CONFUSED, COFFEE, COLD

Lily thought it was ridiculous to think there was even a possibility, but she was sure she heard Ray Carter call her 'babe' loud and clear. His calling her 'babe' did not make any sense to her, at all. Maybe, he was mistaken. Or, maybe, she mistook hearing the word for something else. So, what did he say if not 'babe' then?

Ray towered over Lily—he was a tall guy. He was Goliath while she was David. Because of their huge height difference, she was feeling a little bit intimidated to look at him. She needed to see his face for any hint of him lying. She thought he might only be making fun of her. Surely, he did not mean what he said.

They were having their usual banter a little while ago when he blurted out the word 'babe' like it was natural for him to call her with that endearment. Like he had been calling her that since forever.

Did he mean it? What did he even mean? Was it even a big deal? She was confused. She might only be making a mountain out of a molehill. Was she offended? Flattered with being compared to a hot car?

Lily stood in front of Ray, staring at him. She searched for a twinkle of amusement in his eyes or for a smirk—anything that could give her a clue on how to deal with him. Or how to make her body move. He caught her off her guard that she did not know what to say to him or do about the situation.

It was awkward, and she was stiff.

So, she searched and searched for a clue on his face, arms, and hands. Even the way he stood there in front of her she scrutinized.

Both of them stood outside the Joneses' mansion, oblivious to the busy party inside. They were facing each other but not uttering a single word between them. She was staring at him for too long that she did not notice he was also staring back at her.

When she realized this, she immediately looked away. She looked down at her shoes instead and bit her lip—she had gotten nervous. Because the moment their eyes met, something dawned on her.

What was that? She flustered. Her face and ears started to feel hot. What was she feeling? She could not put a name on it, but it was there.

It was a strange impulse, poking at her already confused state. It was an impulse to hold his hand. To touch an inch of his skin and memorize it. To sensitize her skin with his somehow.

That was not right, Lily. Impossible. No way! She told herself.

She thought she was not only confused but also going crazy. She shook her head at the thought. Good lord! Her face was getting unbelievably hot. She was freaking blushing! Not knowing what else to do anymore, she fidgeted for her car key. It was time to go home.

On the other hand, Ray knew he should have cared a bit more when he said 'babe'. He had to admit that he was careless. Selfish even. Now, look at the girl in front of him. She might already be thinking he was a creep. It was not his intention though. He meant well.

What should he say to her? Should he take it back? And tell her it was only a joke? Or just be honest about it? What he said obviously made Lily uncomfortable.

He did not know how to approach her. He should have asked Alas to teach him how to be a gentleman or Dan to give him a list of sweet words to say to girls.

But this was Lily "Stiff' McQueen, he reminded himself. So, pretty words and pretty gestures wouldn't sway her off her pretty little feet that easily anyway.

With Lily standing only a few inches from his reach, Ray was a move away from doing the thing he wanted to do to her since the first time he saw her tonight at the party.

He wanted to kiss her.

Was it the right thing to do? Should he do it? Did he really want to kiss her? He had been having dreams of her mouth for days now. He didn't know why and how it came about in him. All he knew was to curse at that stupid cup of cappuccino. He thought of the cup she drank from when they had their short chat at Nickel Penny one Friday afternoon.

The very afternoon before The List was published two days after.

Ray remembered their time at the diner. What stood out the most from that memory was her drinking coffee—actually, her lips wet with it. How could he envy coffee touching her lips?

It had been a long time since he was with a girl. So, it must be the reason why. Raging teenage hormones, he guessed. Anything was sexy these days. Even a girl simply drinking coffee was already mind-blowing to a boy like him.

He shook off the image of her lips from his mind. The Stiff was absolutely off-limits. But even now, he couldn't help himself and stare at her lips again.

Fuck! Help was his only prayer at the moment.

Loud silence fell between Ray and Lily and their skins tingled. The cold evening breeze enveloped each one of them. Their gazes hid behind shy lashes. No one was brave enough to make a sound or take the first step.

Lily wrapped her arms around her. She was cold. In one hand, her car key. Not far from her, her yellow beetle. A short walk to her car and she would be out of there. But, something told her not to leave yet. She should be saying her goodbye but something in her was hopeful for him to ask her to stay. She was becoming anxious.

Little did she know, Ray did want to ask her to stay longer but deliberated with himself if it was okay to ask. He decided to be a good boy—for now. It was late. She must have a curfew or something. So, he took off his black leather jacket, one of his favorites, and offered it to Lily.

"Here."

Lily didn't understand what he said. "What?"

"Take my jacket. You're cold. It might help keep you warm." He tried so hard not to look at her in the eyes. Damn! He might need another bottle of beer to clear his mind and relax. Hopefully, she didn't notice his hand was shaking. "Come on, McQueen. Take it."

Her mouth was dry—not a word came out or dared to. With awkward and hesitating little hands, she took the jacket from him. Though perplexed by his gesture, she actually wanted to take it from him.

He watched her wear it over the witch costume she wore for the party. He felt pride. She looked hot wearing his favorite black leather jacket,

At last, she could say, "Thank you."

He replied with a satisfied smile, "You're welcome."

***