I dont know Steven. My Mum usually doesnt like me going out alone but her voice betrayed her real desire. She really wanted to go out with him, if only to know that SHE could go out with a guy like Steven.
Okay, I understand. Why dont you just tell her that youre meeting a group of us from work or something, and that we are having a farewell drink for somebody?
She was shaking her head before he was even finished.
I cant lie to her like that.
Alright then, some other time Steven looked at her crotch again well, we had better get back to work.
I I think if I tell her, maybe, that Im going to a girlfriends place, well, that may be okay she said slowly. It wouldnt be so much of a lie would it?
She looked so serious that Steven stood up, placed some money on the table to cover the check, and then grasped her hand to help her up from the chair. He got a better glimpse as she swiveled in the chair to get up and then he placed his arm around her waist.
It will be our little secret, if thats the way you want it? and he led her from the cafe, his fingers playing with the waistband of her skirt.
The afternoon dragged, not because the quartet werent productive, just that conversation was virtually nonexistent. Only once was Mon and Steven alone for a few seconds, just before knock off time.
She hissed at him.
Are you going out with her?
Kate? NO! Gimme a break will you? I remember what you said, and stop acting the jealous bitch will you coz it confuses me. She stared at him seriously and he couldnt resist being sarcastic. Confused, because I dont know if you are jealous over her, or me. With that he stood up, switched off his terminal and walked away.
Steven waited at the roadside and saw Kates little orange Honda come around the corner. He had a pillow and a light blanket tucked under one arm, and a bottle of coke in his hand. He saw her face through the windshield as she pulled in beside him, and could see her almost glowing features as if she had just won lotto or something. He waved hi at her and opened the door. He threw the pillow and blanket into the back seat and then jumped into the front, placing the coke at his feet so it wouldnt roll around. He turned and grasped the seat belt, and then turned back. She was still looking at him, all smiles and radiant.
I did it she said, I told mum I was just going out with Debbie from work and she didnt say anything!
She almost sang it in triumph.
Good for you Steven said.
He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. She blushed and turned away immediately.
What was that for? she said quietly.
Just saying congratulations, thats all.
I wed better go she said, moving the shifter to low and accelerating away.
She was wearing an ankle length navy blue dress, with lace around the collar and at the ends of the short sleeves, and he had seen her cream cardigan on the back seat.
You dont think it will be cold do you? she asked innocently, eyes intently watching the road.
Nope, and if it is, I promise Ill share my blanket with you. He watched as she blushed again. Maybe she isnt as naive and innocent as people think Steven thought. Im sorry, I hope I didnt embarrass you, you know what I really mean. Were just two friends who will share a blanket if it gets to cold, thats all and smiled to himself as he saw her nodding in agreement.
Drive behind the cafeteria Steven instructed her. He saw her glance. There isnt so many kids going back and forward to the shop or the loos back here was his immediate explanation, and he took her raised eyebrows, and then a nod, as assent.
Like a swig? He offered her the coke first as soon as they had parked and the speaker put in place. Im sorry I didnt bring a cup. She took the bottle and had a tentative sip and her eyes opened wide in surprise. Southern Comfort.
He smiled as she took another small sip before handing it back. She sat rigidly through the first half of the movie while Steven half reclined his seat. He let his hand rest on the gearshift, sipping from the bottle occasionally. He offered it to her again and noted approvingly that she took a longer swig this time before handing it back. He briefly closed his hands around hers holding the bottle before taking it and when she didnt try to pull away, he grasped it gently and lowered them onto her lap. They sat there for the remainder of the movie that way, Steven surreptitiously moving his fingers along her thigh every now and again when it coincided with something on the screen. At the interval, he let her hand go, and asked if she wanted some popcorn or anything else from the cafeteria. She said no softly, but at least she turned her head and looked at him when she answered. Steven waited in the line at the cafeteria with two choc top ice-creams and thought she, Kate that is, wasnt bad looking at all really, just dowdy and very, very conservative. He noticed all the youngsters everywhere yuk he thought to himself.
Beg your pardon he heard a voice say.
The cashier was directly in front of him, her name tag identifying her as Abby. He flashed her one of his winning smiles.
Im really sorry Abby. I was just thinking, here it is Friday night and a spunk like you is stuck taking money of fools like me.
She raised an all knowing eyebrow at him, and cocked her head to one side as if considering whether she should take him seriously or not.
Its not alf bad actually, I clean up and can be at the Club by ten-thirty and dont ave to be back ere until six-thirty tomorrow night.
Steven took the obvious offer.
Im by myself, so what club would that be?
She put his change into his hand and slid her index finger along his palm.
Yeah, well I dont do this regular you understand, meet guys here I mean, but you know the Jet Club, well its there, see ya maybe.
Then she was turning to the next person in the line. Steven glanced at her as he walked away from the cashiers desk, and even in her issue brown uniform dress, he could see the makings of a nice body. He took the picture of her shoulder length blonde hair, and cheeky smiling brown eyes with him as he walked back to the car. Kate still sat rigidly behind the steering wheel, just like she had from the moment theyd arrived almost two hours earlier. Doesnt matter if she does or if she doesnt now, Steven thought as he opened the door, I cant lose.
I I almost thought you werent she started.
I wouldnt want to be anywhere else Steven smiled at her, and reached out his hand holding the cone for her.
Thank you, I do really like these, but you shouldnt have.. she started off again.
Its alright, everybody likes em. Steven was starting to get a bit annoyed with the way Kate almost stuttered out every thing that she said to him. He reached out and cupped her chin in his hand and she grabbed his wrist, her eyes a little frightened. He turned her head to face him. Kate, relax! I dont bite and Im not going to do anything to you. Wanna sit in the back seat?