Air Brushed

POGs

Chapter 3: POGs

Even though it goes against my better judgment, I decide to try and get the job at Duke's. Sure it's a bar, but turns out it pays really good money and I REALLY need that right now. The description given to me, according to the papers in the manila folder, is basically waiting tables and that is easy enough.

I figure that if I don't go outside until after my shift, at which point I can just hail a cab and get the hell out of that place for the day, I would be safe.

So, I apply, interview, and get the acceptance call within a week and a half.

Liam and I have dinner to celebrate, but end up ordering in HIS secret family recipe Dominos pepperoni pizza. I have to laugh when I see the box. The words that will either make me sound like an idiot or a jerk leave my mouth before I can stop them, "I thought I was the only one who got to have an excuse like that."

He laughs, setting the box on the table, "I got off work a little late today and didn't want to take you anywhere lest you happen to find yourself in another tough situation."

We end up eating in his apartment and watching some cheesy and forgettable romantic comedy on his fancy wide screen TV. It's not like we haven't done this before, but now it is different. For the past week and a half things had been odd between us. After our little excursion, we no longer hugged, friendly or otherwise.

It is as if neither of us wants to mention it, but it is still blatantly there.

The awkwardness, I mean.

I don't want to say anything because I'm not sure how he might react. Sure, we had gone on a date, but we never talked about how we felt afterward. I thought he might not have mentioned it because he believed I was traumatized. Am I? I'm not sure.

Really, nothing had happened beyond me being scared out of my wits.

Sure, I am more careful when going out now and close my blinds before I go to bed, but I luckily live on the fifth floor of a building full of people. Oh and did I mention the fact that my neighbor is the most attractive police detective ever?

After all, it was probably just a one time thing. They don't know who I am or where I live. The only place they would be able to find me is the bar and I'd be careful there.

So as Liam and I sit on the couch, a whole cushion between us, I feel more than safe, but honestly a little bit lonely. My eyes stare blankly at the screen, all of my other senses honed in on the opposite end of the sofa. Whenever he shifted, I knew, even if it was just a minuscule amount.

Once the credits start scrolling, he turns to me, brown eyes searching mine for something I can't pinpoint, "So what did you think?"

Liam sits with his socked feet, yes I'm using it as an adjective, on the coffee table, one arm draping over his abdomen, the other resting on the back of the couch.

"Of the movie?" I inquire stupidly.

He nods, "I particularly liked what they did with the gas station scene."

"Yeah, good one," I agree, though have no clue what he's talking about. For all I know, he could have just made it up. "I really liked the ending."

A small silence falls between us, the only sound being the music from the still rolling film. He clears his throat, "So you're starting work tomorrow?"

My response comes quickly, but yes, awkwardly, "My shift's from three to nine... so I guess our next dinner will be on hold for a while."

Liam ignores the last comment, "And you'll be safe there?"