by Roxy Wilson
CHAPTER FIVE
A week later, Janay rang the bell to Fitz’s apartment. In her hands, she held Chinese takeout, his favorite. Of course, she should’ve called first, or maybe sent a text. What if he wasn’t home? She was an idiot. He did have a date for lunch today. Maybe he’s still with the girl even now. What if they were in the apartment, doing—?
Her imagination went into overdrive as she saw flashes of them wrapped in each other’s arms. A sharp pain stabbed her heart.
What the hell is that?
Nothing, she assured herself. It’s nothing. Lately, she and Fitz were spending so much time together that it was hard to imagine him with another girl. She wasn’t jealous, certainly not. Why would she be? And yet, a hot and fiery ball of emotion burned in her stomach. Taken aback by the unfamiliar feelings of jealousy and resentment, she remained rooted to the spot even though he opened the door.
“Hey! What are you doing here? Come in.” When she didn’t move, he frowned. “Janay? Are you all right?”
The concern in his voice galvanized her into action. She forced a smile. “Yes, of course. I brought food. Maybe you’re busy, I should’ve called before. I could just leave—it’s okay.”
“Relax, Janay. I wasn’t doing anything.” He closed the door behind her and took the bags from her hands. “Smells good. And you got it at Mi Kow; smart move.”
“Yeah, I know that you’ve got a standing order over there.” She chuckled. “I just told them to give me double of whatever you usually take.”
“Good decision.” He put the bags of food on the kitchen counter. “I was thinking about catching a movie. Relax a little, since it’s back to the grind tomorrow.”
“We could watch a movie after dinner,” she suggested. Embarrassment pooled in her heart. Down, girl! What the hell was wrong with her? Why is she assuming he would like to spend time with her? But then again, she’d never felt nervous around Fitz before. In fact, she took him pretty much for granted. Always just there. Her friend. Her support. Now today, she couldn’t seem to get a grip on the flood of unfamiliar emotions pulsing through her. “That is, if you didn’t have plans with anyone else.”
“No. I would love that. Action, fantasy, or your favorite, RomCom?”
Automatically, she opened his cabinets to take out plates and cutlery. She’d spent enough time in his place to know where everything was kept. “What?”
“Those are the only three choices available tonight. I checked on the net.”
“Yeah, sure. Anything’s fine.”
“That’s one of the things I like about you. Game for anything, aren’t you?”
Is that all he liked about her? Did she inadvertently corner herself into the space reserved for old, easygoing friends who were available for good times, but never recalled for bigger, more important things? It never bothered her before. Now, it pricked her to realize he might look at her as just a friend, sort of an androgynous person, who was just there all the time.
She was a woman, for God’s sake. Didn’t he see that?
She halted—why the hell did she care if he noticed her in that light? They weren’t dating. She’d never been interested in him in that way. No way! This was Fitz, her best friend. How could she even contemplate these things about him?
He tapped her on the shoulder.
She jumped. “What?”
“Are you okay? You’ve been standing in that spot with the plates in your hand for two minutes.”
She wished the floor would open up and swallow her. Walking over briskly to the table where he already placed the food, she set the plates down. “Sorry. My mind is elsewhere.” Of course, it was. She wanted to know more about his date. The reason for her unexpected arrival at his doorstop. Sure, she could’ve called and gotten details, but she didn’t want to make it seem as if she cared very deeply about what he did with the woman. She was simply interested to know if he hit it off with her. After all, she did set them up. Maria was a good choice. Janay met her a year ago in a pub and they stayed in touch. She was nice and adored her three cats. They were a good match.
“So, what’s going on? Meet a new guy?” His voice sounded a little too chirpy.
“No! Told you I was off men for a while. Too much going on in our lives anyway. Brielle’s wedding and Lexi’s pregnancy. Between them, I’m going crazy. One of them is always deeply anxious about one thing or another. Thank God for Cole and Toby. They’re amazing. If they weren’t there to handle the hissy fits and temper tantrums, I would’ve gone bonkers.”
