Chasing Imperfection (Chasing 2)

I flipped both of the grilled cheese sandwiches and waited for them to be golden and crispy. I’m making Chad and I grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh tomato soup. The weather outside was freezing and a good tomato soup was in order. I loved grilled cheese with my tomato soup. My papa always made it for me and it was one of those things that reminded me of my good childhood with my dad.

Even though the temperature in Blake’s apartment was about seventy degrees, Chad was in his sweats. Once the sandwiches were done, I placed them on separate plates and took out two deep bowls for the soup. “Chaaaaaad! Food’s ready!”

I went over to the coffee maker and started a pot while I hummed along as I moved about. “Oh, you made lunch?” I stiffened upon hearing his voice. Wasn’t he supposed to be at work or something?

“You never mentioned you were coming over and besides, I made grilled cheese—I’m not too sure if you like them.”

“Where did you get that notion? Do you not remember the time when you came over with grilled cheese and tomato soup when I was rottenly sick? I’d never had grilled cheese before that—but I loved that you took care of me then.”

How could I forget? I stayed over like a good doting friend would for two days to make sure he was breathing and not about to die. He got really ill after that safari trip in Africa.

“Oh, um, do you want to eat with us? I can make another one.” Why are we talking again? What the heck happened to ice man? I wanted to ask him but bit my tongue.

“If it’s not too much of an inconvenience—then that would be quite lovely.”

“You never said you were joining us for lunch mighty Knightly.” Chad strode in the kitchen along with his laptop in his right hand.

“Mighty Knightly?” Blake looked amused. “That’s comical.”

Chad took the food and placed it on the breakfast table. “It’s fitting….that’s all.” Chad chuckled and started to boot his laptop. “I’ve been working on ideas, Blake. But I will let you know once I’m done. I want to present them to you with mockups and such.”

While I started to make another sandwich, Blake was right behind me. I tensed at his close proximity and was extremely baffled by his change of attitude. Wait—could it be—possibly because he finally got over what I did? Could it? God, I hope so. I really want to move forward and just be us again.

“That’s an excellent idea. I meant to tell you that the design team wants to get in touch and talk to you. I could give you their emails and you can CC them with your ideas or you can meet up with them in Marbella and speak to them directly. Which is best for you? The team has a month and half to decide before deadline.

Chad nodded and frowned at his screen. It’s great to see him in his element again. I can’t be any more proud of him. What a brave, strong man.

“I take both of you want coffee? I’ll make it,” Blake offered.

“Yes, please,” Chad and I echoed together.

Blake moved about and prepared three cups of coffee and placed them on the table. Once everything was set, all three of us sat on the table. Blake placed a glass of orange juice next to my coffee. I frowned, “Uh….I didn’t ask for juice?”

He shrugged, “you need vitamin C, Sienna. All I see you drink is coffee as of late.” HUH.

“Okaaaay.” Odd—and super weird.

Chad giggled and started singing LOVE by Nat King Cole.

L is for the way you look at me

O is for the only one I see

V is very, very extraordinary

E is even more than anyone that you adore can

Love is all that I can give to you

Love is more than just a game for two

Two in love can make

Take my heart and please don’t break it

Love was made for me and you

He kept eyeing both Blake and I as he sang. Chad even wiggled his brows when he sang ‘Love was made for me and you’ part. It was really ridiculous and very cute but I couldn’t take any more of the beautiful song. “Chad— you have a beautiful voice but this isn’t the X Factor!” I chided him knowing quite well the song was meant for us and not him. But it was a touchy subject.

Much to my dismay, Blake just laughed. “Bravo, Chad! You should list singing in your bright resume.” Why was he amused anyway? Grrrr.

I dipped my grilled cheese in my tomato soup and took a large bite. I choked on what came on Blake’s mouth next. “You should sing at my wedding. I love that song.” Uh, WHAT THE FUCK?! Wedding? To whom? Camilla?

I coughed and Blake patted my back. My entire body tingled from his touch. I wanted to die right then and there. He hasn’t really touched me in four days. FOUR long agonizing days of him ignoring my existence.

“I’m fine,” I murmured, hoping he’d take his hand off my back which he did—after a long minute.

Both men engaged into discussion about themes, designs and whatever else I didn’t want to pay attention to. I just wanted to finish my lunch and dash out of the kitchen. The shrill sound of my phone came just in time and I got up and grabbed it off the kitchen counter.

Kyle. Shall I or shall I not? I contemplated in haste. Curiosity won out.

“Hello?”

“Doll!!!! Where the hell are you? I’m really pissed that you weren’t at Heathrow when we arrived earlier!” Jen a little miffed but excited at the same time. Heck, Kyle never mentioned Jen was coming too. Or did he? No, definitely not. That’s something I wouldn’t have forgotten. Not Jen.

“BABE! I wasn’t told you were coming. I thought it was Mick and the boys. So, so sorry! You know I wouldn’t miss you for the world!” I really wouldn’t. Now, I’m going to light Kyle’s ass on fire for not mentioning this to me.

I went out of the kitchen because I noticed both guys were eavesdropping. I needed to get dressed and go see Jen ASAP. With my phone tucked tightly between my ear and shoulder, I quickly took my clothes off. Down to my electric blue lace thong, I paced back and forth in the vast closet as I listened to her and figured out what I wanted to wear.

“….so I declined Caleb’s proposal you know… I mean, I have yet to finish school. Why do I need to rush to be a housewife? Come on, seriously. He totally ruined our relationship. It was doing so well until that hella big explosion.”

I stopped pacing when she mentioned “proposed.” What’s with men rushing to get married these days and women backtracking?

“Hold it—proposed? And you declined? That couldn’t have gone down well. He’s such a great guy Jen!” I met Caleb once when Kyle dragged me to see Jen.