Moths - Saltburn

Contest - 15

"Ollie, hang on a second. My phone keeps ringing. Either that means someone died, or Claire had a bad date," I said as we walked to one of the sitting rooms.

"Oh my God, you're at his house, aren't you?" I could hear the smirk forming on her face. "Gemma might give you an easier time, but I won't." She sang, teasing me.

"Well, maybe. but what's going on?" I asked.

"I messaged you about it but didn't hear back for hours, so I had to call... I may have entered you in a photography contest. They, uh, need the photographers in London this weekend," she answered the last part hesitantly.

"Claire!"

"Oh, please. You'll thank me later. I submitted your best stuff. I can meet you there, and I'm sure your mum and dad will be so happy to see you again. Oh my God, you should bring Ollie. We could all meet him. I'm sure your dad would love that opportunity. It'll be so fun..."

As she rambled on, I pulled the phone away and looked at Ollie. "Claire entered me in a photography contest. They "need" the photographers there. I'll be right back."

He gave me a wink as I stepped away.

"Claire, slow down. I don't know about all that. I need more details first." I said before a long pause. "And no, he's not coming. That would be weird." I whispered.

"Ugh, fine. Look at the text and see if you're up for it. I want to see you, and it would be so fun to have a day to catch up, " she said.

"I'll let you know, promise," I answered before hanging up.

As I walked back in, Oliver was reading a book whose title I couldn't make out.

"I guess I'm going back to London this weekend?" I said as if it were a question.

"That's good." He said, closing the book and slowly moving towards me.

I watched him intensely as he came to sit close to me. The smell of his cologne tickled my nose.

"I think it'll be good for you." He stated.

"Yeah," I said, looking down and fiddling with my rings. I remembered how embarrassed I was when he came by my apartment not too long ago.

"Well, I'll plan that dinner party while you're gone. Then you'll have something to look forward to when you come back." He smiled and placed his hand on my leg for a brief moment.

"That sounds nice, Ollie."

                                       —

I drove to London on Saturday morning and planned on staying for the weekend. Not long ago, I was visiting my mum in the hospital, and I still felt all over the place.

I wouldn't see Gemma, but I knew Claire would be refreshing. Of course, my parents insisted I stay with them.

"Hi, mum." I smiled as she opened the door.
She looked better after being out of the hospital, but I could tell she wasn't back to normal.

"Eve, darling. You look beautiful!" She beamed.

"Thanks, Mum. You're feeling better, aren't you?" I asked.

"Every day. It would be easier if your father would stop being overbearing about everything." She laughed and walked me inside.

I always loved visiting their house. Even though I hadn't moved all that long ago, it still felt like home to me. They'd keep me forever, but I was beyond ready to move.

"I'll go put my bag in the guest room. Claire is supposed to be here soon, and you know she'll be super chatty, so why don't you sit down and take it easy?"