Fitz laughed as he took a seat. “It can’t be easy to plan a wedding and prepare for the arrival of a new baby.”
“Yeah. I want to buy something awesome for Lexi’s baby shower. Brielle and I are planning it. But it’s a surprise for Lexi.”
He opened the boxes of food and served her.
Janay barely paid attention to the food. God! Did he always looked this handsome? Or sexy? Did his eyes always observe her with such intensity? Or, is she simply projecting her own feelings onto him?
“What are you planning to buy for the baby?”
“Haven’t decided yet.”
“There’s this great shop called Trendy Babies. I could take you there. Went there with my friend the other day, because he wanted to buy a gift for his sister’s child,” he offered.
Her fork halted in mid-air. He’s such a sweet guy. Not going there, though! Why was she thinking along these lines? She nodded. “Sure, that would be great. Or you could just give me the address—”
“No! I want to buy something for the baby too. So, what else have you been up to?”
There was a time when she could talk to him for hours. A few weeks ago, if he asked the same question, she would have regaled him with stories about her work or friends, or maybe they would’ve debated the last movie they saw or a book they both read. But today, her mind went absolutely blank. For the life of her, she couldn’t think of something suitable to talk about. Everything seemed too childish, corny or silly.
Maybe she was coming down with something. She sure wasn’t like this with him ever before. “Uh—it's just work, work and work. Christmas is a busy season.”
“Are you guys still doing that pre-Christmas party at the senior citizens’ home?”
“Yep. But this time, we’ll do it at a different venue and we’ve organized a concert for them. We wanted to do something more classy and different. It’s a small thing really. One of their favorite musicians has agreed to give a performance as a Christmas gift.”
“Getting everyone to the venue would be difficult, right?”
“Yeah! Cole and Toby are pitching in and the house staff will also go. We’ve hired a bus for them all to transport back and forth from the location.”
“I could come, too. Help you guys.”
Once again, her fork halted on its way to her mouth. “Yeah, sure, that would be great.” With an effort, she kept her tone light. “But don’t you usually go for a company event or something?”
“They start late. I could finish with you guys, and then drop by over there. Maybe you could come with me. It would be nice to take a hot date with me for a change. I usually turn up alone.”
Hot date? Does he really think so? Date? With him?
Fear and apprehension knotted in her stomach and exploded. What was he talking about? Did he actually mean it as a proper date? Or was it just a casual invitation? And what did he mean when he said she was hot? Once more, she became aware that a few weeks ago, she wouldn’t have given his off-hand comment another thought. As friends, they went with each other on various events many times before.
Something surely had shifted in their relationship. Janay cleared her throat, then shoved a forkful of sweet and sour pork into her mouth.
Silence reigned in the room for a while as they both enjoyed the food. In contrast to her, Fitz seemed more at ease.
“How was your date?” She finally thought it was safe to enquire about the real reason she came here. “Mar
ia is a great girl.”
“Yeah! She’s a nice person. We hit it off.”
“You did?” Her pork almost got stuck in her throat. She wanted to punch Maria. “Really?”
“It’s too early to say for sure.” He ate with gusto, his face animated with emotion as he discussed it. “But we walked around a bit in Central Park. She enjoys quite a few things that I do. And we both love animals. In fact, she volunteers at an animal shelter.”
“She’s a real kind soul.” If Maria was here, Janay might have picked up something and banged her on the head. Why does she have to be so nice? And why the hell am I stupid enough to set up Fitz with the most amazing girl in the city? Now, she would never see him. As a friend, of course. Naturally, the reason for the sour feeling now congealing in her stomach. It wasn’t jealousy or some other totally inappropriate emotion. She felt happy that he liked this Maria.
Wasn’t that the whole purpose of this exercise? She wanted him to end up with someone she admired and got along with. Maria was the right girl. She’d known it in her gut when she first thought of her. Then why did she suddenly feel as if her whole world just collapsed around her? She should be excited.
