Page 34 of We Are the Stars

Then with all seriousness, he says, “Cold.”

“Cold?”

“That’s how it makes me feel.”

“That’s…sad.”

He shrugs. “Again, it’s my life.”

I frown and look out the window as we grow quiet. It’s a comfortable silence. I’m not sure if that’s because we’re both so stuck in our heads that we don’t notice the other is there, or if we feel that content around one another. I’d like to think it’s the latter, even though that scares me.

I can feel his eyes on me. They burn my skin in the most delicate of ways. Sweat begins to form on the back of my neck and the hairs on my arms rise. He’s lazy in his perusal and I’m squirming in my seat.

Suddenly—thankfully—the waitress from yesterday, Joy, arrives with our food.

“Can’t believe you willingly stick around here after your shifts, kid.”

“Had a date today, Joy.”

Joy peeks over at me. “Date, huh?”

“Not like a datedate,” I insist.

Carsen smirks suggestively at Joy. “It’s a datedate.”

She gives him a wink and drops my plate down in front of me. “You two let me know if you need anything else.”

As soon as she walks away, I turn on him. “This isnota date.”

“I know.”

“Then why—”

“I meant what I said yesterday.” His words become clipped. True to his hot and cold nature, it appears annoyed Carsen is back, though this time, I’m not certain who it is he’s annoyed with—me or himself. “I’d never date someone like you.”

Before I allow my blood to boil over, I ask, “What’s so wrong with me? Not that I want to date you, but you make me sound repulsive.”

“Repulsive? No, Elliott, it’s not that. At all. In fact, I find you very attractive, which is part of the problem.”

“The problem being?”

“You’re pure.”

“Okay…”

His eyes find mine, his stare powerful and captivating. “And I’m polluted.”

***

It’s been exactly eight hours since I’ve spoken to Carsen. We have one hour left in our shift and I don’t plan on changing that any time soon.

Our conversation died with his confession. He stared at me while I ate my grilled cheese, scarfed down my fries, and ran off with my shake.

His comments from yesterday hurt, and even though I’ve forgiven him for being an ass, I’ve thought a lot about them, especially the way he so vehemently discarded the idea of dating me. Finding out it isn’t because he doesn’t think I’m attractive but because he thinks I’m too good for him… It’s a lot to take in.

You’re pure. I’m polluted.

The words linger in my mind, making it difficult to get my side work done. Down the Lane has two customers in here, one being Cal, so we’re trying our hardest to get things wrapped up so we can leave on time.

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