Warmth | ✔️ #wattys2021

17. chess

"Hey love, how's it going? Thought I'd call you since I haven't really heart from you this week...well I know you get so busy but uhm...I thought we could do something this Saturday if you want to? Just-"

The answering machine bleeped before Adam could finish his sentence but Adeline just smiled at it and wanted to call him immediately.

She was indeed busy but this wasn't the reason she didn't contact him. Adeline felt like they couldn't keep on being friends if it just felt forced and awkward like last time. She wanted his everything again but her concerns got the best of her.

And now she was nothing but a slave to his voice.

Adeline picked his contact and the phone began ringing. He picked up after the first ring:

"Hey!"

"Hey Adam, uhm...I just got your voice message and I'm free this weekend so...?"

"Perfect! Well I thought we could go hiking? I know a place ...it's very pretty and there is a lake and everything and we could have a picnic..."

He sounded more nervous than usually to her but she though it was cute.

"That sounds wonderful!"

"Great great! So I could pick you up tomorrow morning around 10? And could you do me a favor and take care of the food -I know it was my idea but I'm not really good at cooking or baking or really anything related to that!"

"Yeah sure I'll do that but I really have to teach you one day those are really basic life skills!" Adeline laughed.

"You are so right, but I think you'd have to start by teaching me how to boil water...I'm terrible really." 

"Oh you can't be that bad...By the way is there anything else I'd need to bring along?" She said and thought of the time he made her scrambled eggs, which were more than great.

"I'll take care of water but I guess if you have somewhat robust shoes make sure to wear them the path can get quiet rocky."

"Think I still might have some, look I gotta go see you tomorrow then?"

"Yes, bye love."

"Bye." Adeline said as she went down to the steamy underground station.

*

The next day Adam pulled up in front of her house with his Jeep and texted her to come down.

When she got into his car he thought she looked adorable. She wore tight leggings along with a sweatshirt and a blue cap, her hair in a ponytail.

"Hey love!" He said and looked at her big back pack. He initially wanted to kiss her cheek but could stop himself soon enough and instead asked: "How much do you have in your backpack that its packed like this?", while he already started driving.

"90% is snacks, thank me later. And I brought another jacket along in case it gets cold!"

"Hmm...I see."

"So where are we going exactly?" She asked, changing the topic.

"Chess Valley, it's not far away do you know it?"

"No, don't think so."

"It's great only 30 miles from here, won't be too long."

"Hey, you know what?" She asked. 

"What?" 

"You are Adam, the Driver...like Adam Driver, get it?"

"Yes, I do." He said amused, trying to hide a smile that his dimples gave off anyway.