jake closed the college textbook he was reading and placed it on the table. His arm shot out and he swiped the mug out of Julie's hands, taking a large swig and emptying the remaining coffee. Julie swatted at him and reached for the mug, she barely bumped his arm but he winced and pain, letting the empty mug fall to the floor with a crash.
They had been best friends since they were kids, they were sensitive to each others moods, and ever since the car accident six years ago that nearly claimed their lives, they had an even stronger bond. She knew something was wrong.
"Hey there," she said gently, ducking to pick up the remaining pieces of the mug. "What's wrong?"
Jake tried to shrug, but winced doing so, not going unnoticed by her. "Nothing, really. I think I just slept wrong. That's all."
Only a week younger than herself, Jake was still thin as he was as a teenager, but every now and then she noticed he was developing a muscular build playing hockey. He was definitely attractive with his square jaw, narrow nose, and hazel eyes. Masculine in almost a boyish way, he didn't need to be a stereo-typical muscular hunk to be a man.
However, it wasn't just his looks people noticed with his shirt off. Where she'd been lucky to escape the car accident when they were ten with a faint scar inside her left thigh, where she'd nearly bled to death, he hadn't been so fortunate. His broad back was scarred. While others cringed seeing it, Julie found they were badges of honor. The doctors said if he hadn't used his own body as a shield to protect her when the dump truck broadsided them, some of the wreckage he took in the back would have killed her. She owed him her life, and had never forgotten that.
She vividly recalled being trapped, before the paramedics came, not knowing if her motionless friend was dead. His blood trickling onto her, she'd screamed over and over, partially from pain, partially from the thought of Jake being dead. It was a memory she often relived it in her nightmares.
She covered his hand with hers. "It's your back again, isn't it?"
He looked like he was going to deny it, then thought better of it and simply nodded.
Damn, she thought. She should have known he wasn't feeling well as he went to bed early last night. She'd sensed something then, but thought he was just tired.
"I almost forgot. You had that date last night," Jake mentioned. "How was it?"
His sneaky change of subject amused her. He'd be by her side day and night if she needed him, but pretended his problems were minor things. He did it she suspected not to appear manly, but felt guilty when she looked after him, feeling he was a burden. She thought it was all crap, and told him that more than once, yet he still down-played his problems.
"It was okay," she replied, "until we left the restaurant. We were going to catch a movie, but getting in his car, suddenly he was a whole different guy."
Jake's expression darkened, a sign his protective streak was kicking in, but held his tongue, willing to hear the whole story before reacting.
"Yeah," she agreed with his unspoken thoughts, "he was another one of those guys. I really thought this time it was going to be different, but it wasn't. He didn't even start the car before he was pawing me, saying stupid things like, 'C'mon baby, ya know ya want it' and other crude things. What a jerk."
Seeing Jake's expression darkening more, she held up her hand to forestall an outburst. "You know I wasn't going to put up with that," she continued, "so I got out of his car. He had the nerve to get out too and grab my arm and try to shove me back in the car."
Suspecting what was coming, a small grin came to his lips. Julie on the other hand was grinning from ear to ear. "You guessed it. He's not going to like using the toilet for at least a week, not with the kick I gave him. Guess he forgot soccer players are very good at kicking balls," she laughed. "I booked it to the nearest bus stop and came home. You were asleep when I got back, so figured it could wait until morning."
"Maybe that jerk won't be able to have kids now," Jake said maliciously. "It's guys like that who should not be allowed to pass on their genes, making little minions to infect society with."
"I agree whole-heartedly," she said, rubbing his arm. She was grateful he was so protective as it made her feel special, and it let her see how deeply he cared for her. "I think I'm going to cool it with the dating scene for a while. I don't seem to be having any luck, so I'll quit while I'm ahead."
Shifting in her chair, she gave Jesse a stern look. "Now that you know how my night went, let's get back to you," she said, poking his breastbone with a finger. "Why didn't you tell me you were in pain last night?"
