Like Ships in the Night

Chapter 10

    I looked down at my phone as it vibrated. The screen was illuminated, and Wes' name appeared. I clicked answer, holding it up to my ear. 

     "Hello?"

     "I'm here!" Wes sounded cheerful, which made me dread having to get in the car with him. 

     "Okay, I came inside to wait. I'll be right out. Thanks." 

      I looked over at Aidan, who had settled into a chair next to me. His eyes had left his laptop, now watching me. I smiled, thankful for his company while I waited. 

     "All set?" 

     "Yeah. Hey, thanks for waiting with me."

     "Don't flatter yourself," Aidan smirked, "I'm just avoiding going back to work."

     "I'll see you in the morning, then?" 

     Aidan nodded. "It was great meeting you, McKinley. I look forward to the next however long." 

     "You too. You definitely made this first day a little less scary." 

     "Oh good. I've been told I'm pretty terrifying." His tone proved his humor.

     "Exactly," I teased back, "so you make everyone else seem less scary."

     "You caught on fast to my banter. I'm impressed that you can keep up." Aidan smirked. 

     "I'm not sure if that was an insult," I crinkled my nose, grabbing my purse. 

     I flashed a smile before turning to head out the front door. As I stepped out the front door, I found that shiny new car parked in front of building. I let out a deep breath, realizing that despite us being on good terms now, Wes and I would have to have a conversation for the next half hour. I wasn't sure exactly what was going to happen, as we hadn't talked much since he had tried to kiss me. 

     As my fingers curled around the handle of the passenger door, tugging it open, I heard Aidan's voice calling out my name. I looked over my shoulder to find him jogging down the concrete sidewalk. He held up my badge, shaking his head. 

      "You forgot this again." 

      I reached out, taking it from him. "I'm starting to think you keep stealing it."

     "And why would I do that?" You could hear the playful tone in Aidan's voice.

      "Just to see me again." 

      My eyes widened slightly as I realized that I had just transformed our friendly banter into a bit more of flirting. I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes landing on Wes, who was staring at me as well. His hands gripped the wheel. I could tell he was jealous. My eyes moved back to Aidan, who hadn't said anything yet. As our eyes met, he only smiled before turning to head back inside. 

        I thought about calling out after him, wishing him a good night or to tell him I'd see him tomorrow. I didn't say anything, though. I just ducked into the car, pulling the door closed behind me and clicking my seat belt into place. 

       "So," Wes started, "you two seem to get along." 

       I was a little surprised by how playful Wes was being. I had been with him long enough to know that jealousy was certainly a weakness of his. In his defense, it was natural, and it was certainly one of my downfalls, as well. I expected to hear a bit more of that jealousy in his voice, but for now, it was only evident in the way his knuckles were turning white from grasping the steering wheel so hard.