One Deep Breath

Chapter Five

"What do you mean he's giving you a ride home? What if he's a crazy person?" Rachel asked Jolie with dismay.

"Rachel. It's fine. I'll just meet you back in our room in a little while. Please don't make this a big deal" Jolie begged.

"Fine. Fine, but if you're not back there in one hour I'm going mother-mode and calling the police."

Jolie squeezed Rachel's hand and gave her a grin. Then she turned back towards Jesse who was making his way towards the staircase, his eyes searching through all the VIP patrons.

"Hey Jesse!  I have your face memorized, you know. Just in case I need to give the police a sketch of you." Rachel yelled over the crowd, as Jesse led Jolie down the stairs.

He looked down at Jolie, his smile growing wider at her friend's threat.

"I like your friend. She's protective, yeah?"

"Sorry about that. She's kidding. Kind of."

"Don't apologize. It's a good thing. So where is this famous food truck?"

They had reached the exit, feeling the cold air blowing in as security opened the door for those heading out. It couldn't be more than 20 degrees outside, and it was snowing lightly. Jolie realized immediately that walking to the food truck was going to be a bit of bitch, considering her refusal to wear and carry around a coat all night. Now she was totally regretting that decision.

"Did you check your coat? " Jesse broke into her thoughts. Jolie sheepishly looked up at him and shook her head.

"I didn't wear one out," she replied, suddenly feeling like a child the way Jesse looked at her quizzically.

Jesse frowned, and Jolie could tell he was mulling over his next move.

"Here, take mine."

He slipped his black, wool coat off and draped it over her, left only in his light, white button down to brave the chilly weather

Jolie flushed, again, at his sweet gesture and her embarrassing decision to choose to look good over being practical.

"I swear it's really close. Come on, we can run there," Jolie slipped her arms into the jacket, grabbed his hand and pulled him out into the street.

Jesse obliged and they started off towards the corner. One block over Jolie slowed down and shot a sideways glance towards Jesse. Feeling awkward she dropped his hand suddenly, letting out a soft laugh.

"It's right around there," she pointed to the intersection ahead of them, "but I can't run anymore." She kicked up her heel to show him why walking the rest of the way would be necessary.

He laughed and held out his arm for her to grab on to. She smiled, latching onto his elbow.

"I was wondering how you were running in those. Very impressive."

"I probably look like a total fool wearing heels and an oversized men's coat."

"Well I think you look cute."

Jolie looked down, not sure how to respond. Jesse was gorgeous and sweet and saying and doing all the right things, but she still wasn't sure what he was expecting from her, or what she was expecting herself. She'd never done the one night stand thing, and she certainly hadn't ever let a stranger drive her home before, especially at 2:30 in the morning after a night of drinking. Her gut told her she was okay, but another small voice in the back of her head was screaming at her to go back to Rachel and the girls.