Shrugging, he winced again. "It wasn't too bad. I figured get some sleep and it would be better in the morning."
"But it's not better, is it? I didn't think so. You've had this before, and you know I can help. I wish you would stop trying to pretend nothing's wrong when there is. So many times you've bent over backwards for me, and I won't accept doing less for you. Understand?"
Julie threw the remains of the ceramic mug in the trash and returned to take Jake's hand, pulling him from the chair. "Let's see if we can at least ease some of your pain. No buts, Jake. You know it worked before."
He followed her to the couch and pulled off his shirt, wincing in the effort it took. Seeing the scars brought back the painful memories of their creation, but she pushed it aside, concentrating on Jake's needs.
Over the years helping ease Jake's occasional back pains, she'd become skilled massaging him, and took any opportunity to practice on him. Not to mention the added bonus of seeing him shirtless, even she couldn't resist a peek at his well-toned torso.
"This is going to hurt for a while," she warned, rubbing her hands together to warm the oil. "Try to relax and let my fingers do their work, okay?"
When he nodded in understanding, she started on the back of his neck, kneading firmly. His muscles felt like granite beneath her strong fingers, a sign he was long over-due for this. Though he tried to remain quiet, gasps and groans of pain still escaped. She hated the thought of hurting her best friend, but it was only temporary pain, and was beneficial.
Moving to his shoulders, the texture of the puckered scars felt neat under her fingers. The largest scar began on the right side of his rib cage and cut up over his shoulder blade to the front of his collar bone. The torn metal which created it was one of two four-foot-long swords of wreckage that would have impaled her clean through, killing her if he hadn't deflected them with his back. As her hand ran over a circular scar on the ribs, Jake gave a short, harsh cough, his entire body spasming in pain.
"Oh God," Julie cried in horror, whipping her hands from him. "I'm sorry, Jake. I forgot it would do that."
"No prob," he managed through clenched teeth, his body sagging as the momentary agony passed. "It's just my body remembering, reminding me I'm still alive," he chuckled, the pain in his voice robbing some of the humor from his words.
Julie remembered too. The scar was from the second long lance of metal he prevented from reaching her. But where the first had sliced upwards across his shoulder, the other stabbed between his ribs, piercing a lung to emerge out the front of his ribs. Even now she recalled the bloody six-inch spike sticking from his chest as he hung over her in the wreck, the echo of his scream as the wreckage impaled him sending a shiver through her. She didn't know if there was a higher power in the universe, but if there be, she was grateful it kept Jake with her.
"I'll be more careful," she promised, hesitantly continuing the massage. Working slowly lower, his grunts lessened, strong muscles finally relaxing with the release of tension. When the back was done, she leaned forward to do his arms, the oil allowing her fingers to slide effortlessly despite the pressure she applied. The air was filled with the aroma of vanilla, his favorite scent besides freshly-brewed coffee in the morning.
"Jake, can I ask you something," she asked out of the blue.
"Sure," he replied. "You know you can anytime."
"Well," she began hesitantly, "last night, as I was going to bed, I got to wondering. I've been trying to find a guy for a while now, granted without luck. But, except for the girl you took out started college, I can't remember you dating anyone else. I can't get why out of my head."
"Oh, that. It might take a bit to explain."
Julie grinned coyly. "That's okay. I'm not letting you go for a while."
"Well, in that case," he chuckled. "How do I explain? I think in part it's the girls I meet. At first all of them seem nice, but the moment they find out about the house and truck, suddenly I'm the catch of the day, and they want to move right in. And of course, that means getting rid of you." He shook his head. "No way that's going to happen. I don't care how nice they seem. Remember the obsessive girl two years ago?"
Julie frowned at the memory. "The one calling at all hours of the day and night, hanging up whenever I answered? Wasn't she also the one who practically staked out the house looking for you?"
