Sparks (TheCampingRusher Short Story)

Chapter 6

"Table of 21 for Jordan?" the clerk says from behind the small wooden podium. Instantly our entire group, me being the only girl, gets up and follows the man to our tables.

I pulled on the hem of my jacket, nervous. I somehow got sat in between Brayden and the edge of the table. Great.

I guess you could say I was still slightly annoyed with how immature he was being, but that would be an understatement. In some ways I can kind of understand how he feels, but in other ways not so much.

I can faintly hear his conversation over the laughter and voices of our group and the entire restaurant combined. He's vlogging, and not very well I might add. He has a habit of holding his phone under his chin to vlog even though I told him that it wasn't very effective. I smile and shake my head at his stubbornness.

Suddenly his phone is in my face and his freezing cold iced tea is spilled over the front of my white dress. I gasp out in surprise before turning to glare at him. His phone is put away and he sits beside me, an apologetic look across his face.

He somehow managed to tip over his glass when turning around to put his phone in his pocket.

With one quick movement, I swipe the ice cubes off of my lap and get up to go to the bathroom before the waterworks can begin. I can feel everyone's eyes on me, and it only makes the tears fall faster.

I'm cleaning up my running mascara when he comes in.

"This is the ladies room, Brayden. The men's room is next door." I say, struggling to keep my voice steady.

"I know, I just wanted to know if you were okay."

"I'm fine, now get out. Like I said, this is the ladies room." I snap back, instantly regretting my tone.

He opens his mouth, but then closes it. As if hesitating before speaking.

"I think I like you. A lot." He spits out, catching me off guard. I feel my breath hitch slightly at his words. Dammit, Brayden.

"That's not funny."

"What?"

"I said 'That's not funny', because it's not. I don't appreciate your humor. Now get out of my way." I say as I try to move past him and out the door.

He grabs my arm and brings my face close to his. I can feel his rugged breathing on my forehead and I know I've pissed him off.

"It's not a joke, Larry. I'm serious. Why is it so hard for you to believe that someone might actually care about you?" He half yells, obviously still aware of the fact that these walls weren't sound proof.

"Don't you dare. Don't pretend you know what's going on and don't pretend that you care about me, because people who care about someone don't ignore them for over a week for something as stupid as a freaking kiss!"

"Is that what this is about? You're mad at me because I kissed you? Larry, I told you I didn't mean to. I'm sorry if that made you uncomfor-"

I don't let him finish, I pull his face to mine, burying my hands in his hair. Our lips colliding rather harshly. I can feel his arms as they snake around my waist, pulling me closer. I pull away, feeling the blood rush to my face immediately. I ignore it once I realize he's probably as red as I am.

"Stop talking, take my hand, take me back to our table, and let's pretend that we're okay. Even if it's just for now." I say grabbing a hold of his hand as he silently nods his head and leads me out.

"And wipe that grin off your face." I say over my shoulder, a similar smile planted on my face.

All eyes were on us, and I can feel the lump in my throat begin to make itself bigger.

Jordan and Graser are looking at me with that "Is everything okay?" look and I just nod my head reassuring them. I look over to Ryan, whose gaze is set upon Brayden and I's intertwined fingers. He gives me a quizzical look and I ignore it. Sitting down, I give my attention to the waiter. I put on a winning smile and finally say:

"I'll have the Chicken Madeira, and he'll have another iced tea, please."