Forever and Always

Chapter 5

I set the cup back on the counter and check the time on my phone. I gasp as I realize it is already 5 am. I quickly throw on some jeans and a t-shirt from my suitcase and hurry out the door and down the street, luggage in tow. I'm going to grab a quick coffee before my Uber arrives and takes me to the airport.

As the hot bitter coffee runs down my throat, I let my mind wander to the distant memory of meeting James. I remember it so vividly, so perfectly...

"Ash I'm not sure about this" 

"Oh come on. I can't drive you, he's your only chance"

"I could take the bus"

"You know you won't make it there on time. Don't you know the kind of message tardiness sends? Being late to your own interview?"

"I know it's just how can I trust this guy."

"Look I promise if I can trust him you can trust him. If not I'll kick his balls in."

I chuckle, knowing she's completely serious. Ash always has my back.

"Where even is he anyway?"

As if summoned, a black suv pulls up to the curb, windows down and rock music blasting. I shoot Ash a hesitant glance and she rolls her eyes, walking towards the figure sitting behind the wheel.

They whisper to each other before I start walking towards them. The time for my interview was quickly approaching. I catch the end of a conversation I probably wasn't supposed to hear.

"James, don't be such a dick. She's scared of you enough as is."

Excuse me?

"Relax A, I'm just giving her a lift. That's all."

I cough as to announce my presence. The boy, James I think Ash said, turns away from me and Ash and looks straight ahead,

"the door's unlocked." 

How charming. I slide into the leather seats waving goodbye to Ash.

"Goodluck B! You've got this!"

James snorts and I ignore him as he begins driving away. A couple of turns later and we are still sitting in this uncomfortable silence: like a wet blanket covering us.

"Thank you again for driving me" I attempt to break the awkward silence.

"Again?" He retorts.

I mumble a confused 'huh'.

"Usually when you use the word 'again' it signifies you have repeated an action. But in your case, this is the first time you are thanking me."

I cross my arms, glaring at this pretentious jerk who feels the need to correct me. We stop at a stop light and he turns to me, lifting his sunglasses to rest on the top of his head so to make eye contact with me. 

"It's my pleasure doll."

I blush on instinct and look away. The last thing I'd want this rude intolerant guy to make me do or see me is blush. But I can't help the way his mesmerizing green eyes seem to stare into my soul. His smirk grows wider as he raises his eyebrows and playfully says,

"Why are you so red?"

I'm taken aback. I look away growing frustrated, "Well maybe if you turned the air conditioning on in this stupid car I wouldn't be." I reach for the controls at the same time he does. Our hands touch for a brief moment before I yank mine away. Stupid guy with his stupid car and his stupid soft hands. His smile grows wider as my face must have turned a deeper shade of red.