"That's the one," he answered with a grimace. "It's that type that turned me off dating. Since then, I guess I got discouraged and a little scared to try again, if that makes any sense."
She nodded. "I understand perfectly. That's why I've decided to cool it myself. But I heard you say that was part of the reason. It's more than that, isn't it?"
"Damn, Julie, you know me too well," he laughed.
"You better believe it. Come on, Jake, it's okay to tell me." Done with his arms, she sat up straight, resting her hands on either side of his waist, waiting.
"It's going to sound pretty weird, I think," he warned.
"Maybe," she replied, "But it doesn't mean I don't want to understand. No matter what it is, you won't offend me. You know that."
"That's true," he granted. "Well, here goes," he said, taking a deep breath before explaining.
"We've known each other, and been best friends for, what now, eighteen years? You've always been there for me, looked out for and after me, and know me better than anybody can. More than a few times I've wondered if you can read my mind."
Julie laughed. "I've wondered the same thing about you sometimes."
"Exactly. This is going to sound corny, but I feel you're my soul-mate. I can't imagine life without you around."
"It's not corny, I think I feel the same way," she admitted, tenderly stroking his cheek. Unconsciously he nuzzled her hand. "I never doubted we were meant to be best friends. Even mom has said many times we're two peas in a pod."
"So true. Looking for a girlfriend, I guess I've based the ideal one on, well, you. You hold everything that I was subconsciously looking for in every girl."
"Flattery gets you no where." she whispered affectionately.
"If flattery is being honest, then guilty as charged. I know basing a possible girlfriend on you will leave me a lonely man. You're too special to compare other girls with because no one can come close to you. Ever since you moved in, I feel I don't need a girlfriend. Seeing you every day is more than I could ever ask for."
Leaning over, she gave him a long, heartfelt kiss, letting it speak for her. As they parted, both were flushed and breathless
"Wow." breathed Jake, leaning in for more, but she backed away getting back down to business.
"Okay," Julie paused, realizing her voice was husky and tried to calm her beating heart. "So you've been looking for someone like me for a girlfriend. I can understand that. I was doing the same with you for boyfriends. But what about how they look? Short, tall, fat, thin. You know, stuff like that."
"Oh," he blurted. She could tell he hadn't given it much thought before, and it didn't surprised her. "Well, I was looking for someone with you know, your personality." Seeing her face fall he caught himself, "I gave up on searching for a girl who has your looks, your too beautiful. There was no comparison."
"Me?" she said raising a brow. Shaking her head in mock pity, she tsk-tsked him. "You have got to get out more, Jake."
"I think I get out enough to know a beauty when I see it." He grinned.
"Well you're not such a beast yourself." She said comically. "I know what you mean though, you're looking for a specific type of girl, but between that and finding gold-diggers, it hasn't worked out for you. You're scared looking anymore is just going to lead to disappointment, and decided it's better to wait until something happens naturally, rather than forcing it. And, you're content with me around, even though we're best friends and not dating. That sound right?"
Jake nodded. "I couldn't have said it better myself."
At the sound of those seven words Julie's heart sank a little more.
"I have a confession," she said. "It's selfish. I'm glad you don't have a girlfriend, at least currently." Jake raised his eyebrows curiously. "I know," she smiled, "it's hypocritical, especially having that date last night. How do I explain?"
While she paused to find the words, Jake waited patiently. It was one of the countless things she loved about him, being a listener who didn't judge before he had all the facts.
"The best way to explain it," Julie began, "Is that if you had a girlfriend, I'd be jealous of her. Thinking about it last night, I was becoming jealous of an imagined girl, and damn if I didn't feel like a possessive hag," she laughed. "It's not that I don't want to see you happy or with some girl, but I guess the thought of, well, sharing you with another girl will take time to get use to. I hope that doesn't make you mad."
"Mad? Never. A while back I had the same thoughts and feeling about you, and felt I was dishonoring our friendship being that way. Then it dawned on me it's only natural to have such thoughts. We have been through so much together."
