Chilly Night Drive

Chapter 15

Tina's POV

Library was drop-dead silent. The only sounds were the flipping of pages or the soft tapping of keyboards. Everyone was tense; Economics was going to be tough. At least, that's what Mrs. Pitterson had hinted in her last lecture. She was notorious for leaving us hanging, no exam hints, nothing. I wished I had some kind of superpower, maybe premonition, so I could know exactly what would be on the test. Maybe I could even help all these poor souls around me.

My mind wandered, and I glanced at my phone. I hadn't seen Joe in days. Not since the night he'd left abruptly after our last dinner. Not even a text or a call. I had half a mind to message him first, but a little voice kept stopping me. If he wants to talk, he'll reach out, right? I texted Trisha and Veronica instead, hoping to distract myself. But no reply. Typical.

I heaved a frustrated sigh, placing my phone facedown on the table.

"Seems like someone could use a break," a voice whispered from behind.

I froze, recognizing that smooth, teasing tone instantly. My heart skipped as I turned, and there he was. Joe, with that familiar, mischievous grin that could make my stomach flutter in the most inconvenient ways.

"You," I muttered, trying not to sound as happy to see him as I felt. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, it's a library. What does one usually do in a library?" he replied, voice dripping with sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes. "I know. It was a rhetorical question." I returned to flipping the pages in my book, pretending not to care. But the truth was, my heart was racing just from having him so close again. The silence between us grew, and I could feel his gaze fixed on me.

"Hey, Tina," he murmured, leaning in a little closer. "How about we take a break and go for a drive?"

I bit my lip, the offer tempting me instantly. Joe was great at impromptu plans. Lke the night drives Shawn used to take me back home, when we'd grab ice cream and drive around to clear our heads. A small, stubborn part of me wanted to say no, to act cool since I was still a little annoyed at him for rushing off that other night. But a larger part of me was already too excited to resist.

"Fine," I sighed, feigning nonchalance. "Where are we going?"

Joe's eyes sparkled with that familiar playfulness. "It's a surprise. Trust me you'll love it."

I gave in with a small smile, packing my things and following him out of the library. True to his gentlemanly ways, he held the door open for me and even opened the car door, which gave me a strange, cozy feeling. The night was cool and crisp, and I wrapped my jacket tighter as we drove off.

We rode in silence at first, the gentle hum of the engine filling the car. The city lights reflected off the window, and every so often, I glanced over at Joe's focused expression as he drove, admiring his steady hands on the wheel. It made me feel... safe. But as much as I was savoring the moment, my mind kept wandering. What are we, exactly? Friends who take late-night drives? Friends who sit close like this? I pushed the thought aside, telling myself this wasn't the time to overthink.

Still, I couldn't shake another nagging thought about Tamara. The way she'd held Joe's hand at his birthday, that toast she'd given, the way she looked at him... it all left me feeling confused. Were they together, or was I reading too much into it? I wanted to ask Joe. Are we just friends? More than friends? But something held me back. Now I didn't feel like the right time. Maybe I was too scared of the answer.

To break the silence, I switched on the radio. Joe glanced over, smiling. "Pick a song," he said, handing me his phone to connect it. I quickly unlocked it, only to find his wallpaper was a family photo from his birthday.

"Didn't know you were sentimental," I teased.

Joe shrugged, a little embarrassed. "What can I say? Family is important."

I queued up some old classics, the kind that added an extra layer of nostalgia to the night. Joe chuckled when he heard the first song.

"I didn't know you liked slow, romantic music," he commented, eyes flicking to mine.

"I like all kinds. But for a drive, this just feels right, don't you think?" I asked, half teasing, half serious. He nodded, turning his attention back to the road.

Before long, we were leaving the city lights behind and heading toward the hills. The winding roads made my curiosity grow. "Are we... going anywhere specific?"

Joe flashed me a grin but stayed silent, as if to say, Patience. We kept driving, our breaths fogging up the windows as I switched through songs, one after another, filling the air with soft melodies.

