Chapter 46

Chapter 46

When the brownies were finished, we let them cool for a little while before cutting them up. They were still so warm and very delicious. Jay enjoyed them more than I expected, but I was glad he did. After the afternoon we had, this was very much needed. Baked goods are always a good way to put a smile on someone's face. I did a lot of digging into Jay's personal life; however it made us closer in a weird way. Something changed in him after our talk. I couldn't quite tell what it was, but it was evident.

I ignored it, though, feeling like it wasn't relevant to anything. All my mind could think about was the brownies my face was stuffed with. Jay wasn't too far behind me as we both were devouring piece after piece. Before it was gone, I made sure to put some aside for Cyrus. At the rate we were going, they would be gone before he even got a chance to get here. We couldn't help it, they were so good!

"I'm definitely going out and buying you whatever cake stuff you need." He said,his mouth drooling with every bite.

I laughed, sealing up Cyrus' brownies. "I bet you are now. This wasn't even my own creation it was only from the box."

He shrugged, not caring one bit. "Doesn't matter because now I know I'm in for a treat with the real deal."

That was fair enough, and I couldn't argue with that. It made me more excited that he'll love what I'll make tomorrow. I had a feeling this was going to be an everyday thing and I was ok with that. Most times Cyrus was busy and the girls and I couldn't do much. Seeing as Jay was going to be isolating, for the most part, it wouldn't hurt to come over here. There's also the fact that we had to make sure he wasn't spiraling as well. We were going to have a good time these last two weeks.

Since the pan was all done, I took it upon myself to finally start washing the mess I had made. Jay didn't let me do it alone, coming over and splitting it in half. We were in a comfortable silence enjoying each others presence. I didn't know what to say after the wave of sadness we had. He wore a smile on his face while the sun shone in his bright blue eyes. Looking at his handsome face, I got this wild idea in my head. Lately, I've been wanting to play matchmaker and my expertise wasn't going to stop at Jeremy. It was a long shot, but it wouldn't hurt to know his thoughts on the matter.

"Hey Jay, what do you think of Bradyn?" I calmly asked, hoping he wouldn't catch on to what I was doing.

He thought for a moment scrubbing the pan. "Is she the strawberry blonde?" He pondered. It's like his mind was wondering what I was up to.

I nodded, turning around to lean on the sink. It gave me a better view of his face. "That's right. What do you think?"

"What's your game, A?" He smirked at me. "What are you trying to do?"

I dropped my mouth, appalled he would accuse me of things. "What are you talking about? I'm merely curious."

"Bullshit, Autumn." He said, not believing a word I said.

It was easy for him to read when I was bluffing, and I swear that I would get away with it. I figured since she found out about Cyrus and I, that she'd give him a chance. That is if he was willing to give her a chance. I'm not saying they had to fall in love with each other the minute they laid eyes upon one another. It would be nice to double date and then if Twila meets someone new it would be even better. Jay is a nice guy who needs a good girl to compliment him. Why not Bradyn?

Even though he saw through me, he still answered my question honestly. "She's gorgeous and looks like a sweet girl." His answer was honest and the one I was looking for.

My eyes lit up with hope that he would say what I wanted him to say. "So, how about a date with her?" I ask another question.

He chuckled, shaking his head at me. "I don't think so." My heart sank.

"Why not? You just said she was gorgeous and she is very sweet. Trust me I would know." I argued campaigning hard for Bradyn.

Finishing cleaning the pan, he turned towards me. "I did but that's not a reason to go on a date with someone. Besides, emotionally I wouldn't be able to give her what she needs."

His honesty about himself always captured my attention. He wasn't afraid to say he wasn't ready for something. He acknowledged his faults and always tried to grow from them. That was something most people did not possess. Including myself. Jay was a different kind of person. Something I wanted to aspire to be. No wonder Cyrus valued their friendship so much. Who wouldn't?

Smiling, I didn't bother to push for answers. There was no use. "I guess you're right. I just want you to find someone who will be able to understand you." I say this although I really wanted a double date.

