Then I Saw Your Face

Linda

Well, Danny got outta that one sort of gracefully. So much for 'girlfriend'. But I suppose it's for the best. After all, I have to focus on me. I'm gonna start going to the gym more, eating less junk food, focus more on work. I have to focus more on work, anyways, since I accepted that job.
"You're thinking loudly," Danny's voice penetrated my thoughts.
"Hm?" I turned my gaze from the window to him. "Oh, I was just thinkin' 'bout work. Next week, I'm going to start working at King General's."
"Hey, that's great!" He smiled and stole a glance at me. "Or not." He added when I didn't answer.
"No, it's just... it's kinda far from my apartment. Not really that much farther. A good ten minutes more, without traffic. I'm just thinking about schedules. I'd either have to go to bed earlier, or take showers at night.... I don't like night showers."
"You'll figure something out."
"Yeah, I will. I mean, it's not like I can up and change apartments... although, the new job does pay better... no, I should stay where I am." I looked over at him, the street lights illuminating his face. "Sorry," I shook my head, "I think aloud sometimes, and..."
"No, it's okay. It's kinda—" Danny stopped abruptly.
"Weird? I know."
He stopped at the light, and looked at his hands on the wheel. "I was gonna say kinda cute."
My lips broke into a smile and I felt my cheeks grow hot. "Thanks..."
"I.. uh, did I tell ya you look pretty in that dress?"
"I think so. But thanks again." My cheeks grew hotter. It was dark in the car, but we were both definitely blushing. "You... uh, you look pretty too. Uh— not pretty! No, you're not pretty! What's, uh, what's the male equivalent?" Way to go, Linda. Stumble on you're words. Call the sexy cop pretty. "Um, very handsome?"
"Thanks."
The air was filled with awkward tension and silence. My thighs started to sweat, as well as the bridge of my nose. I bit my lip, Why was I so turned on to this guy? We were never going to be more than friends, so why waste energy?
"So... um... about Jimmy?" Danny started, making a right.
"Ugh. He's just... he's going through some crap right now. Y'know, in and out of debt all the time. He needs some money, but I can't afford to give him ten dollars."
Danny chuckled, "He's Alright, though, right? I mean...."
"Yeah, he's okay. He comes and crashes on my couch or Wendy's. I can only stand him for about a week. Wendy kicks him out within the first forty-eight hours."
"Wendy's your...?"
"Oh, sister. Older sister. She's... she's kinda whack too..."
"Like Jimmy?"
"No, she just wants fame and fortune. That's why she moved to LA."
"Oh..... your street's up next, right?"
"Yeah. On the left."
Seconds later, Danny parked outside the building. "Lemme wall you up."
"I can walk up..." I really wanted him to walk me up, but I was afraid I'd kiss him. "It's only a few steps then some stairs."
"Then humor me. Please?"
"Um..."
"Look, it's not that this is a bad neighborhood.... it's just that..."
"Cop conscience won't let me go alone?" I smirked, he was too cute!
"Yeah."
"If it'll settle your conscience..."
Danny walked me up to my floor and to my door. "This was fun."
"Yeah, it really was." I smiled, feeling the blush coming.
"I'll, uh, see you tomorrow. To give you that recipe."
"Right....." don't kiss. Don't kiss. Don't kiss.... kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
"I gotta early shift tomorrow.... good night, Linda."
"Good night." I put the key in the lock and opened the door. I have Danny one more glance, then shut the door behind me.