“I love you dad.”
“Call me tonight.” he said with a sigh.
“I promise.” I agreed.
“And congratulations, sweetheart.” I could hear the smile in his voice.
“Thanks dad.” I had to admit that I was homesick. I was terrible about being away from home, even for just a day. When I was little I could hardly even spend the day at a friends house, much less spend the night. The line went dead on his end. I sighed and handed Maggie her phone back. My three friends were having an incredibly intense discussion about where to eat.
“Where do you want to eat, Natalie.” Schyler turned to me. I took a second to register the question.
“Oh. Uh. I don't care.” I replied slowly.
“I saw a cool little diner when we were driving in from the airport. Maybe like 7 minutes away. How does that sound?” Colton offered. Maggie nodded.
“Oh yeah! Courtesy Diner or whatever?” Sky asked.
“Yeah.” he nodded.
“Sounds good to me.” I said. My stomach rumbled and Colton laughed.
“Can I drive?” Schyler asked. Colton cringed but handed her the keys.
“We might as well all go together.” he said. “Our rental is big enough.”
Maggie nodded, “I call shotgun.” I felt my cheeks redden at her outwardness and I nervously tugged on my shirt as I followed Sky. Colton came up next to me.
We walked in an awkward silence to the car. I cringed inwardly at my lack of social skills. He opened the door for me and I felt myself blush. “Ladies first.” he smiled his adorable crooked smile.
I slid onto the scorching leather seat and buckled. Colton followed, still smiling charismatically.
“Your sunburn looks better.” he offered, as Schyler turned the ignition and pulled out on to the road.
“Doesn't feel much better.” I laughed. I tried to crinkle my nose but cringed. “See?” He laughed. We were quiet a little longer.
“Left up here, Sky.” Colton said casually.
“I know.” she insisted as the flipped the blinker on. She and Maggie were talking about rabbits again.
“Just... Focus on the road ok?”
I raised my eyebrows at him. “Should I be worried?” He chuckled.
“Maybe? I'll get back to you on that one.” his eyes twinkled.
“I can hear you, you know.” Sky complained. We laughed.
I definitely was starting to feel a little more comfortable talking to Colton. Which certainly didn't mean that my heart beat any slower. But somehow I didn't feel quite so awkward. I leaned back in the seat.
“So what did happen with your audition?” I asked him.
He didn't respond for a second, and I was worried I'd offended him.
“I didn't mean-” I began.
“They just didn't want to take no for an answer, I guess.” He turned to me, shrugging. “It's no biggie, really. I'm sure there's a reason.” I nodded. Somehow, I felt like I'd roved a little too far into personal territory. He sat up suddenly, eyes on the road. “Sky we don't have the-” we jerked to a stop, just inches from crossing an intersection. I flew forward into the seatbelt, which jammed my shoulder back. Colton narrowly missed slamming his head into Maggie's seat. A large truck zoomed past, and the driver yelled something out the window at Schyler.
Chapter Two: Dinner
Magsimula sa umpisa
