“So, did he say anything to you?” Jess burst into Nick’s bedroom breathless from running up the staircase, taking the steps two at a time.
Nick spun around, his mouth in the famous “O” of shock and surprise as Jess stood in front of him. The surprised look faded as she began giggling uncontrollably. “Oh my god Nickolas! Tigger?!” Jess fell onto the bed laughing as Nick grabbed a pair of jeans, pulling them on over his boxers. “Jesus Jess! You could at least knock you know!” He buttoned the jeans and sat next to her on the bed, frowning as she continued giggling. “But Nick, if I knocked I’d miss out on the little surprises in life. Like seeing you in Tigger boxers!” she laughed. Suddenly the breath was knocked out of her as Nick sprang up, pouncing on his best friend and tickling her. “NOOO!! NO NICK STOOOOP!!” Jess squealed as his long fingers tickled her ribcage. She squirmed under him, trying to escape. Finally Nick stopped, rolling off her and laying next to her on the bed. He grinned as he watched her trying to catch her breath again. “You’re so evil.” She grumbled. “Ha ha…yeah I am! But I’m just so damn good at it.” He laughed as Jess shot him a look that said, “die loser.” Then rolling onto his side, he propped himself up on one elbow. “Now, what were you hollering about when you charged in here?” Jess sat up, her eyes wide with excitement, “Oh god! I almost forgot! Matt! Did he say anything Nick?”
Nick looked up at her, his face darkening a little as he watched looking at him with eager anticipation. “Yeah, he said the burgers were burnt, there was too much chlorine in the pool and something about some girl at the party being hot. God he went on and on about her!” Jess frowned a little, looking at Nick. “Really?” she asked softly, “he said some girl was hot?” Nick nodded and Jess sighed, and pulled her knees up, resting her chin on them. “I guess it was stupid of me to think he’d notice me huh?” “You’re not stupid Jess,” Nick rolled back onto his back, “a little blond maybe, but not stupid.” Jess turned and looked at him, “Umm okay? I’m confused and I’m a redhead. So how exactly does that make me a blond?” Nick rolled his eyes at her, “And people say I’m dense!” he grinned, enjoying the slow torture bestowed on his best friend. “Nickolas Gene, you’d better tell me what the hell you’re talking about before I walk out of here and never speak to you again!” “Do you know how many times you’ve used that threat with me in the past 7 years…JESSALYN?” Jess frowned at the use of her whole name and then slid off the bed, hands on her hips. “Fine! You’re so obnoxious Nickolas.” Then turning, she reached for the door and walked out, slamming it behind her.
Nick sat up in surprise. Damn, he thought, she is irritated. In 7 years of using that threat, she’d never actually walked out! He jumped up and ran to the door, throwing it open he ran to the landing and looked down, watching as his best friend headed for the front door. “Okay, so YOU’RE the hot girl he went on and on about.” Jess spun around, her hand still on the door handle. “That’s the meanest thing you’ve ever said to me Nick.” Her eyes began to shine with tears as she looked up at him. “I can’t believe you would be so mean to tease me about that. You KNOW how much I like him.” Nick ran down the stairs, taking two at a time until he was face to face with her. “Jess…” he said quietly, brushing away the beginnings of tears, “I mean it…he said it, he was talking about you…I was only messing with you. Please don’t cry.”
She looked up at him, “He really said that? That he thinks I’m hot?” She asked quietly. Nick nodded, “Yeah, although I don’t…” he let the rest trail off. He might be blond, but he wasn’t stupid and he knew this wasn’t the best moment for a best friend insult. Jess sniffed a little, “I have to go home…” she opened the door. “What…hey but Jess…I was kidding before…he really did say it, I’m sorry I was…” His voice again trailed off as a smile covered her face. “Oh I know you were…I was only messing with you too. Matt called me last nite and asked me to the movies tonite. I have to go get ready for my date!” She giggled then again burst into laughter as she kissed the now mute Nick on the cheek and ran across the yard towards her house, leaving him standing at the door, his mouth hanging open. Jess turned as she reached her front door and yelled back to him… “GOTCHA!!” and ran into the house, laughter echoing back across the yard.
“I hate girls…” he muttered as he marched back up the stairs to his room.