Chapter 21 – Thank You
I woke the next morning to find Brooke not at home. I showered, dressed and headed off to work, dreading the start of the work week. I pushed through my day in a haze, the events of the past two days haunting me. I half expected to hear from someone in the game, but was unsure whether to be concerned or relieved when I did not.
I went straight back to Brooke's after work. While I was quite comfortable there, I was not comfortable enough yet to call it 'home.' When I arrived I was somewhat surprised to see Brooke's car in the driveway. I entered the house cautiously, not sure what had ensued after I left Leslie's the previous evening.
I found Brooke quickly as she was sleeping on the couch in the living room. I stared at her momentarily, admiring her sheer beauty. Her short blonde hair framed her face on the pillow, perfectly contrasted by the bright blonde on top and the jet black at the bottom. She had on the same casual grey sweatpants, which I was now sure were her favorite lounge attire. She also had on a gray t-shirt that was very familiar, but tough to recognize since she was sleeping face down.
I decided that since I was not sure how much sleep Brooke was able to get the night before, I would not wake her. I proceeded upstairs and changed into shorts and a t-shirt myself. I called and ordered a pizza and started to quietly pull some things out of some of the boxes in my room. I concentrated heavily on not making noise in order to ensure I would not wake Brooke.
As I was making good progress with my boxes, I lost track of time and was startled when the doorbell rang. I grabbed my wallet and headed back downstairs. I paid for the pizza and tipped the driver. Brooke was now awake, though she had not moved from the couch. I stood at the entrance to the living and looked at her cautiously.
"Who was at the door," she asked.
"Pizza, I ordered in case you were hungry when you woke up," I informed her. "I didn't mean to let him wake you."
"No sweat, I'm starving," she stated. "I have been home since about 1 this afternoon, I had just enough time to change into my comfy cloths before I crashed."
She walked past me into the kitchen. I confirmed that the gray t-shirt she had on was indeed mine. She got two glasses from the cabinet above the sink and poured soda into both of them. She carried them to the table and I grabbed two paper plates from the pantry. We sat across from each other and I could see Brooke was still in a small haze. It seemed to clear as we ate and talked.
"Leslie was better today, but way hung-over," she educated me.
"Sorry about that," I conceded.
"Don't be, that was great thinking," she admitted. "I am not sure how many other people would have pulled that stunt, but it was effective."
"I am glad she is ok," I said.
"We all owe you one," she acknowledged. "Especially Leslie, she cried when I told her what you did. She said she is gonna give you the best thank you ever."
"I don't think that is necessary," I stated humbly, not wanting to take advantage of an already complex situation.
"Necessary or not, you are going to enjoy it," she declared.
"You know what it is already," I asked, quite surprised.
"Know, I helped her come up with it," she disclosed. "Trust me. By the way, I hope you don't mind that I stole your shirt."
"Am I safe in assuming that I am not getting it back," I postured.
"Why do you think I said 'stole' and not 'borrowed,'" she laughed.
We ate our pizza and joked. I liked living with Brooke; she was both pleasant and funny. She charmed me with her laugh and she was, of course, just stunning to me. The evening wound down and we watched some television together on the couch. Brooke fell asleep again, this time with her head resting on my left thigh.
I used the remote to shut off the TV and then I scooped Brooke into my arms as I stood. I shut the living room light as I headed for the stairs. Half way up the stairs. Brooke stirred slightly and looked at me.
