Spark Read Online Free

take two Panadol tablets, and put the kettle on.
    “You want coffee, Crystal?” I yell.
    “Yeah, good idea,” she calls from the balcony.
    I make two mugs of coffee, and meet her at the dining table. I fill her in on last night as we sip away. She pumps me for information about my plans with Jon, and even though I tell her it’s a casual night in, the suspicious look on her face tells me she thinks otherwise.

    ****

    The sun goes down. Dinner at Jon’s is fast approaching. I’d better put some effort into what I’m gonna wear, but unfortunately my bed socks won’t be joining me. I change into jeans and a jumper, and wrap a scarf around my neck. Crystal is in the shower, so I leave her a note on the kitchen bench.

    Won’t be home late, maybe we can do
breakfast tomorrow?? Have a good night.
- Eevie

    The short drive to Jon’s apartment seems to take forever. I knock lightly on the door, and moments later it swings open. Jon greets me with a huge grin. He must have had a good day.
    “Hi. Come on in,” he says, ushering me inside. He follows close behind me as I walk towards the kitchen. The strong smells of spice and the sea have my mouth watering.
    “Mmm. Looks like you’ve been busy. What’s cooking?” I ask, taking in the aroma.
    “Pad Thai with prawns,” he says proudly.
    “Yum.” I’m surprised. I didn’t know he could cook. Well, not something like that.
    “I made a chocolate mousse for dessert, too.” He grins, and I know exactly why. He knows me too well.
    “Yum. I love anything chocolate.”
    “I know,” he says, raising an eyebrow.
    What was I so worried about? Things between us are just like normal.
    “Need a hand with dinner?” I ask as I move into the kitchen. The room is filled with sizzling noises.
    “No, no. I’ve got this. You sit.” Jon ushers me out.
    “Okay, okay.” I take a few steps backwards and sit on a barstool on the other side of the bench.
    As Jon moves busily around the kitchen, I watch him. And really take a look at him. He’s tall, with blond hair, and he’s fit. He doesn’t have your typical rugby-player physique—not over-the-top muscly like some. His jeans hang nicely on his hips, and his long-sleeve top is a little too baggy to really see what’s going on underneath. He must have just gotten out of the shower, as his hair is still wet, the longer hair on top clumping together in a few soft curls. By all accounts, he’s pretty attractive. It’s surprising he doesn’t have a girlfriend.
    “Dinner’s ready,” Jon says in triumph, interrupting my thoughts. He carries the plates over to the small dining table, and I sit down. “You wanna beer?”
    “Yeah, maybe the hair of the dog will make me feel better.” Jon takes two Coronas from the fridge, opens them, and hands me one as he sits.
    “So,” Jon says inquisitively. “Tell me about your big night.”
    There’s not much to tell, but I give him a rundown. Of course, I don’t tell him that he came up in conversation. That awkwardness is totally unnecessary.
    He tells me about his week, and we talk like always. I really treasure this. I don’t have to pretend here. I can be myself, with my best friend. Jon’s really been there for me, through all the family shit. More times that I can count, I’ve thanked my lucky stars for having him in my life.
    “This is delicious,” I stumble over my words with a mouthful of noodles. “Who knew that Jonathan Cooper could cook something other than steak?”
    “Hey … a man can only try.” He smiles. “I’m glad you like it.” We eat for a while in silence. I didn’t realise how hungry I was, but I haven’t eaten much all day. Luckily, Jon never takes long to finish a meal and I don’t look like so much of a pig, finishing just after him.
    Breaking the silence, I wave my hand towards the TV in the adjoining room. “What DVD are we watching? Not some action-packed blood-and-gore movie, I hope?” I’ve watched my share of those with my