Chapter 6

Nicole trudged into the apartment, her feet heavy with the weight of her emotions. She flopped down onto the sofa, letting out a deep sigh as she buried her face in her hands. Gage, sensing her distress, walked towards her with the pizza in hand. He sat down beside her, his expression concerned.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, setting the pizza box on the coffee table.

Nicole lifted her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "Fuck relationships; I hate it," she muttered, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's all Mom's fault."

Gage's expression softened, and he reached out to put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Tell me what happened," he coaxed, his voice gentle.

Nicole took a deep breath and launched into her story, telling Gage about her mom's relentless pressure to settle down, her own fears about losing her independence, and her frustration with the whole dating scene. Gage listened attentively, his eyes never leaving hers as he absorbed every word.

When Nicole finally finished talking, Gage nodded thoughtfully. "I can understand," he said. "Even my old relationship wasn't good."

Nicole's curiosity was piqued. "How is that?" she asked, turning to face him.

Gage's expression turned wistful. "My ex was more interested in money than me," he said. "I wanted peace and quiet, but she wanted to party all the time. We just weren't compatible, and the relationship didn't last long."

Nicole's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry," she said. "I had no idea."

Gage shrugged. "It's okay. I'm better off without her. I actually moved here to get away from all the drama and focus on my writing."

Nicole nodded thoughtfully. "So, what now?" she asked. "Do you want to get into a relationship with someone else?"

Gage chuckled. "Not as of now," he said. "I want to focus completely on my career. But yes, sometimes I do miss having a girlfriend."

Nicole's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?" she teased.

Gage pointed downwards, and Nicole's eyes widened in mock horror. She let out a playful shriek and hit him with a pillow. "Pervert boy!" she exclaimed, laughing.

Gage burst out laughing, holding up his hands in defense. "Hey, hey! I was just being honest!" he protested, grinning.

Nicole giggled, still holding the pillow. "Come on, let's eat our pizza before it gets cold," Gage suggested, opening the pizza box.

Nicole nodded, setting the pillow aside. "Okay," she said, smiling. "But don't think you're getting out of this that easily, pervert boy."

Gage chuckled, handing her a slice of pizza. "I wouldn't dream of it," he said, winking at her.

****

Ashley walked through the front door, dropping her purse onto the floor with a sigh. "Hi," she said, kicking off her shoes.

Nicole looked up from the couch, where she was scrolling through her phone. "Hi," she replied, smiling. "How was your day?"

Ashley flopped down onto the armchair, running her hands through her hair. "Horrible," she said, closing her eyes. "Today again, my boss scolded me in front of everyone."

Nicole's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, getting up from the couch. "Get fresh; I'll set dinner."

Ashley nodded, standing up and heading towards her room. "Ok, thanks," she called out.

A few minutes later, Ashley emerged from her room, looking refreshed and changed into comfortable clothes. "So, how was your day with the new neighbor?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Nicole smiled, busying herself in the kitchen. "It was good," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Ashley's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So?" she prompted, leaning against the kitchen counter.

Nicole looked up, feigning innocence. "So?" she repeated.

Ashley rolled her eyes. "How far has the matter reached between the two of you?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Nicole's expression turned defensive. "Which matter?" she asked, trying to play dumb.

Ashley chuckled. "You know what I'm talking about," she said, grinning. "Come on, Nicole, spill the beans."

Nicole sighed, putting down the knife she was using to chop vegetables. "Ashley, we can be good friends, nothing more than this," she said, her voice firm. "Neither I nor he want to get into any relationship; both of us had terrible past relationships."

Ashley's expression turned teasing. "You'll die a virgin," she said, laughing.

Nicole's face turned bright red with embarrassment. "You're also single, okay?" she shot back, trying to deflect the attention.

Ashley chuckled. "But I'm not a virgin yet, like you," she said, winking. "At least lose it, for whom you're saving it."

Nicole's eyes widened in mock horror. "I'll do it, but with the right man," she said, smiling sweetly.

Ashley threw up her hands. "It's useless to argue with you," she said, laughing.

Nicole grinned, feeling triumphant. She went back to chopping the vegetables, humming a happy tune as Ashley sat down at the kitchen table, watching her with an amused expression.

****

The next day, after Ashley left for work, Nicole settled into her routine, getting busy with her job. She was deeply engrossed in her tasks when the doorbell rang, breaking the silence. Nicole's head jerked up, and she smiled to herself, wondering who it could be.

She made her way to the door, her heart beating slightly faster with anticipation. When she opened the door, she was greeted by Gage's charming smile. He stood in the doorway, looking relaxed and casual in his worn jeans and faded T-shirt.

Nicole's smile widened as she leaned against the doorframe. "Do you want anything even today?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Gage chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I want your company, coffee, my place."

Nicole's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. She felt a flutter in her chest as she considered the prospect of spending more time with Gage. She smiled, her decision made. "Sure," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gage's face lit up with a warm smile. "I make very good coffee," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Nicole laughed, feeling a sense of excitement. "Let's see," she said, her voice playful.

Gage grinned, stepping aside to let Nicole pass. "After you," he said, his voice low and courteous.

Nicole smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation as she walked towards Gage's apartment. She couldn't help but wonder what the day had in store for her.

****