We Only Breathe For So Long

My eyes opened slowly in order to be able to adjust to the awful sunlight that was burning my eyes. It took me some time to understand what was happening around me. I was on a couch filled with pillows and a fluffy blanket covered me. I looked around to notice that this was Eric’s house since it was a total mess from the party last night. Last thing I remember was being on the balcony with him - at night. Now I’m sleeping on his couch - in the morning. Uh, oh. This is SO not good. The book launching is today. This morning. And by the looks of it, I’m probably late.

“Great,” I murmured beneath my breath. “Just great!”

I stood up from the couch as quickly as I could and patted my jeans to try and feel if my cellphone was in any of my jean’s pockets. It was. I took it out and unlocked it as fast as I could and the clock told me it was 4:11AM.

“Oh, thank God,” I sighed in relief.

I still had time to go back home, get ready, grab some coffee and still be at the bookshop in time to do the last minute preparations. I quickly put my shoes on while jumping from foot to foot and grabbing my coat. As I was about to leave through the front door, I heard someone call out my name. I quickly turned around to see Eric standing a few meters away from me. He was shirtless while holding two mugs.

He looked like he was photoshoped or something. I couldn’t help but lower my gaze to his packs and feel the burn of my red cheeks.

“Coffee?” he asked.

“I thought you’d never offer,” I smiled.

“I’m sorry about last night and never taking you home but I wasn’t in a very good shape to drive you back,” he gently said while trying to apologize. He handed me the mug of coffee and I took it.

I took three long sips hoping that the caffeine would kick in soon and leave me alert for the rest of the day.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Not a problem. By the way, you have a horrible bike. It’s time to either buy a car or retire that thing and join the pedestrian class,” he laughed through his teeth.

I couldn’t help but laugh with that comment. Laugh more than it was needed. I don’t know why but I always tend to laugh a lot at some jokes. Once he realized how good his joke was, he created a wide smile on his face and just looked at me in some sort of amazement. I quickly finished the coffee and placed the empty mug on the kitchen counter.

“Thanks for everything, but I’d better go or else Jessica would freak if I don’t show up in time. I’ll see you later!” I said while walking towards the front door backwards so I could look at him while heading out. When I was about to turn around, he called my name. God, what was up with him and saying my name in such a sexy way?

“Yeah?” I turned back around.

“Thanks for being there for me,” he half smiled.

That half smile he does is the reason why he’s so good with the ladies. I remained paralyzed for a couple of seconds before saying, “You're welcome!” and heading out the door. I got onto my bike and rode home.

I didn’t notice it last night but Eric lives two blocks away from my house. Thank God he does, it means that I wouldn’t be late at all for today’s chaotic day. I passed by Starbucks and picked up a Frappuccino and loads of coffee for the whole family and some muffins.

I arrived home, put my keys on the table and ran to the kitchen where I could hear voices. I appeared into the kitchen and Angela’s eyes were filled with concern.

“There you are!” Ronnie said with relief.

“I’m so sorry for not showing up last night! I fell asleep and yes, I’ve learned my lesson because I could’ve been late for the big day,” I said as fast as a soccer commenter. “I brought some muffins and coffee as a small attempt of an apology. I’m going to get ready and as soon as I am, you can shout and yell at me.”

As I placed the coffee and muffins on the counter, I kissed each and all of them on the cheek and ran to my room.

“Is it only me, or does she look a little different?” Sophia asked, looking confused.

“Did you notice a sparkle in her eyes?” Angela asked.

“Totally,” Ronnie joined in the suspicion.

“It’s a guy, no doubts!” Angela said while smiling, confirming everybody’s suspicions.

It was still 5:02AM so I had more than enough time to get ready. I procrastinated a lot in the shower, wanting to get rid of all the alcohol that was inserted in my system and also the tiredness. My mind was running like mad and my thoughts wouldn’t stop coming and going until I remembered how good Eric looked this morning. Normal people don’t look that good right after they wake up. His black hair was a complete mess above his head, pointing into all directions. His deep blue eyes were half opened due to the lack of sleep that we had and his tanned complexion wasn’t making it any easier not to stare at his defined body filled with muscles and all of those words that end with ‘ceps’.

“Brain, stop it!” I moaned at myself for thinking of such things about Eric. It wasn’t right! He was my co-worker.

Half an hour later, I stepped out of the shower and got dressed into my uniform. Well, not even uniform. All we had to wear was a black shirt with the bookstore’s logo, contact details and a quote at the back saying ‘Book lovers never go to bed alone.’

I put on dark blue jeans and my black converses so I could be completely comfortable today. I bet I’m going to be walking non-stop. I pulled my hair up into a bun as usual and didn’t even bother to apply makeup this time. I wasn’t feeling like having makeup on. I would very much like to be able to rub my eyes anytime I want without worrying if my mascara would smudge or not.

As I finished getting ready, I checked the time and the clock was hitting 6AM on the dot. I went over to the kitchen and only Sophie was left. Both Angela and Ronnie had gone to the office. She was munching on her chocolate-chip muffin.

“Uh, that looks good!” I said to her while grabbing a muffin myself.

“Thanks for the breakfast. Dad wanted to cook for us today and you totally saved us,” she half chewed and half talked.

I released a laugh and started drinking my Frappuccino.

“So, are you ready for today?” I said, breaking the silence.

“Yeah! Totally! I cannot wait to see them. But I’m so nervous, what if I screw up? I love them so, so much.”

And she did. She was forever listening to their music, reading about them and saying how perfect Kennedy is. She adored that Kennedy guy. I was organizing their book launching and I didn’t even know who was in the band. Typical of me, I suck with names anyways.

“So, let’s get going! We got to be there early.”