Chapter Text
As soon as she stepped out of the bus, Dani felt impatient to tell Jamie what happened. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, at least for her. She knew it all felt awkward, for both of them, but at least they didn’t talk much about how things ended between them. After all, they had always been friends.
Dani went up the stairs and turned right, heading to Jamie’s flat. She rang the doorbell, which she had now repaired, and heard quick footsteps approaching. Jamie then opened the door. She was still in her work clothes, grey overalls and boots. Maybe she had just arrived from work.
“Heyy, how did it all go?” Jamie asked, gesturing for Dani to step inside.
“Could’ve been worse, believe me”
“I want details, woman!” Jamie replied, winking an eye as they both walked over to Jamie´s living room. Dani enjoyed being at Jamie’s place. Everything felt so peaceful, even when she decided to reorganize her flat and there were piles and piles of stuff everywhere. Jamie’s place just felt warm. Plus, she had tons of plants at it.
Dani sat down on one side of the couch, putting her purse aside. Jamie then walked, with a glass of plain water in her hand, and sat on the recliner in front of her.
“Oh, I’m sorry, want something to drink?” Jamie asked as she put her glass on the table.
“I’m fine by now, thanks Jamie” Dani replied with a smile.
“Okay, now, I’m all ears, ma’am”
Dani sighed.
“Well, so, we met right outside of the café. He hasn’t changed much since I left. He’s got the same curly hair and round glasses”
“And?” Jamie asked again, impatient.
“Hey, you wanted details” Dani answered teasingly, causing Jamie to roll her eyes at her.
“Okay, then” Dani continued. “It was a bit weird at first. Too much small talk, as if we were strangers. He asked about my life here and I asked about his family”
“So, did he say why was he so hesitant to see you?” Jamie asked, more serious this time.
“Well, I guess he wanted to give us another chance, even only as friends. But since I told him about our ‘relationship’, he got uncomfortable”
“So he was trying to win you over, I see” Jamie said, rolling her eyes as if Eddie was there.
“Yeah, I guess. I think he didn’t like how it all ended” Dani replied, looking down as if it was her fault.
“Hey, you did what was best for you, Dani. Life goes on and people come and go” Jamie replied as she took a sip from her drink.
“I guess you’re right.”
“But returning to Eddie, uh, he invited me to go to a pub on Friday, with his colleagues” Dani added after the pause they both did afterwards. Jamie smiled. At least Dani and Eddie had a nice ending to their meeting.
“And? Are you going?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I told him I was, but I also said you’re coming with me” Dani said, lowering her volume as she spoke.
“I’d never say no to a pub, though. Smart move” Jamie said with a light chuckle, raising her glass at Dani and then taking another sip.
“The thing is, it’s in London”
“In London?” Jamie asked back, wide-eyed.
“I’m sorry, Jamie. I should’ve asked you first” Dani replied. She was ashamed to tell Jamie. She knew it wasn’t right to make plans without asking her if she was willing to go. Mostly because they were friends , and she probably had things to do that day.
“Dani, that’s actually a great idea. Who doesn’t like a spontaneous weekend getaway?”
Jamie didn’t like her routine to be changed radically. But she was always down for an adventure. Plus, for Dani, she’d do it anytime.
“Are you sure?” Dani asked back, looking at her in the eyes. Jamie winked an eye at her.
“Of course! We’re going to have fun!”
Dani smiled like a little kid as she heard Jamie’s response. Oh, what she’d do to have that woman in her life forever.
“Thank you, Jamie” Dani replied as she stood up and gave Jamie a hug.
“Anytime, Dani. Anytime” she replied, hugging her in return.
Thursday, 3:15 PM
Dani closed her eyes and tried to sleep on the bus home. She was tired from the day, but she was nervous about what was coming next. The only thing she knew was that tomorrow at that same hour, she’d be on the same bus, just to rush home and take a train to London with Jamie, just to pretend they’re dating in front of her ex-fianceé.
Around 20 minutes later, she stepped out of the bus at the station near her home, and walked towards her building. She went upstairs, opened her door, and threw her things on the sofa. She headed directly to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water, and then sat on the table to finish grading her student’s work. Since she’d be out of town for the next day, she knew she had to work on her school stuff before she left. That way, she’d have a little more time to relax when she and Jamie came back from London.