Realizing Jake was right was like a weight lifting from her shoulders.
Wrapping him up in a friendly hug, she felt another wave of affection wash through her. She was so lucky to have Jake. "Thanks," she told him. "I needed to be reassured, I guess."
"Anytime, Julie, anytime." he said breaking away and pulling his shirt back on, this time with more ease.
"By the way," Julie remembered suddenly, "Mom called last night. Have any plans today?"
"Not that I know of," he replied, "Why?"
"She was wondering if we could stop by and take a look over her truck. After the last time she brought it to the shop, she doesn't trust the mechanics anymore. If you wouldn't mind, that is."
"Not at all. I don't trust those buggers either. I don't know if I'll be much help, but I can give it a try."
"You're great with your GMC half-ton. Surely mom's little Jimmy isn't that much different."
Jake chuckled. "You'd be surprised."
"Great," Julie beamed. "She was also wondering if we could stay for dinner. It's pot roast."
"Well now," Jake said, cupping an elbow and put a finger to his chin as their professor did posing a theoretical question to the class. "Let's see. Dinner with two beautiful women, or a night wasted watching television. Decisions, decisions."
"Oh, you," she exclaimed, playfully slapping his thigh. "That means you want to?"
He nodded. "Definitely. Besides, I haven't seen your mom in at least a month now. Dinner would be great."
"I'm glad." she beamed.
"Okay then," she sat back on her heels. "Feeling better I hope?"
"Much better, thank you. Remind me to return the favor."
"It's a deal. Now go have a shower and change your shirt before the oil gets too sticky, or you'll become walking fly paper."
Julie checked the clock to find it was nearly nine now, she decided she had better get ready to head out soon. Going into her room, she grabbed the cordless and dialed, her mother picking up on the second ring.
"Just me, mom," she greeted, tossing a pair of blue jeans on her bed. "I was wondering if you'd mind if we came over soon. Jake figures it may take the better part of the day if your truck needs work."
"Certainly, dear," her mom replied. "I hope he doesn't mind doing it. It'll be cold out in the driveway."
"I don't think he minds. He's worked outside in colder weather."
Sitting on the edge of her bed, she pulled on her socks. "Also, would you mind if we had dinner early this afternoon? Jake and I got up pretty early this morning."
"That's no problem, dear. In fact, I'm nearly done preparing the roast as we speak. How does four sound, or did you want it sooner?"
She had to wiggle herself to get into her jeans, and struggled with the phone. "Great mom. Need anything we can pick up on the way over?"
"Not that I can think of. Be careful though, it snowed quite a bit last night."
"Don't worry, mom. We've got four-by-four. We'll see you in about an hour or so. Love you, mom."
"I love you too, kitten. See you here."
Hanging up, Julie slipped into the light blue sweater her mom had given her for Christmas a few years ago, she finished brushing her hair, added a few dabs of perfume, and grabbed her small purse.
By the time she descended to the landing, Jake was already in jeans and a heavy bush jacket, getting into a pair of winter boots. Holding her long coat so it was easy for her to slip into, he made sure everything in the house was off while she slid into her favorite winter boots, the gripped low heels still not enough to bring her to Jake's six foot stature.
When he was done loading the cargo bench behind the cab, the pickup was already warmed up. Snow drifting down, she trusting Jake's driving and looked around at the beauty of the snow-covered landscape. Only the occasional car shared the freshly-plowed road. It was a short drive to Julie's mom's house, but they took it easy.
Arriving, Marcia Grier greeted them at the door, ushering them in with a batch of hot chocolate ready. Though it was only just below freezing, their exposed skin was rosy stepping from the truck to the house.
Seeing Marcia and Julie together, no one could doubt they were mother and daughter. The same height, the same fiery hair, and the same aqua eyes. Marcia looked younger than her forty-three years, her beauty had matured over the years, but still turned heads.
