post 30 : shut up and dial

I dial his number because Ebony has forced me into it. We want to have ciders. She wants Flynn there. Flynn wants Owen there.

“He gave you his number for a reason” she insisted, pushing the phone into my hand. He won’t mind you calling.

“He might not mind” I agreed. “But he’s busy, Eb. It’s exam week soon and study week before that. He’ll say no, and I’ll look like an awkward dickhead.” I say, pre-empting and justifying his response in advance.

“Or” she said “He’ll say yes.”

I shut up and dialled.

“He said yes.” I tell her when I hang up, and my heart slowly returns to its normal speed.

“And his study?”

“Can wait, apparently.”

“This is not the Owen I used to know.” Ebony is surprised. “He used to lock himself away and only come out when he knew everything he was supposed to know.”

“That’s why he’s the best.” Flynn chimes in, coming out of the shower in nothing but a towel. Ebony pushes him into her room.

“Go put some clothes on.” When he’s inside and the door is closed she tells me “Sometimes I just like to have him to myself” in a voice that is half cross, half spoilt child and she smiles. I understand that. Other girls do see him naked a little more often than perhaps necessary. He’s a fan of nude.

Flynn’s head peaks back out the door before Ebony has a chance to push it in. “So Owen’s coming?”

“Yes Flynn, Owen’s coming” she sighs, rolling her eyes, a grin spreading across her cheeks. He flings open the door, still half naked and does the happiest of dances, hips swinging to the left and the right, occasionally pausing for effect, fists pumping up and down. I laugh and Ebony stares at him until he calms himself and pushes the door half closed in front of him, sticking his head through and telling us to leave him alone; he’s got to get dressed.