【Josh】
“Are you done?” I said, running my fingers through my hair. I really had to get this whole thing over with, and just get the money. This was turning out way more complicated than I’d ever expected. She was back from the restroom – finally, but it was kind of obvious she’s been crying. I felt guilty. I had to lie to her, to get her to co-operate. I could see she wouldn’t let her Dad give me the money any other way.
I didn’t mention it, though. I just stared straight ahead, trying to push down the uncomfortable feeling, as she opened the car door and got in.
“Where do you want to make the call?” I asked, not looking at her at first, but my gaze couldn't help but fall onto her face when she stayed silent – something she usually didn’t do. Immediately, I drew a breath in shock. She looked pretty, even after crying. Her red lips were full and parted slightly, her eyelashes thick and dark – so long, that when she looked down, they brushed against her cheek – and her eyes…her beautiful, sky-blue eyes that saw the world in an innocent, naive way that eluded me.
“What?” she asked, suddenly self-conscious. She wiped her mouth against her sleeve, frowning. “Have I got food on my face?” I couldn’t help but smile. She had to be the only girl who thought that when they caught a guy looking at them.
“Yeah,” I said. She did have some muffin crumbs on her face.
She wiped her face with the back of her wrist.
“Did I get it?” she asked, staring at me with wide eyes.
“No,” I said, sighing and reaching over. “It’s on the other cheek.”
I brushed my hand against her face, stroking her soft skin with my finger. Then I suddenly realized what I was doing.
“I’m sorry,” I said, jumping away. “I’m sorry I–”
“It’s alright,” London replied, biting her lip, as her cheeks flushed red.
An awkward silence filled the car. I pushed down the throttle, gently pressed my foot down on the pedal. We drove. I didn’t know where we were going – not yet. London was still blushing, and wouldn’t make eye-contact with me – a first. Maybe she was…?
There was another gas station ahead, and I pulled over. She finally looked up at me.
“Are you hungry?” I asked, smiling.
“Finally.”
***
(London)
I chomped on my cucumber and tomato sandwich, and eyed Josh as he went to the payphone, with my “Dad’s” number. Ha. I bet he’ll have a real long conversation with Joe, the guy who answered China Palace’s take-out line.
“London!” Josh yelled, coming back. He looked kind of pissed, and was waving around the paper I’d written my “Dad’s” number on. “What the hell is this?”
I finished the rest of my sandwich, and looked at him, my eyes widening innocently.
“What?”
“That’s not your Dad’s bloody number!” he yelled. “Give it to me!”
I bit my lip, trying to look clueless.
“I…gave you his number. Why are you yelling at me…?”
“Look, London,” Josh said, bringing his gun out. “Tell me right now. Tell me, or I’ll shoot you in the head.”
I sighed, and relaxed into the chair, reaching into my pocket to get the emergency chocolate bar. I ripped off the wrapper, bit into the top, watching his face carefully. He wasn’t giving up with the whole “scare London” thing.
