Chapter 25

An incoming call from Peter startled James. He was falling asleep.

-Hello," he answered curtly.

-Hey, how are you feeling?

-Fine. - he replied dryly. Peter laughed.

- Good, take care of yourself, huh. Listen, I wanted to ask you if I could call Luna.

- What? Why?

- Well, if you don't have a problem I'd like to ask her if she'd like to come with me to Andrews' party.

James looked at the floor in confusion. What?

- No.

-Why?

-He's going with me.

-Why is that?

- Well, I asked him.

- Well, so you like him after all. I knew it.

-No, don't be absurd. I can't go alone, and I wouldn't put up with another smug date. Besides, I know Luna, it'll be interesting.

- You don't think she might misinterpret the invitation?

-How?

- Well, you know...it could happen.

- No, Luna wouldn't believe that. Besides...no.

It felt absurd to say that. Of course, she might misinterpret the invitation after the scene they'd made in her room. She preferred to avoid that part of the story.

-What about you?

- I'm not interested in Luna in that way. Stop insisting.

- I know you, James. Dresses? Special treatment? - he laughed. - What are you hiding?

- She's Portia's nanny, plus, I knew her before, so of course I'll get a different treatment.

- I don't think so.

- What?

- Do you mind?

- Mind what?

- Do you mind Luna?

-Yes, it's special to Portia and I... -Yes, it's special to Portia and I...

-Shit, James. -You're acting like a complete asshole. You're acting like a complete idiot. You don't care about Portia and it shows.

- What are you trying to tell me? It's the truth, I'm telling you the...

-No, you're not.

-I know how to handle my emotions, Peter. And it's more than clear to me that the only thing I feel for Luna is respect and appreciation for pure professionalism over Portia.

- Well, then you wouldn't mind if I asked her out, would you?

James laughed.

- Of course I would mind, what are you talking about?

- I'd respect it if you tell me you're uncomfortable because, well, something triggers you, but if it doesn't I don't have a problem with it.

- She's Portia's nanny.

- ¿Y?

- No, Peter. No.

- But why?

- Because she's not going to be one of your transient dates.

- Of course it won't. It will be different.

James snorted angrily.

- You can't, I'm sorry.

- Well, let her decide.

- She won't want to, I can assure you.

- I don't think you can. To be honest, I think she'd like it.

Tired, James replied, raising his voice.

- No, Peter. You can't because it would be out of place and I wouldn't feel comfortable. Okay?

The line was silent for a couple of seconds.

- You like it.

- Yes, I fucking do.

---------

A few hours had passed since he had confessed his feelings about Luna to Peter. Still, he had tried to explain to her how out of place he felt about it. Everything felt wrong and different after he had uttered those words. Somehow, he could see the big picture.

What would happen if he got involved with her? Was it really a consistent thing to do? And if things went wrong, what was he supposed to do? Fire her and break Portia's heart because of his irresponsibility?

He thought about it for several minutes. He had to take a step back. Clear things up with Luna immediately.

Guiltily, he got out of bed and left the room in search of the young woman. It didn't take him long to find her. She was in her room.

He knocked on the door and a few short seconds later, Luna looked at him expectantly.

- James, is something wrong?

He felt his heart begin to pound nervously. He spoke.

- Yes, uh...you don't have to come with me anymore.

She looked at him in confusion. He continued talking.

- I think it might confuse things between us and I really don't mean to. The other day things got a little out of control and believe me, my intention was never to confuse you or send you any such signal and....

- Signal? Like kissing me?

James looked at her guiltily.

- I got carried away, I'm sorry.

Luna smirked, was he pulling her leg? She looked at him for a few seconds waiting for him to continue talking, but at his awkward silence, she spoke.

- Don't worry about it. - she replied and closed the door.

James stood there, static, staring at the wood. He had played with Luna's feelings and he swore it hadn't been on purpose. However, he admitted he knew what he was doing when he kissed her and wished he could get over it. He couldn't, though.