Running Scared

Chapter 4:

I tossed Eric his water bottle. “Good game,” I panted while bending over, trying to catch my breath. Those last few shots really ran me around the court. I took a gulp of my own water.

“Whatever. It was soooo easy. No effort at all.” He teased, showing his biceps.

My cheeks warmed up the slightest as I looked at his toned arm. “Yeah, ha ha. Just a little cocky aren't you?”

“How about that lunch? For the loser?” He daunted as I sipped my water.

“I think I might just take you up on that, I do deserve it after all that name calling. Hey scrawny, over here blondie, hey shortie!” I mimicked in my deep “man” voice. He almost spewed his mouth-full of water as I spoke.

He laughed, like really laughed. It was the throw-your-head-back laugh. And it was loud. He shrugged. “Where? Oh wait... I think I know... TGI Friday's?”

“Of course, no where else would be good!” I winked at him with a giggle.

He took one last sip before digging for his car keys. The car made two unlocking sounds. “Get in.”

I climbed into his car and kept the door open until he turned the car on. We both reached for the AC at the same time. I yanked my hand away and muttered sorry. Strange as it was, a spark of electricity went from the tips of my fingers to the ends of my toes as we touched. It was probably just static electricity. He jacked the AC on high and the cool air felt amazing on my hot and sweaty skin.

Eric turned onto Lilac Avenue as I played our post-basketball jam. He drummed his hands to the beat on the steering wheel as I pounded on the dashboard like a drummer would. When it came time for the guitar solo we both were sitting at the stop light playing our air guitars. All too soon, we pulled up to the restaurant and he turned the car off.

I led the way to the door and like a gentleman Eric held the door open for me. He made some funny comment about doors and it had me laughing so hard I snorted in front of the hostess. She gave me a what-the-hell look and I shrugged her off.

“Table for two please.”

She grabbed two menus. “Right this way.”

We followed her to the center of the restaurant and sat at a booth along a half-wall. I sat down and threw my purse next to me. Eric slid into his side and chuckled quietly. At what I don't know.

“Your server will be out in a moment.” The hostess turned away with a quick pivot of her heel.

Before I could open my mouth, Eric's phone went off. He pulled it out reluctantly and looked at the screen. “I have to take this, I'm sorry. I'll be back. Hello?” He asked as he put the phone to his ear.

I watched him walk away towards the bathrooms. Without anything else to do, I pulled out my phone and started to play Temple Run. What can I say? This game is addicting.

“Hi, my name is Alissa and I'll be your server today. What would you like to drink?” Her voice startled me and I ran right off a cliff. Damn, that was my high score too.

I looked up reluctantly at her smiling face. “Two waters, for the both of us.” I added at the end.

“I'll be right back with those.”

As soon as she left Eric came back and noisily sat down in the booth.

“Hello again!”

“Geez, I don't think any one has sat down in a booth louder than that.”