Finally, Joe pulled off the road onto a narrow path leading to the top of a hill. He parked, got out, and pulled a mat and thermos from the backseat. I followed, the crisp night air biting at my skin, but the view took my breath away.

The city stretched out below us like a sparkling blanket of stars. The quiet here was different from the library's stillness. It felt comforting, as if the world had finally slowed down.

"Wow," I murmured. "It's beautiful. How'd you find this place?"

"Just a little spot I come to when I need to think." He spread the mat, and we sat close, sharing warmth as he poured coffee from the thermos.

I accepted the mug gratefully. "You actually brought hot chocolate?"

Joe smiled, a little sheepishly. "I figured it might be a long night. Thought you'd appreciate it."

He was right. I wrapped my hands around the warm mug, savoring the steam and the subtle sweetness of the drink. A comfortable silence settled between us as we sipped, gazing out over the lights below.

"Joe," I hesitated, my fingers tightening around the mug. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." He leaned back on his hands, eyes on me, as if sensing the seriousness in my tone.

I hesitated again, unsure if this was the right time to bring it up. But finally, I went for it. "On your birthday, Tamara said you were turning twenty-one. But... by my math, that didn't add up. Shouldn't it have been, like, your nineteenth?"

He grew quiet, his gaze falling as he seemed to choose his words carefully. "It's... a bit of a long story," he admitted. "After high school, I stayed back to help my mom run the family business. My dad had a really bad accident. His leg was injured, and it took nearly two years for him to recover. I couldn't just leave them." He looked down, his expression clouded with a sadness I'd never seen in him before.

My heart clenched at the thought of him carrying that kind of weight. Without thinking, I reached over and took his hand, squeezing it gently. He glanced up, surprise flickering in his eyes, and squeezed back, a silent acknowledgment passing between us.

As we sat there, his hand in mine, I felt a deep ache, realizing how much he'd taken on at such a young age. And it made me see him differently. He'd always been there for me when I needed it. Now it was my turn to be there for him. To let him know he wasn't alone.

The night wore on, and eventually, the cold crept back in, nudging us to pack up. Joe started the car, and we began our descent back to the city, our hands warm from the hot chocolate, our hearts a little warmer from the unspoken words shared between us.

As we drove, I stared out the window, lost in thought, the soft music filling the car. So many questions swirled in my mind, but I held back, wanting this moment to linger, to simply enjoy the comfort of his presence. I didn't know where we were headed. Literally or figuratively. But for now, it was enough just to be here with him.

In that quiet car, in the middle of the night, with nothing but the hum of the road and the flicker of city lights, I felt a promise bloom within me: I'd be there for him, just as he was there for me.

Joe's POV

During the ride back, I kept my eyes fixed on the road, hands gripping the wheel, trying to ignore the way her presence filled the car. Every time she glanced over at me, I fought the temptation to turn my head and just...look at her lips. They looked so soft, inviting. I wanted to pull over, wrap her in my arms, and kiss her until we both forgot about the cold. Instead, I reached over, pretending to adjust the heater, hoping it'd keep her warm enough.

When I first saw her at the library earlier, I half-expected anger. I had left her hanging that night after dinner, and I'd been distant ever since, caught up in helping Tamara. She'd messaged me a few times, but I'd left them on read, thinking I'd explain later. But when we finally talked, she didn't mention it, didn't ask why I'd ghosted her. She just smiled, gave me space. It made me feel both guilty and...seen. I liked that she let me come to her on my own time.

We pulled up outside her apartment, and I quickly moved around to open the door for her. She looked up, a small, surprised smile touching her lips. "Thanks, but you really don't have to," she murmured.

"Of course I do," I said, smiling back, holding out a hand to help her out of the car. She took it, and the warmth of her fingers sent a jolt through me.

We walked toward the elevator, and just before she pressed the button, she said softly, "I can take it from here. Really."

