James is my best friend. Male best friend, that is. I've known him for years but, while we've always been close, there's never been anything romantic between us. Probably because I've known him so long. It's hard to feel romantic about the boy you kicked in the shins for rigging up a gallows and hanging all your dolls.
Taking a disinterested look at him, I have to admit he's hot. OK, if pressed I'd call him uber hot. The type of guy who could singe a girl's fingers just by talking to him. Not me, though. I look at him and remember Barbie dangling from a noose and my heart does not go pitter patter with romantic thoughts.
The incident I'm going to tell you about happened one winter when I dropped in to see James while I was spending a long weekend with my folks. I'd dropped in to see him after dinner, and we chatted, watched some TV and had a couple of drinks. Only a couple, as I had to drive home.
When it came time to leave I left James at the door, after exchanging air kisses (best friend only, remember), and bolted for my car. It had started to rain and it looked like it was going to get worse, so I wanted to be home before it descended upon us.
Naturally, this is when the car decided not to start. Bolting back to James place I politely knocked and waited for him to answer. In case you're interested, politely knocked is an euphemism for hammered as hard as I could on the door, yelling to be let in before I drown.
James answered and let me in, but in typical selfish male fashion flatly refused to try to find out what was wrong with my car. It wasn't as though he'd melt in the rain, and he could dry of quickly enough afterwards. But no, muttering something about weather fit for ducks and idiots, he told me I'd have to spend the night.
So I rang Dad and told him my problem, and that yes I had petrol, and no, I didn't leave the lights on and flatten the battery, and I would be over-nighting at James's place. Making a mental note to check my petrol and battery first thing, I went to find out where I'd be sleeping.
In James's bed, it turned out. Fortunately, it was a very large bed, king size. I almost asked why he needed such a large bed but didn't, suspecting the answer might embarrass me.
I retired for the night in a t-shirt and panties. I kept my head turned away so I don't know what James was wearing. I was trusting that it would be something. I lay there for a little while, feeling just a touch nervous. Even if James was my best friend, he was still male, and I knew damn well what could happen between a man and a woman when they're in the same bed. I've had my share of romantic moments.
Nothing happened, and I fell asleep.