"I know because you're a good person and a true friend." His voice went soft on me again. "But I don't need a love interest to understand me when I have a friend like you that does."

We stared at each other as he touched my heart in a way I didn't know was possible. There was nothing but adoration in his eyes and the same could be said for me. The adoration I had for him was out of this world. He was a better person than he was letting on. One of the strongest people I've met in my entire life. With everything he's been through, the fact that he could persevere the way he did is remarkable. When he was emotionally available, whoever would be his love interest was going to be in for a sweet treat.

There was nothing we could do but smile at each other after his kind words. However, we stopped as Cyrus walked into the kitchen.

"What the hell Jay, I told you to stop leaving the door unlocked. Anyone could...oh um-" He stopped lecturing him the minute he saw the look on our faces.

Breaking eye contact, I smiled at Cyrus walking over to grab the brownies I had made for him. I was surprised to see him done with the date already. Usually those things take forever, but today was quick. I wonder if Twila was ok? Did that have something to do with it ending so suddenly? Either way, it was nice to see him. It was even better that he came in scolding Jay as per usual.

Walking up to him, I handed him the bag of brownies with a smile on my face. "I saved you some brownies. They're probably cold by now but they'll taste great either way."

He stared at me for a minute like something was wrong. I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but something was racking his brain. He quickly covered it grabbing the little bag full of brownies. I couldn't tell if he was excited about it or not, but I knew once he ate one he'd forget everything that seemed to be troubling him.

Smiling at me, his eyes shot back at Jay, who looked at him with the same expression on his face. Here I was confused on what was going on because they were having some sort of unspoken moment. This weird tension hit me out of nowhere as the men continued to stare at each other. I'm not sure what's going on, but I don't think I want to find out. This was the first time I've felt this strange energy between them. There was something I was missing that only they knew.

Not saying a word, Cyrus fixed his attention back on me. Some life came back into his eyes. "I hope you had a good day here." He smiled brightly. "I can't wait to try these when we get back to the house."

I sighed with relief that his mood had changed back to normal. "You're going to love them. Just wait until I make the cake next time." I gloated.

His facial expression surprised me. "Oh, there's going to be cake?" He asked me intrigued.

I nodded, not being able to resist hugging him. He embraced me back tightly and my chest filled with warmth. He's only been here for a second and I already wanted to be all over him. Seriously, I couldn't get enough of the man. His presence was always so intoxicating that anyone would act just like I was.

Not wasting another minute, I gathered up my things to get ready to head back to the house. Of course, I hugged Jay tightly before leaving. I was thankful to him for letting me come over. We had a decent time and I couldn't ask for anything more than that. This day would always be an important one in our friendship. However, before I completely left there was something I had to ask him.

Cyrus went and waited out in the car for me as I stayed behind for a moment.

"What was that about?" I asked Jay in a soft whisper tone, just incase Cyrus didn't completely leave. He didn't even say anything to Jay aside from scolding him about the door.

Jay shrugged, not looking as chipper as he once did. "Um, he's mad at me but he'll get over it." He didn't sound too worried.

That didn't sound too good to me. "Are you sure? Is there anything I could do?" I was worried about their friendship. I hope everything will be ok.

"Probably stop talking to me, but I don't think I could handle it if you did." There goes that honesty again. My cheeks flushed as I looked away from him. "You should get going. I'll see you tomorrow right? I'll have the stuff all ready for you." He smiled at me.

I smile back, nodding my head. "You're right. I'll see you tomorrow. Stay out of trouble!" I yell at him as I rush out the door.

I heard him slightly chuckle as I walked away. Cyrus still looked a little on edge, but he tried to mask it as best as he could. He was mad at Jay about something, but I'm not sure about what. The worry in his eyes was prominent, causing me to worry about him. Maybe he was stressed out with the competition coming to a close. Our fate was uncertain, but I wanted him to know that I was here for him until there was a reason I couldn't be. Either way, I grabbed his hand the whole drive home, squeezing it gently.