For an hour they sat in the kitchen catching up before Jake excused himself, donning coveralls to go look at the Jimmy outside.
When he was gone, Julie turned to her mother with a somber expression. "Mom, can I talk with you?"
Putting the roast in the oven, Marcia nodded and sat again. "Sure you can, honey. This wouldn't be about you and Jake, would it?"
How did she know?
Marcia chuckled. "Wondering how I guessed? Maybe it's mother's intuition, but the two of you together this morning, I can sense something's different from before. I'm not sure what, but there's something for sure."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Not really. But you'll find out being a mother makes you very sensitive to your children. You tend to pick up on little things that anybody else would miss."
"That's true," Julie agreed, realizing she shouldn't have been surprised. "It's not that... well... we haven't... ah..." She bit a nail. How was she going to explain this?
"But you're giving it serious thought now."
"Yeah." Taking a deep breath to steel her resolve, Julie told her mom everything that happened that morning. Marcia listened attentively as her only child poured out her emotions and confusion.
"Then we headed here," Julie finished. "I don't know, mom, when I kissed him it was magic and I think he liked it but then we talked more and when he told me that he couldn't have said it better himself I couldn't help but think that he didn't feel the same way I did. I felt like he didn't . . ." she swallowed hard, "want me."
"I don't think Jake didn't want you," Marcia reassured her daughter. "I think he wanted you as badly as you did him. However, Jake respects you, and not taking advantage of you doesn't surprise me. You've been friends almost your whole lives. He's not going to let unsure feelings lead him to do something which might hurt you or your friendship. That's part of why he's so special."
Julie nodded slowly, thinking of the countless reasons Jake was so special to her.
Marcia sighed, "I understand your fears. You're scared if it doesn't work out, your friendship will be ruined."
"If I lost him, I don't know if I could live. I can't lose him, mom. I can't."
Marcia placed a hand over her daughter's. "Now, now, sweetie," she consoled, "I don't think there's any chance you two would lose your friendship if it didn't work out. Jake cares about you too much, and is mature enough not to let something like that break you two up. After all, he admitted you were his soul-mate, right?"
Julie nodded.
"Besides, remember when you were fourteen, and you went out on your first date?"
Julie remembered. She and Michael had went to a movie, but a third of the way through, he'd tried feeling her up in the dark theater. She'd promptly put an end to that by punching him and walking out to call her mom for a ride. He had a shiner for two weeks and was the laughing stock of the school. When Jake found out, he was suspended three days for fighting, but Michael had two black eyes after that.
"I couldn't have been more proud of you," Marcia said with pride. "But do you recall after that?"
"Yeah. I thought I hated boys, including Jake. I told him I hated him because he was a boy, and wished he was dead." She looked down at her hands, shamed from the memory.
"And . . . ."
Suddenly laughing, it took Julie a few moments to calm herself enough to talk. "That's right. He came here the next day in his sister's dress and high heels. He even put on make-up." She was almost in tears laughing so hard, the memory so vivid.
"Do you remember why he did it?"
Sobering a little, she nodded. "He said if he had to become a girl to still be best friends with me, he would."
"Exactly, baby. Over the years I've known many married couples, and none were as close as you and Jake are. There's a piece of advice, and it's especially true with everyone seeming to marry one week, then getting divorced the next. It says if you meant your marriage to last a lifetime, then you marry your best friend. It's mutual respect and love that bind, making whole lives together possible."
Marcia grinned. "And then the kids come along," she joked, both of them giggling uncontrollably.
"What I'm trying to say," Marcia said, "is that I don't think you have to worry about losing Jake if a intimate relationship doesn't work out. You mean too much to one another for it to happen. In fact, I'd bet he'd look at it as a wonderful experiment that happened not to work out, but enjoyed trying it."
"I think you're right." Julie agreed, suddenly feeling a whole new world of possibilities open to her. Getting up, she hugged her mother fiercely. "Thanks mom. I needed that."