After she was done with the grading and some other paperwork, she headed to her room to start planning what she’d pack first. She took out her suitcase from her closet, the one she brought with her when she moved, put it on the floor and opened it. She then sat down at the edge of her bed. She was tired from the day and didn’t want to pack. In fact, she hated packing; in fact, she did since she was a girl.
She started taking out some clothes and placing them on her bed. She started looking at her clothes, trying to think of something nice for the bar, but she felt overwhelmed after a while. It had been a busy week, so she was physically tired. She decided to take a small break and distract herself. She took her book from the nightstand and started reading in the corner of her bed. At least she had some time to do something other than work and worrying about Eddie.
Suddenly the phone started ringing. She recognised the number this time. It was Jamie. She answered.
“Ready for tomorrow, lady?” Jamie asked. Dani noticed she was excited about their upcoming trip, which was good.
“Yeah, what about you?”
“Me too, I’m packing some stuff. Y’know, clothes, snacks and all that”
“You sound as if we were staying a week there” Dani said with a laugh.
“You never know, dear. You never know” Jamie replied. Dani could still notice the excitement in her voice.
“And you? The main character of this story isn’t getting ready? Wow” Jamie asked back, laughing a bit.
“Hey, I’m not the main character. And yeah, I’m not. I have some other things to do” Dani replied, purposely sounding more bossy.
“Well, you better start now, I guess. I assume you’re also tired and need some sleep” Jamie said. She was genuinely worried about Dani never having time for herself.
“Well you assumed right. I think I’ll start now”
“I’ll leave you to pack and to rest, then. See you tomorrow, Dani”
“Goodnight Jamie. See you tomorrow”
Dani hung up the phone and took a deep breath, and then got up from her bed and started looking between her clothes in her closet. She took out her outfit for the train-something comfy and practical- and started looking for options on what to wear for the night. She finally chose one of her favorite blouses, a button up teal shirt and some black trousers, along with a black pair of heels. She proceeded to pack everything, along with her makeup and some other bath stuff, and her pajamas. Not much time passed when she was already done with the packing.
She then looked at the time. 12:46. She knew she had to sleep soon, so she could rest for a while. Maybe she could leave some things packed, and the rest, she’ll do it the next day, before they leave. She put her clothes back into the closet, closed it, and went to bed, finally.
Friday, 2:30 PM
“Okay kids, what do you have to bring on Monday, then?”
“A drawing of our favourite food!”
“And what else?”
“Markers and color paper!”
“Perfect. Now,in order, you can grab your things and go. See you on Monday!”
As soon as she ended that phrase, the kids stood up and rushed to their lockers at the back of the classroom, took their things and started leaving the classroom.
“Thank you, Miss Clayton!” they yelled as they left. Dani waved happily at them as she started to pack her things in her bag. She waited for everyone to leave, then double-checked no one left anything, and then left the classroom. She walked over to the main hall, picked up her ID at the reception, said goodbye to her teacher colleagues, and finally left the school, heading to the bus stop. She was in a rush. She wanted to get home as soon as possible, hoping Jamie was ready to leave.
When the first bus stopped by, she went in without hesitation. She usually waited for when it wasn’t too crowded, but today she did have something (and someone) to get home to.
The way home was the same, except that the thoughts that crossed her mind kept her nervous. She couldn’t stop thinking about how it would be to share a whole evening with Jamie. They’d done it in the past, of course, but this time, they were both going out of the city, together . And pretending they were girlfriends.
Just pretending, Dani thought to herself. It would be nice if they were going on a real date. It was impossible, she knew, but just the thought of it made her smile.
She finally stood up and approached the doors opening at the station. She stepped out and started walking at a fast pace to her building. As soon as she started rushing up the stairs, she heard Jamie´s voice.
“I was just about to leave for the train station, just in case you’d forget to pick me up” Jamie said, leaning against the wall beside Dani’s door. She had her things already with her: a green backpack and a fanny pack, and a bottle of water.
