Chasing Time (sirius black)

CHASING TIME

Steam rose from my coffee as I stared out the window, cars streaming by as people walked with their faces glued to their phones. Blowing lightly on the liquid, my eyes flickered to the guy across from me. Brian droned on, not realizing I wasn't listening to a word he said, I think he was talking about football now. Or maybe it was basketball. I lost track about an hour ago. Buzz cut, meaty hands, questionable IQ which was probably due to concussions from football. Emmy and I were going to need to have a talk when I saw her next. She wasn't going to be allowed to set me up if this is what she thought I was into. Just because her boyfriend was captain of the football team didn't mean I had to date a football player too. Now, if said football player had a motorcycle then maybe -

"Maddie?" I looked back over at Brian who looked at me expectantly with washed out blue eyes.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Crap. Focus, Mads.

"You're coming to the game tonight, right? Emmy said you two were going to go then come to the after party," He said, taking a sip of his Smoked Butterscotch Creme Frappuccino. I'm still in shock that that was what he ordered. I mean no judgment but...ok a little judgment. It can't even be called coffee. It's a milkshake. My black coffee soul winced as he placed it back on the table.

"Yes, we're planning on going. She didn't mention the party though," I said hesitantly. I had a feeling I knew where this was going.

"I can give you a ride over to the party after the game. We can grab ice cream," He winked at me. Bleh. "Before going."

"Can't." I shrugged, playing off my internal panic attack at the thought of 'grabbing ice cream' with him. "I have to drop back home to let my dog out. Parents are out of town."

Brian's eyes lit up at this news. Shit. "Really? Well maybe we-"

I cut him off before he could even suggest coming over. "I have to take care of my sisters and dog all weekend. It's a full time job. Speaking of, I need to get home before the game. Make sure no one burned the house down."

"I'll see you later then," He stood up as I swung my bag over my shoulder. He leaned towards me and I quickly turned my head, his lips landing on my cheek. Whew, that was close. First date and he's trying to kiss me already? Yeah, how bout no.

"Yup. See ya," I brushed past him and hurried out the door. Wiping off my cheek with my flannel sleeve, I hit Emmy's name on my phone. It rang twice as I jumped into my old Wrangler, put the phone on speaker, and shoved it into the dash mount.

"Maddie! How did it go? Isn't he just perfect for you?!" Emmy squealed. Turning my head, I backed out of my spot and pulled into traffic.

"You and I have a very different definitions of perfect," I could feel her sigh through the phone.

"Or your expectations are too high. Maybe if you lowered them a little you'd see-"

I butt in. "That he wants to know me as a person and not just get in my pants? He'd have to get his head out of his ass first and I don't know if he's smart enough to do that."

"Madaline Nicole, that's rude," She scolded.

"It's true. He ordered a frappuccino then proceeded to tell me about last week's game in detail. I started zoning out when he got to half time. I have never heard a play by play of a high school football game and I never plan to again. My brain can't handle it." I flicked the right blinker on and turned the corner. Emmy's momentary silence spoke volumes.