Living Short in Bel Air (Completed 2013)

ChapteЯ 8: Gett'in Wet and Wild

ChapteЯ 8: Gett’in Wet and Wild   

My stomach sunk and I knew this day was going all too well. 

The stolen chocolate piece fell into Mary’s cup with a plop and made an audible splash.  She gasped.  Like a ketchup stain on a clean shirt, the wine looked clear as mud on her white sundress. 

“Mind if we get the tab early?” I said. 

“Already one step ahead of you.”  He pulled back his chair and tossed a handful of cash on the table. 

Lowering my head, I cringed to hear the sound of a familiar old lady shout.  “Who in Lord’s name did this?!”

“And that’s our cue.”  I ducked behind a group of chattering ladies and followed Clint out the door.  Quickly skipping down the stairs, we got into the car just as Mary came screaming to the porch.  Her pearl bracelets jiggled as her fist shook in the air. 

“Why you---you---”

Clint stepped on the gas and sped out of the parking lot.  I gripped tightly on the door and eased as we were great distance from the cranky old hag. 

Turning to apologize for ending our lesson so soon, it surprised me to see a slow smile creep on his face.  A moment of silence passed before we burst into laughter, howling until we reached my driveway.  It was weird to hear him laugh, the sound refreshing to listen to.  I would trade this kind of Clint any day for an I-correct-you-all-the-time Clint.   

Catching my breath, I reached for the door, but stopped to hear him getting out first.  He opened the door and did a slight gentlemen bow.  “My lady.”

I failed to hide a smile and what I hoped to be graceful, stepped out with a little curtsey.  “Thank you,” I said. 

“My pleasure.” He winked and closed the door. 

Heading for my balcony, I turned at the top of the stairs and smiled to see him leaning on the car.  “I appreciate the lunch or, uh, dinner.” 

He laughed and opened the driver door.  “Think of it as a dunch.”

“Or linner,” I added.  Laughing again, I felt proud to make the uptight Clint Ryder ease back. 

Tilting a little salute goodnight, I quickly headed inside before the unwanted blush came.    

I kicked off the clunky shoes and rubbed my pink heels.  Scowling as it got redder to my toes, I had suddenly wished I just ditched the shoes in his car.  I definitely wasn’t going to wear those again. 

“You look gorgeous.”  My mom ran over and gave me a suffocating mom squeeze.  Rolling my eyes, I lightly patted her shoulder and peeled her off.