“Aha, and I’ll leave with my work clothes?” Dani replied, smiling at her, as she reached for the keys in her purse. Jamie chuckled playfully.
“Could be”
Dani rolled her eyes at her as she unlocked the door to her flat and gestured for Jamie to go inside.
“You can eat or drink whatever you want. I won’t take long” Dani said, rushing to leave her bag on the table and then head to her room. Jamie closed the door and just stood there, waiting. She heard Dani throwing things and quickly walking around her room.
“Hey, Dani, need some help? Don’t rush” Jamie yelled from the living room.
“In fact, I’d love some help. Are you good at folding clothes?” Dani yelled back.
Jamie approached the door to her room and found Dani, now with a pair of dark blue trousers on, and her shoes off, throwing stuff from her closet to the bed.
“Yeah, I guess” Jamie replied, noticing how stressed Dani was now.
“Okay then, can you help me pack these?” Dani asked, pointing to some shirts and blouses on her bed. Jamie nodded and started folding, trying not to disturb Dani’s anxious, accelerated pace. Meanwhile, Dani rushed to the bathroom to change into more comfy clothes for the trip.
When Dani was done getting ready, she helped Jamie pack the rest of her stuff, and they both rushed out of her apartment, to catch the train. They took the subway to the train station and after a while, they finally got on the train to London they booked their tickets for.
Jamie sat facing the window and Dani by her side, on the aisle side. Jamie loved to see the landscape whenever she got to travel, but Dani just wanted to take a nap by the time.
The road was quiet and peaceful. After a while, Jamie was appreciating the scenery and Dani was fully asleep. Jamie smiled to herself. She looked cute when she slept.
An hour or so went by when the train started slowing down. Dani checked her wristwatch. They were just in time.
“Did you sleep good?” Jamie asked with a smile. Dani just nodded as she started getting her things ready.
They waited their turn to step outside and into the busy train station in London. Everything was crowded and full of movement. Hopefully, Jamie knew the way.
Their hotel was just two blocks from the station. As soon as they got inside, they didn't even look at the room they were given. They just put their suitcases on a chair or on the floor and took out their clothes for the evening.
“Who goes first?” Dani asked as she had already thrown her shoes on the floor.
“You go. I’ll change here” Jamie replied. As soon as she finished the sentence, Dani rushed to the bathroom to get changed. Jamie took her clothes off as well, and looked for her outfit. It was something simple, but good-looking: a white button-up, suspenders, and grey trousers. She went to the mirror to check her hair and put some makeup on, whilst Dani was still changing.
“What the hell, Dani? It's been ages!” Jamie said from the other side of the door, playfully.
“You should know by now that I take my time to look nice” Dani replied
“Whatever” Jamie said as she walked to sit on her bed. She loved to mock Dani by acting as she was her teen little brother.
After several minutes, the bathroom door swung open.
“Ready?” Jamie asked from where she was.
“Ready” Dani replied as she went out of the washroom and turned to see Jamie, sitting on the edge of her bed. Jamie’s eyes widened when she saw her.
“Wow, you look real good, Dani!” she added with a smile. Dani grinned sheepishly.
“Thank you. I tried keeping it simple, y’know”
“No way that’s simple, then what am I?”
“You look better than I do” Dani said, rolling her eyes.
“You know that’s not true. But anyway, let’s go have fun” Jamie replied, avoiding the compliment as she walked to the door and opened it for Dani. She followed and they both stepped outside, still chatting.
The two women went downstairs to the lobby, said goodbye to the lady on the front desk and started walking. The London streets were busy and full of life. Dani enjoyed every second because she hadn’t properly known the city. She only knew the airport and the train stations nearby. Jamie, on the other hand, knew the city by heart, as she had her first job there, when she was around 17.
They walked for almost a mile when they finally approached the bar Eddie told Dani about.
“Well, we’re here” Dani said as she looked at Jamie.
“Time to begin with the plan, innit?”
“Indeed” Dani replied as they walked inside. The place was nice. It had a live band and dimmed lights, and it wasn’t very crowded at the time.
“There they are” Dani said, pointing in the direction of their table. There was Eddie, along with four more people, all formally dressed.
“Hey Eddie!” Dani said as they approached their table. Eddie stood up and hugged Dani.