Instead, she felt devastated, broken.
If she didn’t feel the excitement, she could fake it. “That sounds great. Told you, I’m an expert in matters of the heart.”
“You’re the best.”
“So, did you guys set up another date?”
He waved his fork in the air. “I’m thinking about it. Didn’t want to sound too eager. Although I am, if you know what I mean.” He winked.
She felt a sudden urge to punch him on the nose.
“But I’m going to wait for a few days.”
“Men!” she snorted. “Why do you feel that by keeping a woman hanging, you’ll increase your chances with her?”
“I take it that you think I should call her now?”
“Umm…” Talk about bringing the axe down on her own foot. “Do whatever you think is best.” She sniffed. Picking up her plate, she carried it over to the sink. While she rinsed it, Janay tried to marshal her thoughts and bring her emotions under check. This was unchartered territory. Having never felt such intense emotions for a friend before, she became very conscious of something going on inside her heart and mind that she couldn’t make sense of. She was wrong to feel jealous of Fitz’s new found happiness.
She wanted him to find his slice of joy. He deserved it because he was sweet, simple and kind. Any woman would be lucky to have him. Not only was he good-looking and witty, but he was also great fun to be around. He would support his woman in times of need. He knew how to communicate, give and share…a rarity in most men.
If he’s so perfect, why don’t you snap him up yourself? A voice spoke inside her. Janay crushed it with a violent shake of her head. Just because she liked and admired Fitz didn’t mean she felt attracted to him. It’s just that they’d been friends for so long, it was difficult for her to let go and allow him to be with another woman who could fulfill his needs. He wouldn’t stay single forever. Also, it was a good thing she was the one setting him up. It would ensure that she’d be able to remain friends with him even after he got married to Maria.
Married? Her heart slammed against her chest. They just went on one date, for crying out loud! Why was she hearing wedding bells? Even if she did, why did the thought bother her so much? Maybe it was time to reevaluate her feelings for Fitz. Her emotions were way out of line. While she should’ve been glad things were working out for him, what she really felt was the total opposite. Not only did she feel a super nasty twinge of jealousy, but she also felt angry with Fitz for actually liking the woman.
Talk about being irrational! She was certainly that at the moment.
It would better if she got a grip on her thoughts before she managed to ruin a beautiful friendship. Whatever the personal cost to her sanity, she wasn’t willing to let go of Fitz. They’d always been friends—and they would remain so forever.
CHAPTER SIX
His grand plan really seemed to be working. Fitz could sense her growing discomfort with the situation. When she turned up at his house to casually grill him about his date, it was a dead giveaway. She was getting antsy. Then, his decision to embellish his attraction to Maria was pure genius. He grinned as he logged out of his computer at the office. It was barely six in the evening. He could put in a little more work, but maybe it would be a good idea to drop by Janay’s apartment and see how she was doing. Perhaps, he could discuss his plans with her to take Maria out for another date.
He wanted to rile her up.
Yet, he hated lying to her. If only she made things easy! Why couldn’t she see how he was madly, stupidly in love with her? Everything she did charmed him. She was sexy, intelligent, kind and compassionate. There was nothing about her that he didn’t like.
If he had his way, they would be wrapped in each other’s arms right now.
However, Janay wasn’t easy to get. He would have to line this up just right, if he wanted to land her. While he strode out of the building, his cell phone rang.
“Mr. Randy Fitzgerald?”
“Yes?” The voice sounded unfamiliar.
“I’m calling from the Medical Associates. Your mother was brought here after she collapsed at home and suffered a heart attack.”
Fear and shock blanked his mind. “What?”
“Please calm down. She has been taken to the emergency. We would like you to come in, if possible.”
