Page 13 of Clichés & Curses

Once I finally got over the shock of running into him, only then did my mind register the warm sensation that was on my arm. Looking to see where it came from, my eyes met with Colton’s right hand gripping it.

I must have been looking at his hand for a bit too long, when he finally let go of his hold.

‘Oh, sorry,’ Colton apologized, pulling his arm back. ‘Are you okay? I’m sorry for bumping into you like that. I was reading some texts on my phone,’ he explained, gesturing to his phone in his other hand.

‘It’s okay,’ I reassured him. ‘My mind was occupied elsewhere too, so I wasn’t really focusing on where I was going either.’

My words hung in the air between us and the silence that followed got a bit too long. So, I thought I would save us from the awkwardness and go about my way.

Just as I was about to say goodbye, Colton asked, ‘Were you leaving?’

So, I guess we’re making conversation now.

‘Yup. I think I had enough partying for the night,’ I answered. And that’s when I noticed our collision had happened because we were walking towards each other. ‘Did you just arrive?’

‘Yeah,’ he said sheepishly. ‘To be honest, I wasn’t thinking of coming, but the baseball team was here. So, I thought I’d drop by and hang out for a bit.’

To think … that if I had left a bit earlier … I could’ve avoided running into him here …

‘Plus, someone has to be the designated driver,’ he added.

‘You don’t drink?’ I blurted out before I could stop myself, my curiosity getting the better of me.

‘Not when I’m driving.’

My head jolted back slightly at his words. I did not expect that from him.

‘You seem surprised,’ he read the expression on my face.

‘I am, a bit,’ I was truthful. ‘That’s very responsible of you. So do you always drive your teammates home?’

‘Most of the time,’ he shrugged. ‘But I don’t mind, driving them home is a small price to pay than having them drive themselves home.’

‘That’s really sweet of you to do that.’

It was. It’s nice to have someone looking out for you that way.

A small but genuine smile made its way to his face. ‘Thanks.’

God, he looks even cuter when he smiles.

‘Well, go and have fun,’ I told him, pushing that thought away. ‘It was nice talking to you. I’ll see you on Wednesday.’ I wavedat him and moved past, ready to start my night walk back to the apartment.

But as I made my way down the sidewalk to the end of the street, I heard my name being shouted.

‘Clara, wait!’

Stunned, I halted my steps to a stop. Turning around to see who was calling me, I was met by the sight of Colton walking towards me in quick strides.

‘Where did you park your car?’

I narrowed my eyes at his sudden question. ‘I didn’t. I don’t have a car.’

A questioning look appeared on his face. ‘Did you order an Uber?’

‘No.’

‘Is someone picking you up? Your boyfriend maybe?’

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