They were beginning to debate what to do until the pot roast was ready when Jake returned. Grease and rust streaked his face and coveralls, and was wiping his hands in a rag.
"Hey there," he greeted them, stuffing the rag in a back pocket. "Mind if I use the phone for a sec?"
"By all means," Marcia said, gesturing at the wall phone.
Nodding in thanks, he punched in a number from memory. "Mac? It's Jake. No, mine's still running great, I'm working on a friend of mine's Jimmy."
Jake shook his head ruefully from something said on the phone's other end. "Yeah, right. Anyways, I was wondering if you still have that old Blazer. The one out back. Yeah, that one. Have you stripped it yet? Sure."
Holding the mouthpiece from his mouth, he grinned. "I'm making him freeze his arse off checking. Serves him right for knocking my truck."
"Blazer," Marcia asked. "Isn't that Chevy? I thought I had a GMC Jimmy."
Jake nodded. "You do. GM owns Chevy. Except for the nameplates, they're exactly the same trucks."
"Oh," Julie said. "Then why why make the same trucks but under different names?"
"Customer loyalty for one. Even if they know they're the same truck, they still want GM if that's what they trust, or vice-versa. I'm the same way. The other thing's GM models tend to be a little more luxury-orientated now, where Chevy's more the average man's truck."
Returning his attention to the phone, he listened for a minute. "Great. But still has the starter? A ninety-six? You can? Great. In the driveway. As long as he learned to drive after last time," he laughed. "Excellent. Thanks Mac. Take care." He hung up.
Marcia looked concerned. "So you found the problem?"
"Yeah. The starter's gone. It happens, especially being fourteen years old. Mac's going to strip the one from the Blazer for me and send it with the kid he has working for him, seeing how he has to drive past here anyways."
"I hope it doesn't cost too much."
Jake shook his head. "Won't cost anything. I still have a line of credit with him after giving him dad's older Buick two years ago. The way my truck's working, I doubt I'll ever run through the credit."
Putting a hand on his lower back, he arced his back to get rid of a kink, grimacing. "Anyways, it'll take me a while to rip out the old one and get the new one in. I want to also check several other things under there. It'll be a while, so I was wondering, why don't you two take the my truck and, I don't know, do what girls do out on the town for a few hours if you want. I won't be needing it."
"You're giving a truck," Marcia said slowly with a mischievous grin, "To a pair of women, with free rein?"
Julie's grin matched her mother's. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that is, Jake?"
"Probably as dangerous as letting me loose in Mac's salvage yard," he laughed.
Glancing at each other, Julie and Marcia nodded simultaneously. "That be perfect," Marcia said. "Thank you."
Marcia instructed Jake to check the roast periodically. Donning coats and boots, the women left Jake searching through his toolkit outside.
"My goodness," Marcia exclaimed climbing into the half-ton's passenger side. "It's a chore to get in here."
Julie laughed. "Be grateful Jake put step bars on. You ought to see Mac's truck. He has it raised so high, you need a ladder to get in and out."
Waving good-bye to Jake as they backed onto the street, they decided to hit the mall to window-shop, as seeing Christmas was nearing. Despite it still being morning, the mall was packed more than most Saturdays with holiday shoppers and screaming kids. At times giggling like school girls, they spent the next few hours checking every store in the mall, making mental notes about presents they'd buy.
Julie and her mom had just left their favorite department store when Marcia glanced at her watch. "Come on hun," she said, "Dinner should be ready soon, Jake will be wondering where we are.
Getting home, they found Jake in the kitchen preparing salad. Apparently it didn't take as long as he'd thought swapping starters and giving the Jimmy a thorough check. After washing off the rust and grime in the shower, he thought he'd help with dinner, cooking being one of his talents. They had the salad before carving the beef. Throughout dinner they talked and laughed, enjoying each others company.