But I wasn't ready to say goodnight yet. "Actually, I'd like to make sure you get to your door safely."

She looked at me, that same small smile. "If you insist." Her voice held a playful challenge, and I couldn't help but grin.

The elevator doors slid shut, and as we rose in silence, I felt every inch of space between us shrinking, the tension almost palpable. I stole a glance at her, at her profile, at the way her lips curved slightly as if she knew exactly what I was thinking. I wanted to lean in, press my lips to hers, make her mine in this small, suspended moment. But I hesitated. Just as I was working up the nerve, the elevator chimed, and the doors opened.

We walked to her door, and she pulled out her keys, turning back to me with that same teasing glint in her eye. "Good night, Joe. Thanks for everything," she said, her tone light, almost casual.

I froze, heart hammering, and my brain scrambled for something. Anything to keep her here a little longer. "Uh...actually..." My voice trailed off, feeling a bit ridiculous.

She raised an eyebrow, lips quirking into a smile. "Is there something you wanted to ask me?"

I could feel my face heat up. God, the way she looked at me, like she already knew. I tried to laugh it off, but words weren't coming. "Good night, Tina," I said finally, feeling defeated. "I... I'll see you soon."

I turned to leave, but her voice stopped me. "Joe, wait."

I spun around, caught off guard, as she closed the distance between us and stood on her toes, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "Goodnight. And drive safe," she whispered.

My brain short-circuited. She turned to leave, and before I could think it through, my hand caught hers, pulling her back. She blinked up at me, a question in her eyes, but there was something else too. A spark. Taking a deep breath, I reached out, lifting her chin so her face tilted up toward mine. Her eyes fluttered closed, and I felt my heart race. That was all the permission I needed.

Slowly, I leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss that I had been imagining for longer than I wanted to admit. Her lips were cool from the night air, but the way they softened against mine made my whole body heat up. She didn't pull back, didn't hesitate, and I felt her hand slide up to rest against my chest. Her fingers curled into my jacket, and I felt an ache, a hunger, that grew the longer we kissed.

I pulled her closer, my hand slipping around her waist until there was no space left between us. She tasted faintly of coffee and something sweeter, and it made my head spin. When I finally pulled back to catch my breath, I searched her face, wondering if she felt what I did.

Her eyes fluttered open, filled with the same fire I felt in my veins. Before I could say anything, she leaned up again, claiming my mouth in another kiss, this one deeper, more urgent. Her hands found their way to the back of my neck, and I shivered as her fingers grazed my skin, pulling me even closer. I lost track of time, of place. She was all I could feel, and all I wanted.

Heat pooled low in my stomach, and I could feel my control slipping. I forced myself to pull back, resting my forehead against hers, breathing hard. Her cheeks were flushed, lips red and slightly swollen. I brushed my thumb along her cheek, struggling to rein myself in.

"I should...probably go," I managed, voice hoarse. "I don't want to keep you from studying."

She nodded, a faint smile on her lips, though her gaze lingered on my face like she wasn't ready to say goodbye either. "Yeah... probably for the best."

I watched as she slipped inside her apartment, giving me one last glance before closing the door. The second it shut, I exhaled, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief wash over me.

I walked back to the car, feeling the press of her lips still imprinted on mine, the scent of her perfume lingering on my jacket, filling the car. I touched my cheek where she'd kissed me, laughing at myself. Did I just...fall for her? Like, actually fall?

I banged my steering wheel, grinning like an idiot. I switched the music to a party playlist, my mind racing. I couldn't wait to see her again, to hold her again. And suddenly, I couldn't ignore it anymore: I was in love with her. Yeah, Joe, I thought, a satisfied smile creeping up, you're totally gone.

As I drove to Tamara's to check on Mrs. Givens after her discharge from the hospital, I could barely focus. All I could think about was Tina, her kiss, and how, for the first time, everything in my life seemed to be falling perfectly into place. Now, all I needed was to tell her how I felt.