“Dani! Nice to see you again” he said as he looked at her “You look good tonight”
“Thank you” Dani replied, her cheeks turning pink at the compliment.
“This is Jamie” she added, as Jamie stood side-by-side to her, smiling. She didn’t fancy Eddie very much, especially from what Dani had told her, but she wanted to give off a good first impression. Besides, the plan had to go on. And she’d love to see a jealous ex-fiancé.
“Good evening, Eddie. Nice to meet you” she said, shaking Eddie’s hand with a smile, trying to seem polite and charismatic. Eddie shook her hand back.
“So you’re…” he started, not knowing how to address Jamie.
“Dani’s girlfriend, yeah” Jamie answered, slipping a hand around Dani’s waist. Dani felt flustered at the touch but did her best to hide it. It was supposed to be something completely normal between them, as they were supposedly a couple.
Eddie tried to look away, feeling awkward. He never thought he’d lose the love of his life just to find her some time later living in another country, loving not a man but a woman.
“Yeah, she told me. Congrats, you too” he said, trying to hide what he was feeling.
“So, Eddie…” Jamie started, trying to fill the uncomfortable silence between the three, “Dani told me you two know each other since you were little kids?”
“Yeah, Dani and I have been friends since elementary” Eddie replied, with a sheepish smile.
“He just came to me and said ‘what’s your name? I’m Edmund’” Dani added, remembering how close they used to be.
Eddie smiled, as he also remembered how it all started.
“Yeah, and then she took an apple out of her lunchbox and gave it to me. I asked her why she did that, and she said ‘just if you get hungry’”
“Aww, such a caretaker” Jamie replied, unpurposedly standing closer to Dani. Her response was genuine this time. She always admired how kind Dani was, since the day they both met.
Dani looked right at Jamie and smiled, trying to shorten the distance between them even more.
Eddie then proceeded to present Dani and Jamie to Johnatan, Christina and Michael, their colleagues. They were all friendly, but a bit cold at first. Then the chat kept on. They talked about their lives, remembered funny anecdotes from when Dani and Eddie were kids, talked about their current jobs, and so on. Eddie particularly found it interesting that Jamie worked at the botanic garden.
“Isn’t it a lot of work? You know, watering the plants and all” he asked.
“Yeah, but I love it. Gardening’s nice if you’re fully into it. It’s cool to take care of things that are alive and are not humans” Jamie said, smiling as she drank from her glass.
“So, how did you guys meet?” Christina asked. Both Dani and Jamie smiled.
“Well…” Jamie started “I once went for a coffee, where we live. I then spotted this pretty blonde lady, sitting alone on a table. She looked nice. I approached her and we started talking, and you know, the rest is history” Jamie said, wrapping an arm around Dani’s shoulders. Dani smiled, trying not to giggle about the cheeky made-up story.
“How cute!” Christina replied as the chat kept on and on.
When there was a little more confidence between the group, they started talking more about their personal lives. Eddie’s colleagues were nice, Dani thought, but they were sometimes too braggart about themselves and their job. Dani tried to keep up with them, and Jamie didn’t talk much, but when she did, everyone listened. Eddie, particularly, asked her many questions afterwards. Dani saw she wasn’t tense, in fact, she adapted well to the group. Or at least, it seemed she did.
“I’m going to the bathroom. Be back soon” Jamie said after a while, as she stood up from the table. Dani looked up at her and she winked back as she left. The rest of the group kept chatting.
“She’s nice. You seem happy with her, Dani” Eddie told Dani, genuinely smiling this time. Maybe he wasn’t very fond of their relationship, but seeing Dani happy made him happy.
“Yeah, she is. Thanks, Eddie” Dani added, her cheeks turning pink. If only all of this was real , she thought.
“Did you tell her we were, um, engaged?” Eddie then asked, changing the mood of the conversation a bit. Dani looked down as she heard the question.
“I did” she replied. And it was true, she told Jamie many times about them.
“And is she okay with it?” he asked again, a little more nervous this time.
“Yeah, I mean, she was in shock at first, but Jamie’s light-hearted. It’s all good in that matter” she replied.
