The moment the door closed, Eleanor threw herself on to the bed and screamed into the pillow.
Eleanor Ruth Levy, what the hell have you done?
*
Thankfully, by the grace of God, there was a Starbucks en route to Fin’s bed and breakfast. One large triple-shot latte later and Eleanor was feeling semi-human again. The shower and the change of clothes were also doing wonders for her well-being. She pulled up in the car park and waited; unsurprisingly she was early.
Eleanor turned the radio on in an attempt to prevent any swell of thoughts creeping up on her, but the music was way too loud and jarring. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out her phone.
Hey. I’m waiting in the car park when you’re ready x
Short, sharp but civil. Perfect.
Maybe he doesn’t remember the kiss?
Was he drinking?
Of course he wasn’t drinking.
Well then, he remembers …
She leant back against the headrest, praying the force of impact would knock the voices from her crowded head. Suddenly a blast of cold air shot in from the left-hand side. She slowly turned her head to see the freckled face of Fin, peering in through the open door.
‘Well, don’t you look like a brand-new human!’ he joked,eyeing her in mock surprise, clambering inside the car. His face was fresh and full of life. His green eyes sparkled at her, making her lips tingle rather unconsciously.
‘Trust me, I don’t feel it on the inside,’ she mumbled, praying for her heart to stop racing in her chest as she turned the engine on. ‘Ready to go?’
‘Sure am,’ he replied, settling down into the seat beside her.
They drove in silence for the first hour, Eleanor focusing all of her energy on the road ahead, leaving no room for thought or conversation. Every few minutes she would steal a glance at Fin as he slept soundly, face pressed up against the window, steaming it with his breath. Clearly, he’d had just as bad a night as she had.
Probably worse.
He was looking after you, remember.
Her foot pressed down on the accelerator harder than she’d intended. The car lurched forward and jolted Fin from his sleep.
‘Sorry. I’m so sorry.’ Eleanor winced as Fin wiped the trail of dribble from his chin.
‘No, it’s fine,’ he replied groggily, stretching himself out as far as he could manage within the confines of the tiny Yaris. ‘How long have I been out for?’
Eleanor checked the time quickly. ‘Maybe an hour or so.’
‘Ah, must have been more tired than I thought.’
‘Not even Whitney Houston at top volume could wake you up,’ she joked.
‘Really?’ he replied, aghast.
‘No! My head hurts too much for the radio.’ Eleanor sighed, the ache behind her eyes still lingering like unwanted storm clouds. Dark, heavy, and too close for comfort.
‘I see.’ Fin reached his hand slowly towards the radio and raised an eyebrow playfully. ‘So me putting some music on now at full blast wouldnotbe a good thing?’
Eleanor narrowed her eyes. ‘Don’t you dare,’ she warned.
‘Oops.’ Fin chuckled, hitting the on button and turning the sound up high.
‘Fin!’ Eleanor cried over the music that was blaring out of the speakers.
