“I think it’s the sign that he’s not going to disturb us,” I said, slipping my hand into the hair at the back of her neck to cradle her head as I kissed her again.
It was strange to have so many feelings overloading my system for a girl I barely knew. Protecting her, caring for her, making sure she was happy – my mind was already flooded with images of all of the next steps of our lives.
Then her hand pressed the center of my chest. “Owen?” she murmured as she tore her lips from mine. “Maybe we shouldn’t…too much too soon. You know. We’re working together.”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” I said, stepping back and releasing her except for her hand. “We can take things at any speed you want.”
She exhaled, nodding. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Anything to make you happy,” I said as I looked around the room again. “Believe it or not, I think we were really efficient. Are there any other shots that you wanted to get?”
Bryn stood unnaturally still as she thought, then tilted her head to the side slightly. It was almost as if she was a computer scanning the room. “No,” she said slowly, “I think that’s it.”
“I’m going to contact that diner of yours to get permission to shoot there, and tomorrow night we’re going to a beautiful old movie theatre for some shots of their lounge.”
She gave me a pointed look. “Oh, really? We’re working again tomorrow night?”
I shrugged. “They’re not open during the day. And there’s a late-night movie event tomorrow. I already called my friend who works there so we can get in at seven while they’re setting up.”
“And you just assume that I’m available?” she giggled.
“Let me rephrase. Brynn, my lovely girl, are you available tomorrow night, so that we can work on this amazing documentary, but more importantly, so that I can admire you in a beautiful theater?”
Her laugh was so light. “Yes.”
We returned all of the furniture back to its original places, then I paid our tab, tipping Arthur generously since he had refused to charge us for the use of his space.
After driving Brynn home, I wasn’t surprised when she didn’t ask me into the little gray apartment building. She seemed like the sort of girl who needed to take her time getting comfortable with me, which I understood.
Walking her to the front door, I waited until she had her keys in her hand to ask, “May I kiss you good night?”
She nodded, stretching up to meet me, making the most of the thrilling heat between us as we gently kissed. Brynn pulled away too soon, but there were a few people walking by on the street. I sort of loved that she was so timid. It was strangely cute.
“I’ll text you tomorrow, sweetheart,” I said, kissing her forehead then standing back to watch her walk inside.
She waved as the elevator doors shut, and I went back to my car to send a text.
Me: I don’t care that it’s cheesy. I miss you already. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
Brynn: I was just thinking the same thing. But this seems really fast to me.
Me: I understand. I’ll try not to tell you how dancing with you was the highlight of my entire year. I’ll also try not to tell you that I’m going to be dreaming of you. xox
I waited for a few minutes while those three dots floated on the screen before she responded.
Brynn: Goodnight. xox
5
_____
Brynn
The next morning was spent working maniacally. Forcing myself to put all thoughts of Owen aside, I wrote out the entire documentary script, with a full list of accompanying visuals.
Since it was going to be short, with footage from the bowling alley, the diner, and a movie theatre, we really only also needed a record shop and a bunch of closeups of old 45s.
Working with Owen was so natural that it felt like we’d known each other much longer than we actually had. Which got me thinking about him again. And those kisses. And the way he held me.