Three

Your ride has been canceled due to technical difficulties. please retry again after five minutes.

Wait! .what??. NO ... Please don't tell me this is happening with me.

If my ride was canceled then whose car am I sitting in right now ?.

This is So embarrassing !!!

Did I just hitchhiked a stranger and bossed him to take me to my destination.

Can I just jump out of the car?

But I would prefer to vanish instead. Thank you

I tuck my hair strands that are flowing in freedom in every random direction with the wind.

Should I act like I didn't realize what just happened and keep quiet?

"what did it says? " He inquiries looking genuinely interested in knowing what was going on.

"what?? " I said in dazed.

"The message?" He explained.

" Ohh nothing just my boyfriend checking in. " I lied to his face. I look down at my nail finding it very interesting at the moment. I could feel his burning gaze at the top of my head.

"Boyfriend??" he asked with a sly smile. he looks as if he could already see through my lies.

"Look I am so sorry ... I thought it was my ride and. "I said with STUPID written all over my face. My eyes stinging a little.

"It's okay, Totally fine ...we all get into embarrassing situations now and then . "  he tries to reassure me. But his looks say that he is enjoying this a lot.

It is not helping at all. Especially with him looking like he is going to burst out laughing any moment.

I gave him an apologetic smile.

Gawd this is awkward!

We held eyes for a second before bursting out in laughter.

The situation is embarrassing that it is funny.

I kept laughing and he did too. His eyes crinkling at sides. His teeth... God his teeth are so white and straight.

Something about watching someone laugh so carefree and genuine is relaxing.

This feels like I am watching one of those editorial shoots in real life.

Everything fades and all I can see is him. And I am savoring every moment of it.

After I regain my senses and after he catches his breath... I realize that the distance between us was so small that I can smell his strong yet pleasant expensive cologne wafting towards me. It was making me tipsy.

  I looked at his eyes beneath those thick lashes ... They are so gentle and comforting, like swimming in a warm chocolate milk bath. The idea sounds quite fun.

He broke the eye contact and clear his throat. He looks outside clenching the steering wheel with his hands.

Did I mention that his shirt is so crisp and freshly ironed? His buttons are perfectly aligned too.

"Alright, ma'am. We have reached your destination " 

He said turning at my side with a slight bow. His hands doing some sort of antics.

That was fast.

"Oh right... I ... I have to get going ..." I said almost in a whisper.   My throat constricts like I had swallowed a whole desert.

I tuck my hair behind my ear turning at him, suddenly feeling nervous.

"Thank you so much..."I said trying to recall his name. I don't even know his name.

"Kent" he replied.

"Kent Anderson ..and your welcome"  he repeated. He gave a slight smirk stunning me even more.

"It was nice meeting you Kent. Faith Middleton " I said extending my hand for a shake.

" Oh trust me, I had a great time .." He gave a teasing smile cupping my hands for a shake.

My hands felt tiny in his hand.

The handshake was short, quick, and warm. I lowkey want to do it again.

I gave him a small wave and hop out of the rollercoaster.

"Thanks and I am so sorry for troubling you  Kent," I said genuinely grateful.

" No problem. I enjoyed helping you "  He replied with a bright smile.

" I will treat you a meal if we ever meet again, Kent," I said feeling shy about what just happened.

" Okay," he said rolling down his window and passed me his phone.

"Huh?" I said not understanding what will I do with his phone.

" Your number. I will let you know when I am free." He said.

I was being polite about the dinner and did not have the intention of treating him.

"Okay.. " I said typing my number reluctantly. I passed him his phone.

He closed his windows and drive away without a word.

I watch as his car drove further away.