Just a Little Love Story

Chapter Five

Lilian

As I walked toward my car, I couldn't help but feel lightheaded.

Marco's presence was intoxicating, and I closed the lapels of his jacket around me, only to be assailed by his scent. His aftershave was familiar, but the citrus accent was mixed with an earthier fragrance, and I couldn't recognize the cologne he used.

"The name of the place is Gelatissimo," he said, closing my driver door.

"Wait. Take your jacket—" I started shrugging the soft garment off my shoulders, but he stepped aside, shaking his head with a smile.

"See you in a few," he mouthed and left.

I watched as he walked away with his hands in his front pockets. He disappeared around the corner and I left my parking spot with a strange tingling in my stomach. The last time I experienced butterflies, I was sixteen. Jaden invited me to study at his house, and I had been waiting to spend time with him alone for a long time. His parents weren't home, and I knew. We spent most of the time in Jaden's bedroom, making out on his bed.

To this day, I think that afternoon was my downfall. Jaden's kisses spoiled me for any other man. Since then, I've never looked at anyone else with the same anticipation. Not even after years of emotional rollercoaster.

Until tonight.

Exiting the parking lot, I turned right, and immediately remembered the street was closed at the intersection, due to some roadwork. Unable to make a U-turn, I impatiently drove into the Friday night traffic, while it started raining in earnest. As if it was mocking me, the radio blasted Kings of Lion. The song wasn't Closer, but I changed station.

A cop directed the long row of cars ahead of me toward the alternate route I had already taken when driving to the mall. It wouldn't take me anywhere close to Bravern, but a few miles away. A glance to the clock on the dashboard confirmed five minutes had already passed, and I was still stuck behind Bellevue Square.

Downtown Bellevue was a grid of neatly arranged streets. If I took the right alley, I would be able to reach the ice cream shop in the next ten minutes, traffic permitting.

At the light, I followed the cop's outstretched hand and turned left, then right again, only to find myself in a dead-end. I swore. Back on the main road, I switched lanes twice, punching directions on my navigator to find the correct turn. A boy band proclaimed their eternal love for the usual ugly duck who doesn't know she's beautiful. The rain was now a downpour.

Averting my eyes from the road, I changed station again, and at the same time, Closer chimed on my cell phone. My hand wandered from the dashboard to the cup holder where I kept my phone. More than anything else, I wanted to silence it once and for all. Red light colored the inside of my car, and a moment later I heard tires screeching on the wet asphalt. I barely had time to raise my gaze.