Night in the Ruts

The Issue With Gearshifts - Charlie

He knew I liked it.  I couldn't hide it anymore, so I simply let my sarcasm drip.  He seemed to ridicule my use of the word like.  "Are you making fun of me?" I asked.

        "That depends," he said back, seeming kind of relieved.  "How much do you like me?"

        A lot.  But I don't say that out loud.  I shrug, instead.  "Not sure yet."

        Guess what?  He kisses me again.

      This time I don't back away.  I'll admit, I was a little surprised that first time.  It was bit embarrassing that I covered my mouth after cursing.  I was used to not being able to do it, so when I did it was a little surprising to me at first, but then I'd remember that I'm not at home and it's okay... If that makes any sense at all.

        I stand there in the dim hallway with his hands around my waist.  He grins.  "How about now?"

        "I think now it's time to leave," I reply sweetly, amazed at how easy talking to him suddenly was.

        His bottom lip stuck out in the slightest pout.  It was nearly irresistible.  "Why?" he asked.

        "I've got school."

        "It's summer," he says.

        "Oh."

        We just stand there for quite some time.  Long enough for Nicky to open the door and yell my name.  I tell him a gotta go.  Steven doesn't let go.  "I do want to see you again sometime," he said seriously.

        "Okay," I said, unsure of what else to say after that.

        "I'll call you?" he asks.

        "Sure, sure."

        Jeez, three times in one night!  Awesome!  He kisses me again and leads me to the door and Nicky.  "We're off for a few weeks now–touring, I mean.  See ya later..."

        "Yeah, bye," I say breathlessly.

        Nicky puts his arm around my shoulders and we walk to the car.  I don't tell him he can give it up (the whole façade) because it's actually rather cold out and I didn't wear a jacket, just long-sleeves.

        "What were you doing in there?" he asks once the car was started.  I shivered because Jess' car had no heater.  (Warning! Something very cliché is about to happen, so don't get your panties in a twist!  Thanks.)  "Here," Nicky noticed and handed me the jacket he smartly brought along.  It was leather, so it held the stench of smoke.

        I gladly accept it, despite the smell and the amazing cliché-ity of it all.  "Well, he knows that I was lying.  He knows the whole truth about everything," I explain, still breathless and flustered from kissing Steven three times.

        "That's all?  It took forever!" he complained.

        I smile innocently.  We reach the highway and Nicky speeds us home.  When we pull into my driveway, he seems uncomfortable.  I unbuckle and begin to take the jacket off.

        "No, keep it on," he insists.  "I'll get it later."  Why isn't he getting out?  Why's he just staring at me?  Nicky takes a breath.  "So, you wanna get some dinner or something Friday night?  See a movie?"

        "Yeah, sure," I say.  "Who all'll be there?"  I was thinking of when we go tagging along with a group of his friends while they all got high–something we usually do.