Moths - Saltburn

Cliché - 01

The morning I met Oliver is one I'll never forget. It's somewhat cliché and embarrassing all at the same time. The barrister called, "Flat White!" Grasping the warm cup, I ventured outside, where the brisk air nipped at my face. While distracted by my scarf flowing behind me, I ran straight into him. To my horror, my coffee spilt down his sweater.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. My scarf was slipping. I'm sorry, that has to be scalding." I said worriedly, placing my hand over my mouth.

"It's okay, don't worry about it. I should've been paying attention as well." He said with a laugh.

"Are you sure you're alright?" I looked down to see most of it on the ground.

"Yup, I'm sorry about your drink. Oh, I'm Oliver, Oliver Quick." He said with a smile.

"As long as you're okay." I paused. "I'm Evalie Clarke. It's nice to meet you. Please don't worry about my coffee, I'll get another one. It was my fault for not paying attention."

"I was just about to go in." He said with a smile. "Let me get you a new one."

Unable to resist, we walked into the shop, and he got both of us a drink. I found the only table available in the far back corner, creating a somewhat secluded setting. After the adrenaline rush, the comforting aroma of coffee calmed my nerves. Oliver made his way towards me only moments later. He wore a well-fitted blue sweater with a black down jacket, jeans, and crisp white trainers.

"Here you are." He handed me the fresh drink and sat down after draping his coat over the chair.
Leaning gently on the table, he looked at me with his stunning blue eyes. His striking appearance carried an almost intimidating quality.

"So Evalie, Is running into people your way to make new acquaintances?" He asked with a smirk.

"Well, fortunately for everyone else, not usually. I'm still so sorry." I said with an apologetic smile.

"Don't be so hard on yourself; I'm okay. I promise."

"Tell me about yourself," I replied, taking a long sip of my warm coffee. He took another sip before placing his elbows on the table, leaning in closer than before.

"Well, I'm a bit of a loner right now. My father died years ago, and my mother couldn't take the pain; a year ago, she passed. What about you?" He spoke softly.

"Oh, Oliver, I'm so sorry to hear that. I moved here from London. I'm a photographer, so having the countryside to take pictures is a nice change. Why haven't I seen you before?" I replied.

"No need to be sorry, I'll get along. Honestly, I don't come here much. I'm normally at home, but I was getting lonely." He paused briefly, shifting his weight back into the chair. "Are you originally from London?"

"Mmm," I hummed before answering. "I'm from Cambridge, but my family moved to London when I was fifteen. I went to university in Cambridge, though. I couldn't stay away from my friends for long. Do you live by yourself then? If you had to join the coffee addicts, it must be bad." I let out a shy smile, hoping I didn't overstep.

"I could do without all the noise, but I would like to thank your scarf for distracting you. Since you're a photographer, do you enjoy Art galleries?" He rested his chin on his palm.

"Of course I do; one of my favourite things about London is the art. Are you a world-renowned artist that I haven't discovered?" Cradling my cup, I leaned into the table, anticipating his deepest secret. "I won't tell a soul."

"That would certainly make me an interesting bloke, but no. There's one I would like to take you to if you'd like to join me. Maybe tomorrow?" Placing his cup down, he studied my features intently. I glanced at my empty cup before locking eyes with him.

"Sounds lovely, Oliver. Thank you again for the coffee. I haven't made any friends here, so this was nice." I was enamoured and hadn't realised five minutes quickly turned into an hour. As we stepped outside, we exchanged numbers before bidding each other farewell.

"I can pick you up when we go; it's a bit of a drive." He said before smirking and walking away.

My clock seemed to tick extra loudly, taunting me with every second. It had been a while since I made a new friend, and I was excited to get to know him. The move was a fun change of pace, but it was rather isolating at times. As evening eventually arrived, I was nestled in bed, dreaming about those mesmerising eyes.

The alarm was excessively abrasive as I fumbled to turn it off. My body reluctantly moved with me as I stepped into a steaming shower. I allowed myself a moment of relaxation before washing. After showering, I lay on my bed wrapped in a towel, mindlessly scrolling on my phone. Despite anticipating getting to know Oliver, my eyes began to feel heavy.

Abruptly waking up, I swiftly reached for my phone in a panic. While asleep, Oliver asked if I had lunch plans. I hurried into my bathroom, curling my hair and applying makeup. Wearing a plum turtle neck and black trousers, I reached for my black ballet flats. A knock at the door echoed through my small entryway as I put them on.

When I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat at the sight of his eyes. No matter how long I looked into them, they seemed more captivating than before. He looked so warm and inviting. I gathered my things and stepped out into the gloomy weather. His grey Volvo awaited in the drive. Unsure of my expectations, I must have appeared surprised.

"Is it not to your liking?" He asked as he strolled over, opening the passenger door for me.

"I'm just admiring the sophistication," I responded with a smile. Entering the seat, I placed my bag next to my feet and warmed my hands by the heat. It dawned on me that I was in the car of someone I just met, prompting a deep breath to calm my nerves. After a few minutes on the road, I chose to break the silence.

"So I'm not going back in a body bag, am I?" Smirking, I exhaled a breath that escaped my notice. He met my gaze with a friendly smile.

"No, but I might. You look gorgeous." Part of me couldn't believe how shameless he was, but the other part of me loved it. Glancing down at my lap, I sensed warmth spreading to my cheeks, and an uncontrollable smile emerged.

"You're too kind. So, is this your favourite Art gallery?" I said, glancing back in his direction.

"I wouldn't say I have a favourite, but it's on my list."

"Oh, so there's a list?" I remarked jokingly. We both attempted to rank the favourites we had visited, comparing how many we'd been to. I was victorious in that friendly competition.

We stopped for a brief lunch at a small pizza restaurant. I'd never been, but it was so good. The art gallery was smaller than the ones I typically visited. However, it was refreshing to have something nearby.

We walked lazily through the exhibit, taking in all the details. The paintings were magnificent. My favourites included portraits of our late Queen. It was delightful to share our love for art. I knew we'd get along well.

All too soon, we were back in the car, driving back to my flat. I wished the drive had lasted longer, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Leaning my head back on the seat, I closed my eyes for a brief moment.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Better than alright." I shifted my gaze toward him, but his eyes focused on the road. I couldn't resist admiring how thoughtful he was.

Once we pulled in front of my flat, he turned his attention back to me, leaning onto the console and resting his chin in his palm. He retrieved an envelope from his coat, "Don't read it until you're inside."

Lost for words, I smiled and left the car to go inside. My curiosity longed to see what the tiny envelope held, but all I wanted was more time with him.