Liam: So, Willow... tell me something about yourself?
Willow: Me?
Liam: Yeah. You already know I'm a fireman, what do you do?
Willow: I write for an interactive story app.
Liam: A what?
Willow: It's a short story app for mobile where you get to play/read as a main character and you get to choose sometimes what someone says or does. So, it's interactive, kind of like a game.
Liam: So, how'd you wind up writing for one?
Willow: I won a writing contest last summer and they asked me to write for them. I hope to actually publish a book someday but... this is fun. It helps me escape.
Liam: What are you escaping?
I look away from him and notice the growing crowd of people heading inside the church.
Willow: looks like your meetings about to start. I should get going.
I stand up to leave when Liam gently grabs my arm above my elbow.
Liam: Are you sure I can't get you to join me. You wouldn't have to do anything just sit and listen. It helps sometimes hearing other people's stories. I would love your company.
Willow: I can't. I'm sorry.
Liam: Don't be, can I at least walk you back to your car.
I nod in agreement, and his hand goes from my arm and to my lower back again.
We walk in comfortable silence.
He opens my door and once I settle into my seat, he leans in so close I can feel the heat of his breath on my jaw line.
Liam: Can I see your phone?
Without question I hand him my phone. Within seconds there's a ding coming from his phone.
Liam: Would you do me a favor and text me when you get home.
I squint at him curiously.
Willow: To ease your conscience about my driving.
He chuckles.
Liam: Yes. But it's a little more personal than that. I'd like to hear from you again.
He rubs his hand through his hair then smiles confidently.
Liam: I would also like to ask you to have coffee with me again?
Willow: I'd like that.
Liam: Tomorrow morning at the Coffee Bean.
Willow: Sure
Liam: 7:30am ok.
Willow: Ok.
He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear then runs his hand down my arm taking my hand and lifting it to his lips.
Liam: Don't forget to text me as soon as you get home.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and just smiled then nodded.
He closed my door and took a step back and waited for me to pull away before heading inside the building.