42

Your damn right you’ll go, Noah smiled, kissing me lightly on the lips.
Right, well I’m gonna chill out in my apartment for an hour to give you guys at least some time on your own.
I saw Noah open his mouth to protest so I stood on tiptoes and kissed him again, silencing his words. Don’t argue with me college boy, I whispered, a small smile on my face. I’ll see you guys in an hour ok ?
Sure thing gorgeous, Noah nodded, reluctantly stepping away from me as he went to open the door.
See you in an hour ! Jackie said excitedly, before giving me a quick hug and walking in to the apartment.
Later Lily, Rich smiled before stepping and practically throwing the suitcase on the couch. Just as I turned around to open my own apartment, Noah stepped up to the door and winked at me, before gently closing it and disappearing from view.
……………………………
Noah POV :
DEAN ! Jackie shouted happily as she ran over to him and gave him a huge hug.
I watched amused as Dean stood up to hug her back, a huge grin on his face. Jackie, how are you dude. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Man, you got old.
Jackie stepped back and hit him hard on the arm. I am not old ! She muttered, folding her arms and frowning at him. I’m only 24.
He smirked at her and pretended to look at the top of her head. Is that a grey hair I see ?
I bit back a laugh as Jackie stepped forward and hit him again, but this time twice as hard. I forgot how much of an idiot you are, but now I’ve seen you again it’s all coming back to me.
Now now guys ! I smiled, taking a step forward. Let’s all try and be nice for a change shall we ?
Easy for you to say, Jackie mumbled, pointing at Dean. Your best friend has been annoying me since you guys were both eleven years old.
Just ignore him, that’s what I do, I laughed, ignoring the middle finger Dean stuck up in my direction.
I SEE DICK ! Dean shouted happily, waving in his direction.
Oh for the love of…. Dick trailed off, cursing under his breath.
Oops. I forgot he doesn’t like to be called Dick does he ? Dean smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Well that’s too bad, becuse I happen to like the name Dick, so that is what I shall call you.
I figured you would, Dick muttered quietly. I can’t get Noah to call me Rich so why should you ?
Amen brother ! I laughed, walking over to Jackie and throwing my arm over her shoulder as she laughed at the three of us.
You have a nice apartment here guys, she said, a hint of sarcasm evident in her voice. But would it have killed you to clean up a little. Jeez.
Wondering what she meant, I glanced around the apartment. Sure, there were some dirty plates here and there, and some of my clothes were scattered on the floor, but other than that it was pretty clean. What are you trying to say ? I asked, trying to sound hurt. We cleaned up, especially for you.
Great job on that guys, Dick said, pulling a face.
Anyway, moving on from our laziness, I smiled at Dean, who smirked at me. You guys are in my room, and don’t worry. I changed the sheets and cleaned it so it’s all nice and tidy for you. I know how stressy you can be Jackie.
Dick laughed as Jackie whacked me in the stomach. OW ! I yelled, whacking her back on the arm. Look, just go and take a shower, we’re meeting Lily in an hour.
Jackie nodded. Right sure. I’ll go first and then honey, you go after me.
Okay, I’ll unpack a little, he said, moving towards the suitcase as Jackie lifted up her backpack and took it in to the bathroom.
Does she have everything she needs ? I asked Dick, who just nodded without looking up.
Yeah all of her basics are in there ; towel, tooth brush, change of clothes so it’s all good.
Sighing, I collapsed on to the couch next to Dean and put my feet up on the table. I expected Dick to go in to the bedroom and start unpacking, so I was surprised when he sat down in the armchair and grinned at me and Dean.
I’ll unpack later, he whispered. But first, I wanna ask you a little question Noah.
Okayyy, I said, unsure of what he wanted to know. Shoot.
He leaned forward and smiled at me. Well I can remember you telling me specifically that you didn’t want a girlfriend. That you would never want a girlfriend, he questioned. And this was only six months ago, so what changed ?
Ooooh ! I’m interested in this too, Dean laughed as he sat forward, placing his hands on his knees.
What’s with the third degree ? I muttered, shooting up from the sofa and walking in to the kitchen.
I reached in to the cupboard and took out a glass. All the while, I could feel them both looking at me. Sighing, I realised that they wouldn’t stop asking me until I gave an answer so I turned around slowly and looked at them. I didn’t think I wanted a girlfriend, I mumbled truthfully.
And ? Dean smiled, indicating for me to continue.
But I met Lily and I couldn’t help it. There’s something about her that makes me happy, I smiled, my mind drifting to her beautiful grey eyes, And I just want to be around her all the time.
Well, it looks like you’ve finally grown up man, Dick grinned at me. Now next in line is Dean. Although something tells me we’ll be waiting a while for him to grow up.
I watched as Dean picked up the cushion nearest to him and threw it at Dick, hitting him straight in the face. Shut up dude ! I’m a grown up ! He breathed as he started laughing hysterically at the angry look on Dick’s face.
Of course your a grown up Dean, I muttered sarcastically, …because all grown ups throw cushions at eachother.
HONEY ! Jackie’s voice echoed through the room. SHOWER’S FREE !
Well that’s my cue, Dick smiled as he picked up his backpack and walked towards the bathroom.
Moving back over to the couch, I sat down next to Dean. Reaching over I grabbed the remote and flicked on the TV. After a couple of minutes, I could feel Dean’s eyes on me and I couldn’t take it any more. Swivelling around, I arched a brow at him.
What ? I asked.
Was that true, what you said about Lily ?
Of course it was true, I smiled. You may not get it yet but you will.
Sure, he mumbled, looking like he was deep in thought.
Hey, you want to come out to the italian with us later ? I asked, glancing at him.
Mark’s already invited me round for a poker night. He was going to invite you too but I said your sister was visiting so I figured you wouldn’t want to go.
That’s cool man, thanks. Although we’re going out later as well to the club, probably around ten. You think you’ll be free then ? I said.
Sure, I’ll try to make it, he smiled, reaching over for the remote. Now sshhh ! I’m trying to watch TV.
Laughing softly, I nodded and settled back to wait for Jackie and Dick. As Dean flicked through the channels, my mind started to wander to Lily. And the only thing I could think about was the dance she promised me later on tonight.
And smiling to myself, I couldn’t wait.