Worth Saving(46)

“So, that was badass,” Layla comments as the four of us walk down the stairs and out of the theatre when the movie is finished.

“Sure as hell was,” I reply. “Is it just me, or is Jake Gyllenhaal underrated?”

“Yeah, he’s a beast,” Jordan says as we push through the crowd and find our way out into the parking lot. “I think he’s right up there with the best of them.”

“Yeah, I agree,” says Layla.

“Oh, you agree, do you?” Jason jumps in. “You think Jake what’s-his-face is underrated, but you think LeBron is overrated?”

“Damn man, you’re still on that shit,” Jordan remarks. “Dude, you’ve gotta let it go.”

“Oh, I don’t think so,” Jason replies to Jordan before quickly turning back to Layla. “Look, I know we just met, and I know I’m a little vocal sometimes, but how could you make a statement like that? I mean, what do you even know about basketball that you can make that kind of an assessment about the great LeBron? Just because you beat sucky Austin doesn’t mean you’re a basketball purist like me.”

“Wow, I’m not sure just how offended by that I’m supposed to be,” Layla snaps back. “I know we just met too, but I don’t know why you’re so caught up on this when I bet you’re not even good at basketball.”

“Really?” Jason says, stopping in the middle of the parking lot to have this discussion. Jordan and I just stand there hoping it ends soon and without any bloodshed.

“Yeah, really. When are you gonna put your money where your mouth is? Or, do you just talk a big game like all lawyers do?” Layla says.

“Oh, wow! That’s it, we’re gonna play. I have to work on my case tomorrow, but as soon as I get some time, we’re gonna settle this. And I’m not gonna let you win like Austin did, either.”

“Hey, what the f*ck?” I snap. “That’s how you’re gonna pull me into this craziness?”

“Oh, you’re in it. We’re gonna play.”

“Well, just let me know when, and I’ll be there,” Layla says.

“Great. I can’t wait,” Jason says as Jordan pulls his arm.

“Alright, *, that’s enough. Let’s go,” Jordan snips. “Talk to you later, Austin. Bye, Layla.”

The two of them finally walk away, and Layla and I are left standing in the parking lot together. It’s still kind of cold out since it’s early March, and I can see she’s shivering and crossing her arms to cover her chest from the cold. So, I step forward and wrap my arms around her. She lays her head on my chest and I get a whiff of the smell of her hair. I have no idea what kind of shampoo she uses, but it smells amazing. I breathe it in a few time before I finally speak.

“So, that’s Jason,” I joke. The two of us laugh together for the millionth time.

“Yeah, he’s a trip, but I like him. I like you more, though.”

“Is that right?”

“Definitely.”

I look down at her and her beautiful brown eyes lock me in. Unlike so many other times before, I don’t hesitate to move in. I press my mouth to hers and enjoy the warmth of her tongue caressing mine. It’s suddenly not even cold at all anymore, and I forget we’re standing in the parking lot of a movie theatre with a bunch of people walking around us. We just forget everything and act as if we’re the only two people in the world. It feels like ten minutes goes by before we finally separate, still staring into each other’s eyes.

“Ugh, I hate that I have to go,” Layla says, scrunching her forehead. “I have to go meet back up with Amanda. She’s gonna meet me at my house so we can work on some stuff.”

“Some stuff?”

“Yeah. It’s just some personal stuff for me. Nothing to get too excited about.”

“Okay,” I say. I want to ask what she’s talking about, but I still think it’s not the right time to ask about something that’s not really my business. If she wanted me to know, she’d divulge the information on her own. “Well, can I call you tomorrow?”

Layla smiles at me, then kisses me softly on the lips. “You better,” she says. Then she turns on her heel and walks to her car.

As I open the door to my own ride, I find comfort in the fact that I’m obviously making progress with Layla. We held hands during the movie, she met a couple of my friends, and we’ve kissed the last two times we’ve been together.

However, I can also tell she still has some walls up. By now, it’s probably habit to have walls up because she’s had them there for so long. It’s gonna take work to bring them down so I can get to her heart, but I’m ready for the work. I welcome it. I’m rolling up my sleeves and ready for the long haul, because every time I’m with her, it’s better than the last time. As long as she’ll have me, I plan to keep chipping away at those walls, and I won’t stop until she either says I have to, or they’re rubble underneath my feet.





Austin

“You sure she’s coming?”

“Yeah, of course I’m sure,” I reply, feeling a little anxious.

“I don’t know, man. She seemed a little hesitant, and I know you two are starting to act like you’re a couple, even though neither of you is willing to admit it, but maybe you guys aren’t ready for this. This is a big step.”