Breakaway

adventure

adventure (n): an exciting or noteworthy event that one experiences firsthand.

Olivia

While we're waiting for our food to arrive, I try to make small talk with Bennett. Awkward silence kills me, so I avoid it at all costs. Somehow, I get Bennett to tell me a few things about himself. He has been on the SPU hockey team since he was a freshman, so for four years, and he is 23 years old. He answers questions when I ask him, but doesn't elaborate any further, so getting to know him is going to be quite a challenge.

Good thing I've always loved a good challenge.

"I'm a junior," I say. Not that he asked, or anything. "I'm 22 and the Kiddie Skate is an internship for me. I need the credit in order to graduate. I really love teaching it, though. All of the little pre-schoolers are so adorable! I remember when I first learned to skate when I was three. It was the most fun thing ever! I can't believe I just went the entire summer without stepping foot on the ice. One time, when I was six-," I cut myself off. "Sorry. I tend to ramble."

'No," Bennett says sternly. I look up and make eye contact with him, confused. He continues, "I want to hear."

I smile, sit up straight, and continue to tell him the story of the time I did my first figure skating competition at six years old. My dad gave me pizza before I got on the ice and I didn't know until I found one of my mothers old photo albums, but I had sat on a piece and had pizza sauce all over the butt of my uniform while I performed. My dad didn't tell me because he didn't want me to be embarrassed, but finding out years later didn't make me feel any better. I laugh about it now, but I can't imagine the look on everyones faces as I performed my routine. How I didn't feel the pizza under my butt when I sat on it, I'll never know."

Bennett listens to my story intently and patiently, even giving me and slight facial expression or two in response. It's a start, I'll give him that.

Not long after I finish my story, our server brings over our sizzling fajitas.

"Thank you so much!" I say.

"You're welcome," she smiles, refilling Bennett's water and then leaving us to enjoy our food. We eat the fajitas together and I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. I hope Bennett feels the same way. I thought it would be a little bit awkward without Liam here, but it's not.

Once we're done eating, our server brings us one check. I thank her and reach out to grab it, but Bennett's hand on mine stops me. I look over at him and pull my hand away nervously.

"I got it," he says.

"Thank you, Bennett. By the way, you're welcome out with us anytime," I say softly. "But hey, the night doesn't need to end here!"

He waits for me to elaborate.

"Would you like me to surprise you, or tell you where we're going?" I ask. He looks at me hesitantly.

"Um. Surprise me," he says, setting some cash on the table.

"A man of adventure, I like it!" I grin, standing up and leading him to the parking lot. I stop once we are on the sidewalk outside of Taco Loco, realizing I don't know where he parked his car, or what it looks like. He doesn't say anything but begins walking towards the lot of parked cars. I follow him.

As I walk behind Bennett, I notice that he's wearing all black, consisting of boots, jeans, a t-shirt, and a blazer. He stops walking next to a Lexus Sedan. It's black, of course. He opens the passenger door for me and waits for me to sit down before closing it. I wonder what he'll think when I tell him that my favorite color is yellow.