Suddenly, Jamie came back to the table and joined the group talk again. Dani and Eddie did the same, avoiding Jamie asking what they were saying.
The evening was nice, actually. Dani felt tired after a while, and Jamie noticed.
“You okay?” she asked quietly, almost whispering into Dani’s ear.
“Yeah, just tired” Dani replied, looking directly at her now.
“We can leave anytime, you know” Jamie said, lightly rubbing Dani’s back as she nodded at her, and then switched back to the conversation with the rest.
After some more time and a few more drinks, both Dani and Jamie decided they finally wanted to leave. Plus, it was getting late and they had to walk back to their hotel.
“Guys, I’m afraid we have to leave. We’re going back home tomorrow morning” Dani announced, leaving her glass on the table and starting to take her purse, while Jamie stood up from the table.
“But we were having a nice time, ladies!” Johnatan said, a bit too loud.
“I know, I know. Adult life struggles, I guess” Jamie replied, causing them all to laugh.
They said goodbye to Eddie’s colleagues first, and Eddie stood up when it was his turn.
“Hope we can see each other again, Dani. It was a pleasure” he said as he hugged Dani goodbye.
“Same, Eddie. Goodnight” Dani answered with a warm smile, as Eddie kept on staring at her. Seconds later, he proceeded to say goodbye to Jamie as well and sat down again, as they started walking to the door.
“What do you think?” Dani asked as they started walking out of the place.
“Um, I had fun, but they were those typical rich folks, y’know? Not my type of people, honestly. But what about you?”
“It was fun, but I agree, definitely not my type of people” she replied with a small laugh.
They walked back to their hotel, side by side in silence. The streets were full of life, despite the hour. It was a completely different atmosphere than their city.
Finally, they got to the hotel. They waved at the lady from the front desk and clicked on the elevator button. They were silent most of the time, since they were tired.
As soon as the doors opened on their floor, they stepped outside.
“Finally!”Jamie said contently as Dani started looking for the key.
“I know. Did you have fun, by the way?” she asked once again, not sure if Jamie actually enjoyed it at all.
“I did. It was a fun adventure. How about you?” she asked her back.
“Me too” Dani replied, locking the door and leaving the key on the tiny dining table.
“Hey, did you see Eddie’s face when I told him I was your ‘girlfriend?’ Jamie asked as she took off her shoes, air quoting “girlfriend” with a mischievous face.
“Yeah. He really was shook” Dani replied with a chuckle.
“As if he didn’t expect it. I mean, you hadn’t told him three literal days before”
“You know, some people like to act surprised just to add spice to the chat. Eddie’s one of them” Dani said, rolling her eyes.
“Ah, men” Jamie replied as she stood up and opened the balcony curtains.
“I guess they’re all the same, right?” Dani said with a laugh.
“Yeah. Thank fuck we don’t like them, or at least not anymore” Jamie answered, raising an eyebrow.
“You’re right” Dani said, as she walked towards the balcony’s window and split the curtains apart.
“If we dated in real life, we’d be a power couple, don’t ya think?” Jamie asked..
“You do?” Dani said, trying to hide her smile. She stared through the window instead.
“I mean, look at you Dani. A complete girlboss” Jamie replied as she started walking to where Dani was standing, looking at whatever she was looking at.
“I wish'' Dani said sheepishly, turning to look at Jamie, who was now standing beside her, the two looking at the busy nightlife in London.
“And what about you?” she asked her back.
“Nah, me? I’m just a simple town woman” Jamie replied, winking an eye back at Dani.
“Come on Jamie. As if not every lady wanted to be you. Or date you” Dani answered, now with a cheeky smile.
They both kept on staring through the window, just enjoying the comfortable silence between them.
“Looks nice, innit?” Jamie asked, as she turned to look right at Dani, who was also staring at the scene.
“What?”
“All the tiny city lights”
“Yeah, they do. Looks like those movies where they’re on the tallest building, or on a plane at night” Dani added, turning her head back to watch the city from their hotel room. The view was amazing, and she felt nice experiencing it with Jamie, even if she probably didn’t think the same way. Maybe she’d preferred to be asleep now, or to be in their quiet town.
