Birthday Express ▶️

7 - We're Lost. Very, Very, Very Lost

“Ow.”

The sudden bump on the road shook Tanner awake. He brought his hand to his forehead, rubbing the tension from his collision to the glass window.

He checked his watch that blinked 9:12 and felt panic sink in. They were nearing an hour and a half of travel for a hotel that’s 30 minutes away.  He shifted his gaze outside and squinted, trying to get details in the dark. A lump the size of Canada formed in his throat at the unfamiliar sight. They’re definitely not anywhere near Vermont Avenue.

“Lennie, I don’t think…” he said above a whisper, his voice near cracking as he attempted to keep his voice low and his frustration at bay.

“No worry. This way shortcut. Hotel very near.” Lennie assured.

Tanner shut his eyes, air coming in his body in rapid breaths. He felt Flynn steer awake beside him, her hands rubbing over her eyes.

“What’s going on?”

Tanner’s face paled at her worried expression “Would you rather I say that you lost your hotel booking, the hotel you’re staying in doesn’t exist or that we’re completely and utterly lost?”

Flynn’s eyes widened, scrambling in her seat. Her sight flung to all directions before looking at Tanner. “Are we lost? Again?” she asked, inching closer to him with a glare. Her face morphed into a dejected expression before she cradled her face in her hands. “I just missed the open forum. Just missed it. Flew out the window.” she mumbled.

Before he can think about it, Tanner scooted closer, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her in a hug. He rubbed circles in her back. In that moment, he felt like the biggest jerk in the planet and would do anything just to get Flynn to smile again. It’d break his heart if he gave her the worst birthday of her life.

He opened his mouth to say something when the cab suddenly stopped. Lennie faced them with a huge smile on his face and motioned his hand dramatically to the window.

“Hollywood Place Motel, where stars come alive.”

Tanner shut his eyes in disbelief as Flynn’s body started shaking under his hand. He panicked at the thought of her crying and brought her up by the shoulders.

Only she wasn’t. She was laughing.

“Hollywood Motel? Seriously?” She ran a hand through her hair and jumped out the cab. Tanner shook his head to snap out of it as he drew a few bills from his pocket and handed them to Lennie.

“Wait. I give you a cards,” he said, fishing out two crookedly cut wallet-sized cardboards with a number scribbled on them. “Give one to the nice lady. You call if you need a cab or a friend. I can do both.” Lennie smiled as he gave a nod.

Tanner got out of the cab and stood behind Flynn who had her arms crossed over her chest, staring at the motel.

He brought his hands over the back of his neck and stepped a bit closer to Flynn. He was almost too afraid to look her in the eyes and see anger. Or worse, disappointment.

“I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.”

Tanner stood still, his eyes wide in shock as they spoke in unison. He opened his mouth again to say something but Flynn continued, a huge smile plastered on her face.

“This is probably the most memorable birthday I’ve ever had. Might be the best if not for our continued unfortunate experiences.” She chuckled, stepping closer to him. “But still. I had a lot of fun. Thanks to you.” Tanner felt his knees buckle as Flynn walked closer. She stood on her tiptoes and gave his cheek a peck.

His cheek tingled as he felt her soft lips. The small gesture sent his heart into overdrive and he wanted nothing than to hold her closer. She drew back quickly, much to his dismay, running inside the motel.

He followed, his hand over his cheek, grinning like a fool. A fool in love.

—-

Flynn almost cringed at the sight of her giddy reflection staring back at her.

“A kiss on the cheek Flynn? What are you? Five?” She scolded herself as she splashed her face with cold water.

It only made sense, due to their unbelievable bad luck track record, that they’d be stuck with a single room with a single bed. Overbooked, my asthmatic ass, she thought. Or maybe she didn’t seem convincing enough when she said her overly covered boyfriend has a really bad rash and is currently indisposed.

But she felt, weirdly enough, okay with it. The past few hours were probably the most magical time she had. Too short though for her to have such feelings for a stranger. She held a hand over her heart that beat faster than ever as she got out of the bathroom. She scanned the room and saw the balcony door slightly ajar. She heard Tanner talking over the phone.

“I know. I’m coming home in a few hours. Anything looks pretty on you. Mhmm. No. I’m just taking refuge. I got chased this morning. Of course, I’m alone. Okay, I promise. I love you, too.”

Her heart fell at his words. So, someone is waiting for him. She shook her head, trying to get out of her daydream. She bit her lip as tears threatened to fall. Why? Because you were dumb enough to think he was into to you, too?

She grabbed the spare blanket and pillow and made her way to the couch. She heard footsteps and hurriedly closed her eyes, just as the first tear fell.