The Game We Both Lost

Part 2 - Let's Play A Game

I was finishing off my coke by the side of beach, on a railing of the bridge that brings us across the water. Not many people cross the bridge at this time of evening, and it was quiet besides the low murmuring of people by the shore. Teenagers having a campfire party sat quite far away from where I sat, so the music wasn't blaring and I could hear my own breathing.

There were a couple by my right, embracing each other and whispering. I sighed as I place the cup beside me. I wished Hayley hadn't fallen for Andrew, then maybe she would be with me right now, and we would talk about getting away from town, travel and have fun. But then I remembered when I had been with Colton. Did I make her feel the way I feel now? Did I ever forget to meet her when we planned to? I couldn't remember. But maybe I did.

I shook my head and looked up at the darkening sky. I think it could've been just minutes while I stared at the moon and the stars. When I looked down again, I saw a man coming up to me,  a bottle in his hand. Instinctively, I panicked. He could be drunk and I could be in danger. I was struggling to get down when the moonlight shone on him and I could see his face. 

I relaxed but it doesn't mean I want him near me. But I couldn't get away fast enough without coming off as rude or scared. The last thing I need is for Noah Carlisle to think I'm scared of him because I absolutely wasn't. I pretended not to see until he finally reached me, and took a seat beside me, toppling my cup down. Luckily I had finished my coke.

"Oops. My bad. Want some?" He offered me his bottle, and I saw that it wasn't alcohol but soda. I shook my head, I didn't want to speak. He didn't seem bothered, though, he only stared out at the water and probably the people partying out there.

"Why are you here and not there with your friend Hayley?" He asked, and my mouth dropped open at the fact that Hayley is partying.

"I.. I'm not up for stupid partying."

"Come on. It's Friday. You dance, have fun. Won't kill." He let his bottle sit beside him and looked at me, and when I didn't say anything, he laughed.

I frowned as I watched him laugh. "What's funny?" 

"Nothing." He stopped but continued to smile. I figured I didn't want to know why he was laughing anyway so I kept quiet and watched the partying people, trying to spot my best friend.

"You know, I'm sorry Colton left you like that. He shouldn't have." He broke the silence.

I almost laughed. "Says the boy who leaves all the girls broken."

He chuckled and shook his head, "At least I have the courtesy not to make out with another girl in front of the one I just dumped." 

I don't know why exactly I said what I was going to say, but a part of me felt that I needed to do something and that it would be fun. Something I somehow knew I would regret but I still do it. So I took a breath and looked him dead in the eye, "I heard you're a player. So let's play a game."

At first he frowned, but soon his eyes has that gleam again, that excitement that seemed to light up his whole face. He looked at me, as if he hadn't heard me clearly. So I continued. "Let's sweet talk. Let's play fight."

His smile brightened, "Let's talk 24/7."

"Let's tell each other good morning and good night everyday." I continued.

"Let's take walks together." He got off the railing and offered me his hand.

"Let's give each other nicknames." I took his calloused hands and jumped.

"Let's hang out with each other's friends." He winked.

"Let's go on dates." I smirked.

"Let's talk on the phone all night long."