“Yeah you’re right” Jamie agreed, standing a bit closer to her. Dani noticed but pretended she didn’t. Instead, she stood still, just hoping she had the courage to take a step closer as well.
“We had fun today” Jamie then added, smiling at her as she turned to face her again. Dani smiled brightly and they shared some seconds of eye contact. Dani enjoyed the moment, but she remembered they were friends and their made-up relationship would end the next day. She couldn’t ruin her relationship with Jamie by making stupid decisions.
“And our plan is going out completely fine. They really believed we were a couple” Dani replied, breaking eye contact as she looked away once again. She heard Jamie sighing quietly after what she had just said.
“Yeah they did” Jamie replied with a smile, as she stepped out of the balcony and headed to her bed. She then laid down with another sigh. Dani noticed a whole change in her mood. Did she say something wrong?
“Hey, are you okay?” Dani asked, closing the balcony and the curtains as well.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m just exhausted. It was a long day” Jamie replied, excusing herself from abruptly ending their moment at the balcony.
“I know. Thanks again for the day, Jamie. I really enjoyed your company, besides our plan with Eddie and their mates”
“No problem, Dani. That’s what friends are for, innit? Plus, I also enjoyed travelling with you today. You’re a nice company”
“Thank you” Dani replied, trying to hide her cheeks turning pink.
“I’m going to change into my pyjamas” she added, heading to her suitcase to take out her clothes.
“Oh yeah, me too, well, when you’re done, obviously” Jamie said, trying to add some humor. Dani smiled as she stepped into the bathroom and locked the door.
Jamie smiled to herself. She really liked spending time with Dani. Too bad it was all just for their plan, and they’ll return to be casual, busy friends as always.
As soon as Dani stepped outside of the bathroom, with her pyjamas on, Jamie grabbed her things and went to change. Dani then packed her clothes on her suitcase and headed to her bed. She laid down, facing the ceiling.
After Jamie was done, she turned the lights off and went to her bed, only leaving the light from their shared nightstand on. Dani was already tucked in her bed.
She jumped to her own bed, causing Dani to giggle.
“Finally, the day is done” Dani added, turning to face Jamie’s bed.
“It was a nice adventure, not gonna lie. But I’m not sure if I’d like to hang out with those businessmen again. A bit boring, don’t ya think?”
“Yeah. I mean, Eddie had a nice chat with us, but his coworkers were too arrogant, I guess”
“Like literal frat boys” Jamie laughed.
“Exactly. Like those in Grease” Dani added
“Hey, those weren’t that bad”
“Translate their characters in real life, and I guess it’d be hell if I were her classmate”
“Don’t think so. You’d totally kick their butts” Jamie said, winking an eye at her.
“I was very well-behaved in high school, Jamie. Not like you” Dani said sarcastically.
“Hey!”
“I’m just saying!” Dani added as they both shared a laugh.
There was a moment of silence between them and suddenly Dani started yawning.
“Guess I’ll better turn off the lights, right?” Jamie asked. Dani nodded and she flipped the switch off, leading to a complete darkness in the bedroom. Dani kept on facing Jamie’s bed, and Jamie tucked herself into the sheets.
There was a moment of pure silence between them.
“Hey, I have an idea. What if we stay here for one more night? You know, to walk around the city, get to know new places” Jamie asked after a while. She knew she wanted to spend more time with Dani, and maybe this could lead to a nice adventure for both of them.
“Don’t you have work tomorrow?” Dani replied into the darkness of the room. She could only barely distinguish Jamie’s silhouette in the dark, thanks to the street lights from the outside.
“I can skip it, for a day. I’ll say I was sick”
“Are you sure?” Dani asked, more serious this time.
“Hell yeah, Dani. We’ll have fun, you’ll see” Jamie replied, with some excitement in her voice.
“Okay, Jamie” Dani agreed, still unsure about her friend’s decision.
“Now, we need to get some rest”
“Goodnight Jamie” Dani said, noticing how Jamie turned to face the wall. She did the same, even though she would love to see Jamie sleep. Not in a creepy way, but in a contemplative one. She found Jamie’s facial features adorable.
“Night, Dani” Jamie replied, almost inaudible as she started falling asleep.