The sun had set by the time they finished their after-dinner coffee, using decaf as not to keep them up for the night. Noticing Jake fighting to conceal a yawn, remembering what her daughter said about getting up early, Marcia suggested they head home, planning to retire early herself. When he got up to get their coats, Marcia gestured with her eyes at Jack's back and winked. Julie smiled and nodded.
Hugging each of them, Marcia sent them on their way with the rest of the roast in a resealable tub, reminding them of the Christmas party she was throwing next weekend and thanking Jake again for fixing her truck.
Upon arriving home, Julie put the leftovers in the fridge while Jake put his tools away. Returning and shedding his jacket and boots, he sat on the couch and closed his eyes. Julie sat beside him, curling up her denim-clad legs and leaned into him with her head on his shoulder. His arm automatically went around her and for a while they were content to savor the closeness without words.
Stifling another yawn, Jake stood up and stretched. "I better hit the sack before the sack hits me. It's strange though. I don't really feel that tired."
"It's been a long day," she replied. "I think I'm heading to bed too." Getting off the couch and stretching as gracefully as a cat, she headed for the stairs.
Turning off the lights, Jake followed her upstairs, giving her a peck on the cheek and wishing her a good night before heading to the bathroom.
While pulling on her pajamas, Julie scanned her eyes around her room. Her yellow comforter, her fluffy pillows, her chestnut vanity, the parted curtains revealing a nice view of the moon, suddenly it all seemed so . . . lonely. Thinking of the morning spent with Jake, and the afternoon with Jake and her mom, her feelings returned. This time she was sure of them, there were no lingering doubts after talking with her mom. More so, she wanted Jake even more than this morning. No, she realized, not only wanted, but needed him.
She mustered up courage she didn't know she had and fled her room. She headed down the hallway and flung open Jake's bedroom door, catching him by surprise. "Julie, hey! I thought you were goin-"
"Shhh Jake." she cut him off, "There is something I want to tell you, no something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago."
"Hey now," Jake laughed, "Quit your ranting, you know you can tell me anything."
"I know," she said quietly, "Jake, I... I... I think I love you." without waiting for an answer her lip were pressed to his, she enjoyed the electric shock that ran through her entire body. Jake's mouth felt so right, but did he feel the same way? As if her could read her mind he pulled her closer, closer than she thought was humanly possible.
As Jake broke away Julie heart fell to the floor until she realized he was smiling. "Julie, I know I love you." He was still so close, she could feel his breath on her face, it was so intoxicating, so inciting. It took all her strength no to kiss him again and only fall into a tight embrace, her head resting on his chest. The stayed like that for quite some time, arms wrapped around each other, just touching, making up for lost time.
She felt Jake stifle a yawn and parted the embrace, "Okay sleepyhead, bedtime." she said.
"Only if you stay." grinned Jake, rubbing his eyes.
Julie smiled, "It would be my pleasure." she grabbed his hand the made their way over to the bed and climbed under the covers. Limbs intertwined the fell into a deep sleep, eagerly waiting the first of many mornings. The first of many mornings together.
). There maybe interesting conflict there. We need twists and turns. I mean all readers start predicting the story the moment they start reading it. But usually when our predictions are accurate we're disappointed. We went to be led through twists and turns before arriving at the conclusion. That's why this story is cliche. We've seen this sort of story before. We know what's going to happen from the beginning. We shouldn't know that. Maybe you could alter a few things to make it less predictable, and have more conflict as well. We want suspense and action. One more thing, I think it's quite odd that the idea of a relationship never occurred to Jake and Julia. What if it did and they even talked about it but there was always something holding them back or something keeping them from being with each other. Also, I think it would be better if there was an event or conflict in the story that changed things up and made Julia and Jake fall in love with each other--or realize that they were in love. I mean it seems as if the idea just pops in to Julia's head and she starts considering it. A life changing event which leaves the characters changed and how they interact with each other would make this story much more powerful. Think about it.
