Criminals On The Run |18+

Over Lunch.

The bell finally rings for lunch and the kids rush out. “Tyler? Are you still hungry?” He shakes his head and smiles. “Don't worry Ms. R. If I am, I'm gonna ask around.”

“And if you dont-” “I know. I'll look for you.” He smiles. I chuckle and watch him leave the class.

I head out and walk towards the little cafe across the street. I don't really mind if Adam comes or not, but I'm starving.

I approach the little shop with adorable sets of chairs and tables laid outside the shop with umbrella shades to prevent the scorching California heat.

I take a seat near the shop for more privacy and the waitress approaches me. She hands me the menu with a smile and nods, walking away.

My eyes scan the menu, looking for something delicious.

“Gonna order without me?” Adam asks, approaching my table. “Can't help it. I'm starving.”

He sits down and leans back on his seat. “What are you thinking?”

“Mmm ...maybe some noodles. Here, a noodle soup. Chicken. And you?”

“A club sandwich is fine.”

“Drinks?” “Iced coffee sounds great doesn't it?” He smirks. “It really does.” I grin.

“Is that all?” I nod.

He calls the waitress over and places our orders. She walks away from us and his gaze shifts back to me.

“So, Olivia.” The sound of my name on his tongue rolls out perfectly. He smirks, placing both his arms on the table. “Tell me about yourself.”

“Which part, Adam?” “Everything?”

I shake my head. “Be specific.” “Well, okay. Did you always want to become a teacher?”

He's really shooting arrows at targets now, isn't he?

“Yes. It's fascinating. It's fun. I learn at the same time.”

“Short answers.” “I'm straight to the point aren't i?” He squints and smiles at me. “I like that. Better than dragging it all out.”

“Yes. And you?”

“Not really. I wanted to join the army. But my dad refused. Said he'd rather have me become a plumber than join the army. He's got separation anxiety.”

“He should be having that for his wife.” I chuckle. He Snickers and rolls his eyes. “Yeah, well, I took the next best thing. This. And it's been great.”

“Yeah?” He nods. “It's fun. Kids are funny. And chaotic. Overall, it makes me forget all my worries.”

“Yeah, cus they give you a whole different set of worries.”

We chuckle together and sigh. The waitress brings our food and we dig into it.

“How long have you been staying here?” He asks.

“Not long. Few years I'd say.” “Yeah? Do you like it?” “It's okay. The heat gives me migraines. But it's a nice place to enjoy.” “Yeah, I grew up here. It's been my whole life here.”

“Must be nice.” “I wish I grew up in New York or some.”

“Yeah, cuz that would be great.”

“Yeah, I might've even become an actor.”

“With your handsome looks, you'd definitely be the internet's next prey.”

He laughs. “Thank you for that.” I wink and shrug. “Just being honest…Adam.”

He squints at me for a second before chuckling and eating his meal. “Doing anything tomorrow night?”

“Not that I can think of.”

“Well, maybe we have a movie night?”

“In my place?” “Whichever you prefer.”

I think for a while before giving him a smile. “My place is cozy enough for me.”

“You got it.”

“Should I consider that to be a third date?”

“Should we even be counting?” Adam smiles.

I chuckle. “Okay then.”

***