Blood rushed to his head. He couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. What was he supposed to do? With an effort, Fitz moved. He hailed a cab and barely waited for it to skid to a stop before he jumped in. “Medical Associates, please!” While the car drove off, he sent a text to Janay to inform her about what was happening. He tried to think of who else he should call, but his mind drew blank. When he reached the hospital, he paid the cabbie and rushed in. After getting details from the doctor on duty, he rushed to the emergency unit, but he wasn’t allowed to see his mother. At least, not yet.
Fitz sat outside, not sure what he was supposed to do. His sister lived in Montana. He called her, relayed the news and pacified her as best as he could. When he shoved his smart phone back into his pocket, Janay strode in.
“Hey! How are you doing?” She bent to kiss his cheek and then sat next to him. “You should’ve called. I checked my phone right before leaving the house and came straight here.”
“I’m sorry to bother you,” he said.
“Don’t be silly.” She squeezed his hand. “How is she doing?”
“They won’t allow me to see—her.” His voice broke a little. “But she’s stable and needs to be monitored. If there isn’t another attack within the next 24 hours—she’ll be out of danger.”
“You mom is going to make it, Fitz. You know how strong she is.”
“I should’ve kept in touch with her more.”
“You call her every day.”
“I should’ve gone to see her. She never tells me when she isn’t feeling well.” He sighed, feeling the weight of guilt pressing down on his heart. “Luckily, the housekeeper was home and saw when she fell. If she hadn’t been there…” Tears pricked at his eyes. “…She always goes home at five.”
Janay rubbed a hand on his arm. “And when she’s discharged from here, you’ll insist that she hire a twenty-four assistant. She can’t live alone.”
Could he have done something different to avoid this situation? His mom was a healthy person. She hardly ever got sick. Who would’ve expected a heart attack? “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just…” He couldn’t utter the words. What if something happened? He wasn’t prepared to lose his mother. Their father left when Fitz was five and his sister was seven. Their mother raised them all alone. She’d been his support, his mentor, his friend. He wanted her in his life.
Janay gripped his hand in hers. “Nothing is going to happen to her. She’ll be fine.”
He took comfort in h
er words and in her presence. Together, they sat outside for a long time. The doctor came in to chat. “Mr. Fitzgerald, you can go home. We’ll update you if there’s any change.”
He couldn’t leave her. What if something happened after he left? Somehow, he felt his presence was important. She may not know it or sense it, but he needed to be here, close to her, if she needed him. “I’ll wait here.”
“We have a comfortable waiting area. You can take a seat there. I’ll inform the nurse to contact you there if the need arises.”
“Thank you.” Fitz stood. “Janay, you should go home. It’s late and there’s no point in wasting your time.”
“It’s my time. I’ll decide what to do with it.” She gripped his arm and walked with him to the waiting area.
“You have work tomorrow?”
“Don’t worry about that,” she replied in a firm voice.
“I—”
“We should get some food,” she cut off whatever protest he intended to make.
Knowing that nothing would make her change her mind, he stopped. Truth be told—he needed her presence. With her, he felt stronger and more capable of handling the situation. They ate dinner in the hospital cafeteria. Fitz could barely eat, but he forced himself to act normal. “The food wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” he said after they came up to the waiting room. “I mean, the pudding was actually sweet.”
She laughed. “Yeah, you’re right. Do you want coffee? I think I saw a machine outside.”
“I’ll get it.”
“No, let me. I also need to call my sisters and update them.”
A little while later she came in, carrying two steaming cups of coffee. They both sipped coffee, watched the news on the TV, while they kept an ear turned towards the door, just in case a doctor came in.
Around two, Janay passed out on the couch.
He watched her face. Sleeping, she looked even more beautiful. Had he been thinking that he liked her? The word certainly wasn’t enough to describe what he felt. He loved her, plain and simple. She’d been his anchor, not only in this time of need, but also in life. Without her, he would be lost. Suddenly, his mission to make her realize that they were perfect for each other seemed all the more important. If she didn’t acquiesce to his way of thinking, his heart would break. This wasn’t just a matter of dating her, although of course, he wanted to do that. But already, he was grappling with the thought of something more solid and permanent.