Trisha's POV

I adjusted my blouse, smoothing the fabric as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It had been two months since Edam and I started dating, though I'd managed to keep a low profile. Only Tina and Veronica knew, and I fed them just enough details to keep them in the loop. Part of me wanted them close so they wouldn't suspect I was hiding something. Yet, deep down, I knew they could sense that I wasn't telling them everything.

As much as Edam made me happy, a part of me was always on edge. It was as if my life was divided into two worlds. One of excitement and escape, and the other... a prison I couldn't break free from. In a blink, any of this could disappear. But until then, I wasn't going to miss out on experiences like dating Edam, even if he didn't know the full story.

I was snapped back to the present by the sound of the doorbell. That had to be him. Taking a deep breath, I gave myself one last look, grabbed my bag, and opened the door.

There he stood, dressed to perfection and holding yet another bouquet of red roses. I smiled, though my heart tugged. Roses were beautiful, but my favorites had always been lilies. Yet, after two months of receiving roses, I had almost convinced myself to like them as much as he did.

"Hi," he greeted, handing me the bouquet.

"Thanks, Edam." I took the flowers and brought them to my nose, inhaling their scent as I made my way to the kitchen to replace last week's bouquet. With a quick toss, the old roses were gone, and the new ones took their place. When I returned, I found him standing by the door, hands in his pockets, looking almost uncertain.

"Oh! Sorry for not inviting you in," I said, feeling the awkwardness of the moment as I closed the door behind us. I entwined my hand in his, hoping he wouldn't notice the slight tremor. The warmth of his palm was comforting, and I tried to focus on that, leaving all my doubts behind, at least for tonight.

As we reached the elevator, my phone buzzed in my purse. I hesitated, but curiosity got the best of me. When I checked the screen, my heart stopped. It was him. The one I'd been trying to avoid, yet couldn't seem to escape.

Where are you?

My stomach knotted. He had this way of knowing exactly when I was trying to relax, to let myself breathe. A cold sweat broke out on my skin, and I quickly typed a response.

At home studying.

A second later, he replied: Okay. Will call you later.

The familiar unease flooded me, a reminder of everything at stake if he ever discovered the truth about Edam. I felt as if my life was on a delicate thread, stretched tight enough to snap. I closed my eyes, willing myself to calm down, but my hands wouldn't stop trembling.

"Are you okay?" Edam's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, his eyes narrowing with concern.

"Yes," I lied, hoping my smile was convincing. "Just a little jittery... exams are coming up."

He nodded, though his gaze lingered on me, searching for something I wasn't ready to reveal. The car ride was supposed to be a distraction, but now I felt like I was carrying this invisible weight, a secret that threatened to destroy everything if it ever saw the light.

The ride was quiet, though Edam hummed along to the soft music playing from the stereo. I wanted to tell him everything, to unload the fear and confusion I carried alone. But how could I? He came from a world so different from mine. One filled with privilege and possibilities. And though he shared pieces of his life with me, I couldn't risk shattering his image of me. To him, I was just Trisha, the girl he found captivating. If he knew the whole truth... would he still look at me the same way?

The car slowed, and I realized we'd arrived at our destination. The parking lot was nearly empty, giving the night an eerie stillness. Edam turned to me again, his face filled with concern.

"You sure you're okay?" he asked, his voice gentle yet probing.

I forced another smile. "Yeah... just exam jitters," I repeated. I couldn't bring myself to tell him the real reason for my unease.

As we stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but feel the weight of my own words. How many more times would I lie to him? And how many more lies would it take before he finally saw through them?

Maybe I was just fooling myself, thinking I could keep this up. But tonight, I wanted to forget. To escape from the haunting grip of the life I couldn't completely leave behind. So I tightened my hold on Edam's hand, determined to make the most of whatever happiness I could steal. Even if it was borrowed. Even if, in the end, it was a lie.

______________________________________

"Sometimes, the quiet moments say everything the words can't and in his gaze, I found all the answers I didn't know I was searching for."