four
Jamie closed up shop earlier that day, she had a full afternoon planned to eat whatever she could manage to cook without burning up the flat and then flop down on the sofa. She swore she had an unopened bag of crisps somewhere in some cabinet.
She wanted a peaceful afternoon, not necessarily boring, but just perfectly still, tranquil. She liked taking things easy, living without stress or pressure, just floating around in space, taking things as they come.
Dani must have noticed The Leafling was about to close, because before Jamie could turn on the ’open’ sign, the blonde woman carrying two steaming cups came in the door.
”I figured I owed you a proper cup of tea,” She offered one of the cups to Jamie. ”I didn’t make it.”
”Thank God.” The brunette smirked before she brought the cup to her lips.
”Rude.” Dani chuckled.
”Nah, just a tad cheeky.” She gave the American a quick wink.
Dani scoffed.
”Oh thank you Dani, you’re so kind Dani.” The blonde mocked, pretending to be offended.
”Well,” Jamie put her cup on the counter and looked Dani right in the eye. ”Thank you, my dear lady.” She tilted her head and curtsied. ”You want me to kiss your hand too?”
The other woman just laughed and looked to the ground, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. Actually, she wouldn’t mind a little kiss. She shook her head gently.
”You came over here just to bring me tea?” The florist took a sip.
”You’ve been so nice to me, so I wanted to repay the favour and I basically owed you a cup of tea. Thought it would be a good idea to come over.” Dani warmed her hands around the cup.
”It was,” The florist took another sip. ”A good idea to come over. Nice with some company.”
”Are you closing the store already?” The American wondered.
”Yeah, couldn’t be arsed with just standing here. No one was coming in today anyways, so I reckoned I could head home earlier.” Jamie backed up against the counter and rested the back of her arms on it.
”It’s been pretty peaceful over at our’s as well. Maybe people are busy today.” The blonde woman took a step towards the florist and became aware of their slight height difference.
”Can’t complain, I like my peace and quiet, Poppins.” Jamie cocked her head a bit and smiled, contently.
It was true, she would always welcome quiet days with open arms. Having nothing hanging over her, stressing her, Jamie was grateful for. Days like these were her favourites. Today, she was so pleased that she didn’t even mind an American practically running into her store, just seconds before closing. She didn’t mind seeing the other woman one bit, in fact, she actually liked it.
She didn’t lie when she said she thought it was nice with some company. She doesn’t always think is it, but when it’s hers, she really can’t complain. Jamie found herself at ease in the company of the blonde, she’d quickly taken a liking to her.
Usually, she’d call herself a loner, preferred the still, muted surroundings to busy, loud ones. Also preferred calm company to stirring company, simply preferred plants to people. Plants would never hurt her, disappoint her or annoy her.
Dani would be annoyingly cute, whether it’d be with her dumb accent, the fluttering of her long eyelashes, the endearing pink blush on her cheeks or the heavenly smile of hers. However, that didn’t bother the loner, not in the slightest.
Attraction to other people often betrayed her. She didn’t like to think much about it, that’s why she never allowed herself to be drawn to all of the appealing women she’s met over various days in various places. She would not allow herself to feel attracted to Dani either.
Sure, she was pretty. There was a certain glow around her that Jamie couldn’t quite put her finger on. There was also the way she would squint her eyes when she laughed, a laugh that probably was the most beautiful sound on earth. She bet Mozart turned in his grave for not being able to create a melody similar to it.
There was also the way she’d tuck a stray stand of hair behind her ear when she felt nervous, Jamie had seen her do that multiple times during their meetings. She had noticed the way the blonde had struggled to keep eye contact without blushing when Jamie came over for breakfast. She had noticed that Dani seemed to be constantly smiling.
But that didn’t necessarily mean Jamie was attracted to her. She could, just like anyone, simply admire the other woman’s beauty. There didn’t have to be anything more to it.
”So what do you usually do when you’re enjoying your peace and quiet?” Dani asked, genuinely interested in learning more about the brunette.
”Nothing too interesting. Do some gardening, put on a record, have a cuppa, sometimes I do a bit of reading. Not very fascinating, I suppose.” She said while reaching for an ornamental silk ribbon to fiddle with.
”And when you’re not feeling like peace and quiet?” The blonde pushed.
”Are you trying to make me admit that I’m not boring?” The English woman looked down at the now untied band in her hands. ”I go out. And drink. Lots.” She winked. ”It’s not a problem, Poppins, it’s the English way.” Jamie looked up and let out a laugh.
That had earned a laugh from the slightly taller woman as well. The sound that escaped her mouth was captivating, Jamie was sure she could listen to it all day, it made her feel a certain way.
”I’ve been surprised by the amount of people who want their coffee Irish, especially when it’s early in the day.” Dani locked her eyes with the florist’s.
”It’s always five o’clock somewhere, darling.” Jamie replied.
Dani’s heart skipped a beat at that. She had also been surprised by the casual use of terms of endearment over here. She hadn’t really been called ’darling’ by someone outside of her family, except for that nice lunch lady in middle school. It came as minor shock to her every time she heard it, especially when it came from Jamie’s lips.
She had tried not to think too much of Jamie’s lips. It was just that they looked really kissable and she often found herself imagining what they tasted like and what they would feel like against her own. She had a hunch the brunette was a good kisser, she had probably had a lot of experience.
An unsettling feeling grew from somewhere within the American’s stomach when thinking of all the other people Jamie could have possibly kissed. Were they prettier than Dani? Had Jamie been in love with any of them? Had any been girls? Had they all been girls? Did Jamie like it?
Anyway, she had tried not to think too much of it.
”Are there a lot of places around here to drink?” Dani asked, hoping the other woman would give her a recommendation.
”Of course there are, love, do you know where you are?” Jamie chuckled and shook her head.
There was that shock again, being called ’darling’ and ’love’ by a gorgeous, very charming woman was completely new to her. She wanted to get used to it, because it left her with a really pleasant feeling. She was temped to casually ask Jamie out for a drink, not on a date, just to show Dani a bit of town, she was new here after all, it probably wouldn’t seem suspect.
Jamie was scared the conversation was heading somewhere she wasn’t ready for quite yet. It would be nice to see Dani outside of their workplaces sometime, she couldn’t deny that, but she was not prepared for that. She couldn’t tell what Dani’s intentions were and that made her wary.
Jamie could not go out with a breathtaking woman for a drink. With alcohol in her blood, she often became much less careless, which never served her well. It’s important to be careful around attractive women, they usually have way too much control over her and she knows there’s nothing she can do about that. Nothing other than avoiding the situation completely.
”Thanks for the tea. It was nice chatting to you, but if you excuse me, I need to go home to a little peace and quiet.” Jamie stood upright and bit her lip.
”Alright, I’ll let you to it then.” Dani said, admittedly disappointed.
They made their way to the door and the florist held it up for the American.
”Enjoy your stillness.” A smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She looked at the other woman who had just locked the door.
”Oh believe me, I will.” Jamie flashed a smile. ”Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.” She said, more of a statement than a question.
She wished to see the blonde tomorrow.