Can't Stop

Chapter 4

I followed a few steps behind James, struggling to keep up with his quick pace. We were heading south of the main campus -- most students didn't venture too far south, as the more popular hangouts were in the opposite direction. In fact, I'd never seen the street we were walking on. It looked like some kind of side road, or back alley, as there weren't any cars or stop lights and only a few people were milling about just as quickly as James.

My calves were beginning to hurt from walking so fast. "Can we, uh, slow down a bit? I have kind of short legs, you know, so it's harder for me --"

"--We're almost there," he cut me off mid-sentence, slowing down only slightly. I managed to match his stride, and now I was walking beside him.

I frowned as he put on a pair of dark Ray-Bans. "Do you have sensitive eyes or something? It's pretty cloudy out."

He glanced at me. "Something like that." I sensed some irritation in his voice. Why was he being so standoffish? He's the one who invited me to come with him. God, guys are so confusing.

James suddenly stopped and turned to open a door on our right, leading us into a small yet crowded Greek restaurant. He motioned towards a table for two in the back corner, and we made our way between the tables and waiters running around until we got to the table. I was actually surprised when James pulled out my chair for me and helped me scoot forward before taking his own seat.

"Sorry about that earlier," he said apologetically, handing me a menu. "I just hate walking through the main streets in the city, and I wanted to get here so we have some time to eat."

I nodded, but noticed he was still wearing the hat and sunglasses. "Do you have somewhere to be?"

"Well, I was supposed to fly out to L.A. last night, but a friend of mine is having the opening for her new art gallery tonight, and I'm supposed to help her out with it soon," he explained. "She's really excited about it. So am I."

"That's awesome," I said, genuinely interested. "What kind of gallery?"

"Mostly paintings. But she's set up these amazing projectors and screens throughout it that are going to play short videos that are sort of like the paintings coming to life..." his voice trailed off, lost in thought. "Sorry, I know that probably doesn't make sense. But it's really innovative -- I've never seen anything like it before. I helped her with some of the filming."

I smiled as I listened to James talk passionately about the short films. It was really cute, the way his entire face lit up and he got so excited about all the details of the lighting and editing.

After a few more minutes, our waitress finally greeted us. "Sorry, it's packed in here. What can I get you folks?" she asked, looking to me first.

I bit my lip. "Um, I'll have a glass of water. And... um, I don't know, I haven't really looked at the menu..."

"Do you need another minute to decide?"

James intervened, handing her his menu. "Cass, you should try the chicken gyro. I bet you'd like it."

I shrugged, trying not to act surprised that he just called me Cass. "Yeah, okay. That sounds good."

"And I'll have the same. And a coke."

The waitress smiled and scribbled down our orders before hustling back to the kitchen.

"What, no rum with your coke this time?" I teased.

James laughed. "I don't really drink, to be honest," he said, his voice serious. "I used to a lot when I was younger... got in a lot of trouble for it, back in high school," he chuckled, "but I've realized that I can appreciate life a lot more when my mind is clear, and I don't like the person I become when I'm drunk. So I'll have a drink once in a while, or on a plane to calm my nerves, but that's pretty much it."

I raised my eyebrows, surprised. "Wow, that's really... mature of you. Most of the guys I know just pound down shots every night. It's kind of refreshing to meet someone who doesn't," I confessed.

He grinned. "Well, you're in college, so that's to be expected. But hopefully those guys will grow out of that phase, too."

"I don't know," I shrugged. "I met this guy last night who's definitely out of college, and it seems like he's still doing the same stuff. I guess it takes a while for some people."

"Yeah, I know a few people like that."

Our waitress returned with our drinks and apologized for the wait before hurrying off to another table.

I frowned, taking a sip of my water. "Do you think you'll get out of here in time for your gallery?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. Besides, I'm here with you now, and I'm having a good time, so that's what matters."

I looked down into my lap as I smiled. I could feel myself blushing, and willed my nerves to calm down. He's just being friendly, nothing more. When my eyes roamed back to his, I noticed him watching me. "What?" I asked self-consciously.

James' smile grew wider. "Nothing. You're just cute, that's all."

Cute, like you find me attractive? Or cute, like I could be your little sister? "Yeah, okay," I said, attemping to play off my obviously reddening face. "That's not creepy at all."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "So, tell me about this guy from last night. Were you on a date?"

I couldn't read James. His voice sounded slightly irritated again, yet his face looked as calm and relaxed as ever. He seemed actually interested, but I didn't want to talk about another guy with him. "Why do you care, you jealous?" I teased.

He smirked. "Maybe. Depends on if the date went well or not."

"It wasn't a date," I said firmly. "My friends dragged me to this rooftop after party for a film. I don't even know how we got in, really, but one of the actors bought me a drink, and then we hung out for a bit." I noticed James' face hardening, his jaw clenched. Was that too much detail -- was he actually jealous now? "I mean, I didn't really like him, though. I'm not into the whole mysterious actor thing, no worries," I tried to lighten the mood.

I was unsuccessful. James still looked extremely pissed. "Which actor from the film?" His voice was so low, I could hardly hear him.

"Huh?"

"Which. Actor. From. The. Film." He repeated, emphasizing each word.

I couldn't help my confused expression at his sudden change of mood. I waited for a second to see if he would flash that smile and say he was messing with me, but he didn't. "Um..." I mumbled, racking my brain to remember what Dave had told me. "He was like the main character. He played Rocky?" I guessed. Rocky, right? I'm pretty sure that's what he said. Oh no, what if James saw the film? What if he asks me about it, and then I have to tell him I never even saw the movie? Ugh, why did I even bring this whole thing up...

James rubbed his face with his hands, letting out an exasperated sigh. He looked like he was in pain.

"James," I said quietly. "Is everything okay?"

He slammed his hands down on the table. A few people sitting nearby turned to look.

"No, no, everything is not okay. Fuck!"

"James!" I tried to quiet him down. "What's wrong? What's going on?!"

He stood up suddenly, his chair nearly falling over. "I have to go."

"What? Did I say something?"

"No, its not you, it's--"

"But we didn't even get our food yet!"

He glanced at the kitchen behind us and then pulled out his wallet. "It's on me. Tell the waitress to keep the change -- just get them both to go, you can have mine later."

I stood up, forcing him to look me in the eyes. "What the hell is going on?" I asked, now angry.

James slapped a fifty on the table."I have to go. I can't explain right now. I'll call you."

"Don't bother," I said.

His face softened, and he looked like he was about to say something, but he was interrupted by the flash of a nearby camera.

"This is my fault," he muttered. He leaned in to kiss my cheek, but I shrugged away from him.

Another flash.

"Fuck." He stuffed his wallet in his pocket and made his way to the door, leaving me alone, standing like an idiot beside an empty table as the waitress brought out two fresh gyros. The entire restaurant was now staring at me, mouths gaping in shock at what had just transpired. But none of them could be more surprised than I was.

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