Mentor (Johnny Depp)

Chapter 9

"You've seriously never drawn before?" I asked astounded, looking at Mateos perfect portrait of
me.

"Not really, I mean I've taken a couple drawing classes for high school credit but other than that no, it's mostly just like a hobby of mine." He explained flustered

"I just cant believe that you don't do this professionally, that's what I'm doing but I can't draw portraits nearly as good as this." I complimented

I noticed Mateo's cheeks start to blush as he plastered a big smile on his face.

"Thank you" He grinned, scratching the back of his neck.

Mateo and I had been talking and drawing at the park for about two hours, during this time I learned that he's 26 and lives about 20 minutes away from where I'm staying.  He's studying at UCLA, working towards his masters, and works at a nearby coffee shop that his parents own.
While I was getting to know Mateo, Johnny kept blowing my phone up asking where I was and if I was okay.
Obviously I wasn't okay, I mean does he just expect me to move on after what he said?

The sun was going to set soon, and I didn't want to be out late at night in a city I don't know, so I decided it was time to head back home, and try to avoid Johnny.

"Thank you for keeping me company, Mateo, I really enjoyed meeting you." I said, standing up with my hands crossed in front of me.

"So did I, I hope we can hang out again soon." He smiled,

"I would love that." I replied

"Would you be okay with giving me your number? So we can stay in touch?" He asked nervously

"Of course!" I eagerly pulled my phone out, maybe a bit too eagerly.

We exchanged numbers and then Mateo asked me,
"Do you have a ride back home?"

"No, I don't live that far away so I can just walk back" I explained

"I would love to drive you back home if you'd like, I wouldn't want you walking alone when it's getting dark."  He offered me, expressing a look of worry

"You don't have to, I'll be okay" I smiled

"No, please let me drive you home, it would ease my nerves." He insisted,

I couldn't help but giggle at how worried he was getting over me walking 15 minutes back home, but I gave in. When I said yes, Mateo's face lit up, he held my art bag for me and walked me to his car, opening and closing the door for me. I wasn't used to this type of chivalry, but it was a nice feeling nonetheless.
On the ride back home he played a mix of Nirvana, Metallica, and Iron Maiden. When we arrived to the entrance gate, I had to text Johnny that I was here so he'd let us in. 10 seconds after the text was marked delivered, the gate opened.

"You live here?" Mateo's eyes widened

"Only temporarily, I'm here as an exchange student" I explained

"For my exchange program I got stuck with a roommate with a keen interest in feta cheese" He chuckled, shaking his head.

Arriving closer to the house, I saw the lights were on, and there was a dark silhouette standing in the door frame.

God I hope it's Travis.

"Is that your host? He looks pissed, did you run away or something?" Mateo joked.

"Something like that" I nervously sighed.

Mateo got out of the car to once again open the door for me, he got my things out of his trunk and handed them to me.