One Way Or Another

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The buzz at the skating rink starts to die down. The lights come on and Kelly gathers her things at her locker. She's already changed back into her street clothes. Jared hangs back, waiting for her friends to give them a moment alone.

"Hey, we're going to Chicken Fire, wanna meet us there?" Erica asks Kelly.

"Nah, I'm tired. Thanks though."

"You're going home, aren't you? Alone?"

"Yes, alone, I assure you." 

"I'll text you," Erica says as she's leaving. 

"So, are you gonna get an Uber or what?" Kelly asks Jared as they walk out to the parking lot together.

"Are you kidding? Ever tried to get an Uber in this fucking town?"

"No, I have a car."

"Well, can you give me a ride? Please?"

Kelly is hesitant.

"Your friends know I'm with you. I'm sure Erica is gonna text you any minute now to make sure I'm not getting out of line."

"Ugh. Fine. How far? It better not be far, I'm in no mood to drive all fucking night."

Jared scrolls through his phone, "I've got the address in here."

They approach Kelly's car and Jared can't believe his eyes.

"Is this your car?" He laughs, incredulous.

"I call her Red."

"This is a nice car, Kelly!" Jared exclaims. "Damn this husband of yours must be loaded!"

"What? Fuck you, you think I can't buy my own fucking car?"

"Come on, how does a broke photographer buy this?" 

"Who says I'm a broke photographer?"

 "You sell drugs?"

"No, dick!" Kelly punches him in the arm. 

"This is a nice ride, Kelly!"

Kelly gets serious, and a little sad. Looking down she says, "It was my Aunt's car. She bought it as a gift to herself for beating cancer. She passed away two months later."

"Oh, shit, I'm sorry."

"That's ok. So technically, I inherited it."

"What kind of cancer did she have?"

"Terminal."

Jared cracks a smile. He reaches over and brushes her hair from her eyes. Damn if could just kiss you right now, he thinks.

"So where am I taking you?" She asks, breaking his train of thought.

"Uhhh, your place?"

"Hell to the fuck no, get that out of your head right now."

"Why is your husband home?"

"None of your business."

"Seriously, Kelly, your friend Patrick told me you're married. I don't see a ring, are you really married?"

"Yes."

"Why aren't you wearing a ring?"

"Is that your business?"

"Maybe you aren't married."

"It doesn't fit, alright?"

"Get it adjusted. Is your husband ok with you not wearing a ring?"

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