Adam's List(21)

Neither one of us mentions the list or his unclaimed offer as we walk down an easygoing trail in the park that weaves through the thick forest of tall oaks that have become gnarly and twisted with time. Adam has a million questions for me, yet he still seems unwilling to share anything about himself. I end up telling him stories of concerts Kelly and I caught in the past year, probably boring him to tears considering he knows so little about music.

By the time we return to his Challenger, the sun’s just beginning to set below the horizon, making a stunning display of soft colors reflecting off the river below. A few more couples have gathered around the couple in beanies to witness the spectacular sight. Sunsets are definitely something reserved for romance, and I’m not having any of that.

I try to summon the courage to ask Adam to take me home, even though the last hour has been so awesome that I’m already dreading telling him goodbye. I should just walk away before things get complicated, before the tangle of complex emotions becomes uncontrollable, and I’m back in a situation where I’ve lost all control.

Adam’s eyes snap onto mine as he runs a hand through his hair. So much expression lingers in his gaze, the loudest being hope. “I know you said you have to study, but it’s still early and my friend’s playing in a band at the Starlite. If you’re up for it, I could have you back by eight.”

Ugh, the dreaded promise of a live band . It’s as if he already knows exactly what it takes to entice me. I tell myself it’s just music. I’ll go, hear this band with him, and we don’t ever have to see each other again.

I roll my eyes as if it’s a ridiculous question. “I’m always up for music.”

With a tilt of his head, we meet up at the passenger’s side where he opens my door.

I flip through the radio stations as soon as we leave the park, taking care to play a good variety so I can culture him on more of my favorite tunes.

Adam parks in front of Buzzard Billy’s, and leads me up a steep set of stairs inside.

I’ve been to Billy’s a few times with Kelly and other friends, but never upstairs to the lounge. The place is totally retro, reminding me of the Rat Pack days with its paneled walls and bright colors. Cocktail tables with high-backed turquoise chairs and a various styles of couches look inviting under the dim lights.

There’s a small crowd gathered. Adam seems to know a group of guys at the bar as one of them waves, raising his eyebrows upon seeing me. Adam lifts his hand in a quick greeting before steering me to an open red velvet couch. I sit, but he stands over me, looking paranoid.

“The band won’t be out for another half hour. You interested in sharing a slice of key lime pie?”

“Sure,” I say, even though I’ve never tried the stuff.

“I’ll be right back.” He’s off to the bar before I can say anything else. I watch as he pumps fists with the guy who waved earlier, and they become engaged in a lively conversation. Yeah, so this isn’t supposed to be an “official date,” but I’m still a little hurt that he doesn’t bring me over to meet his friends. It just creates a host of more questions. What are we doing together? Why would he invite me on this trip, then choose not to introduce me to his friends?

I dig in my purse for my phone, finding a number of missed calls and texts from Kelly. As the last all but threatens my actual life, I quickly type out a message to her.

Tell u everything later. At Starlite 4 a band. Will b late.

Adam’s still busy chatting it up with his buddies, so I check my social apps for anything interesting. I snort under my breath when I see a Facebook message from Levi.

I want my helmut back.

He didn’t even bother to ask nicely. And he can’t spell.

A month ago he gave me his spare helmet so he could pick me up on a whim. At first I was jealous of all the girls who probably wore it before me, and was thrilled when he asked if I wanted to hold on to it. I took it as a sign that he was ready to commit to me, and stop seeing other women.

“Everything good?” Adam asks, making me jump. I look up to see him standing over me, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Yeah, it’s good,” I say, closing the app and stashing my phone. “Kelly’s just being...Kelly.” When he settles within a touching distance from me on the couch, I catch the guys from the bar sneaking glances over at us. “Friends of yours?”

Resting his ankle on his knee, he huffs loudly when he looks back at them. “Kind of.

They’re my old fraternity brothers.”

“You were in a fraternity?”

“I was a totally different person back then.” His eyes are hard when his gaze flickers back to me. “It was a lapse in judgment.”