Page 52 of Traitor

"Hurry up!"

"Is there a reservation?" He slips on his brown leather jacket.

"No, I'm just excited."

He smiles, "Okay, I'm ready."

"Where are we going? I can't believe you rented a truck."

I park at the spot I found earlier and beam at Callum, "Okay, lets get in the back."

Callum looks in awe at the spread of snacks and drinks. Non-alcoholic since I'm driving.

"This is lovely, Echo. Thank you."

"No need to thank me. It's only fair I spoil you back."

He smiles at that.

We watch the sunset and talk. Enjoying unhealthy chips and candy. I would have brought actual food, but I can't cook and I feel like getting restaurant food isn't the purpose of a picnic. The stars are out in this area and it's lovely, just like Callum said.

Until it's ruined because I'm a fucking idiot and forgot that this is Florida.

"Uh, Echo."

"Hm?"

"The- There might be a problem."

"A problem?" I turn my head toward him so quickly ai think I have whiplash.

"There's somethin' in the water." he whispers.

My head turns slower this time in fear and pain and I see what he's talking about.

Eyes.

At least a dozen pairs of glowing eyes just a couple yards away. Fucking alligators.

I thank God that the back window is open and struggle my way back into the car through it. After falling on my head and shimmying in the right seat I start the car and pull away quickly. There's no way that Callum will fit through there. I barely did.

When we're on a more residential road, I pull over so Callum can get back in. When he's safe inside the car I hang my head, banging it against the steering wheel. I feel like I could cry.

"Hey," Callum says softly, laying a hand on my back, "It's okay."

"No it isn't," I sniff, "I ruined the date. How could I forget that alligators live here?"

"Because you don't live here, baby. That's okay. We still had a good time until they showed up." he pauses, "And when you're not upset anymore this will be a funny story."

"This isn't funny at all. What if they ate you?"

He laughs, "Why me?"

I lift my head, wiping my nose with my jacket sleeve as I shrug. "You have more meat."

"Shut up." he says, laughing harder.

His joy is so infectious, and if he can still be happy after this disaster, I guess I can too.

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