I'm Open, He's Closed

40

The sound of muted laughter and conversation filters through from downstairs. When we enter the kitchen, Mason and Casey are talking animatedly with Rosie and Jake, who seem to be taking a well-deserved break. Luke glances up as we approach, and for a brief moment, our eyes meet. There's a silent acknowledgement that we'll need to talk, but perhaps not just yet.

Casey waves us over. "Hey, you two! How's the top floor looking?"

"Better than it did an hour ago," Leo jokes. "I think we made a dent in it."

"Awesome," Rosie chimes in. "We were just thinking about ordering some food. We were thinking Chinese?"

"Sounds perfect," I say, grabbing a seat at the kitchen island.

"Here in 10! Luke's paying, of course," Jake says, giving him a pat on the shoulder, "What would we do without you?"

Luke throws him a mocking look that tells me this isn't the first time his friends have mooched off of him. It's almost endearing to see Luke be so normal for once: being around nice friends  sharing light-hearted jokes.

"And I was thinking that we could play some games after dinner," Mason says, rushing out of the room. He comes back with a stack of boxes and a mischievous glint in his eye.

"But not just any old games," he chuckles.

Casey and I exchange looks, "Meaning?" she says.

Suddenly the doorbell rings, "You'll see."

Jake rushes to the door and returns with several large bags. The wafting smell of sweet chicken and fried rice fills the air, instantly making my stomach growl in anticipation. The savoury aroma mingles with hints of soy sauce and sesame. All my senses are alert. I'm starving.

Luke begins unpacking the food, revealing a spread of steaming dishes:  chicken glistening with a sticky glaze, vibrant stir-fried vegetables, crispy spring rolls, and golden fried rice, all gleaming under the kitchen lights.

Luke stretches a hand in my direction to pass me a fork.

"Thanks," I take it from him with a smile, hoping to ease the tension.

I glance over at Casey talking to Jake at the far end of the kitchen. His hand is far down her back and she's leaning in to him so closely that I'm sure he can smell the food lingering on her breath.

Rosie takes a seat next to me, nudging me with her shoulder, "Hey you. Everything okay?"

My eyebrows involuntarily go up, "Yeah, I'm fine." I stab my fork repeatedly into a particularly juicy piece of chicken.

"You sure?" she drags out her words.

"Yup." I repeat. Why is it so hard to pick up a piece of chicken?

"Louise, if i'm honest, it kinda hurts you never told me about you and Luke. I had to hear it from Mason of all people."

My head whips in her direction. She's leaning in close enough for only us to hear.

"Well? Were you ever planning on saying something?"

My mouth opens and closes like a fish gasping for air, "Rosie, it was never some sort of secret. But, honestly, there is no me and luke. We're not even together."

"Still, it would've been nice to be kept in the loop. I mean, I thought we were friends."

"Rosie, we are. I really am sorry. It's just .. you know how complicated things have been between us with the project and everything. It's not been smooth sailing. But I promise you, right now there's nothing going on."

She shrugs, "Well why is it so tense between you two today? You've barely spoken to each other and when you do it's nothing but nods and hmms,  it's awful."