“Hi Dan. Good to see you.” She replied.
Erik, Trevor, and Ashley walked into the room and exchanged hellos with Grace.
“Where’s Jacko?” Grace asked referring to Jacob by her nickname for him.
“He’s on the phone or something.” Ashley said.
“So what are you two up to?” Trevor asked.
“Playing Harry Potter Clue.” Grace said slipping back into her British accent.
“Ashley, I thought we had a talk about you speaking in a British accent…oh it’s you.” Jacob said.
Grace rolled her eyes. “Nice to see you too Jacob.”
“Well, now that we’ve all warmly welcomed Grace.” Dan said sarcastically. “What’s on the agenda for tonight?”
All eyes turned toward Johanna.
“Why are you all looking at me?” she asked.
“Because you always have a plan.” Ashley said.
Johanna shrugged. “Not tonight.”
“Now what are we supposed to do?” Ashley asked.
“Jeehz guys. Just because Johanna isn’t being her usual anal retentive self doesn’t mean we can’t come up with something to do.” Dan said.
Johanna was taken aback. “Who are you calling anal retentive?”
“Ohh…lovers quarrel!” Trevor said.
Grace looked surprised. “Lovers?”
“For the love of God! Dan and I are just friends!” Johanna practically screamed.
“Slow your roll. I’m just joking.” Trevor said.
“Umm…why don’t you guys think of something to do. Johanna and I have an errand to run. We’ll be back right quick.” Grace said pulling Johanna down the stairs and to her car.
“Get inside.” Grace commanded.
Johanna obeyed although she wasn’t sure what was going on.
“What’s up?” Johanna asked.
“That’s what I wanted to ask you.” Grace said pulling out of the driveway and onto the street.
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Your little outburst in there.” Grace replied turning the corner.
“About me and Dan?” Johanna questioned.
Grace nodded.
“I just get sick of everyone assuming because Dan and I spend so much time together we must be a couple.” Johanna replied.
“Yeah, that I know. But your reaction was a tad stronger than usual. Any reason why?” Grace asked.
Johanna stared out the window not sure what she wanted to say.
“Earth to Johanna.” Grace said after a few minutes.
“Yeah.” Johanna replied.
“Yeah what?” Grace asked.
“There is a reason my reaction was kinda strong.” Johanna told her.
“Because…” Grace prompted.
“Because I think I want to be more than friends with Dan.” Johanna mumbled.
“Say what?” Grace asked.
“Because I think I want to be more than friends with Dan.” Johanna said.
“Why is that?” she asked.
“Well, ummm…I guess it started around the time I moved in, actually it may have even been before that, I’m not sure. I mean I’ve always thought he was attractive, but…Anyway, the other night I couldn’t sleep because of a storm. You know how I am.” Johanna said.
Grace nodded.
“So he stayed with me until I fell asleep and it was just…I don’t know. It made me realize how much he cares about me and I thought about how lucky I was to have him…and” Johanna continued.
“And you thought what if this was more?” Grace suggested.
“Something like that.” Johanna said.
After a few minutes of silence Grace said “Are you going to tell him?”
“I don’t know. The other day he asked me if I ever thought about the two of us like that.” Johanna said.
“Really? What did he say? What did you say?” she asked.
“His cell rang and neither of us said anything.” Johanna said.
“Oh.” Grace said.
“I’m just afraid if I say something and he doesn’t feel the same way it will ruin our friendship.” Johanna said. “I mean this is kinda coming out of the blue.”
“Is it?” Grace asked.
“For him anyway. I guess I have felt this way for awhile.” Johanna replied truthfully.
Grace turned the corner and pulled back into the driveway.
“Thanks for listening.” Johanna said.
“That’s what best friends are for.” Grace said.
Chapter 6