Stephanie was shaking. Kevin looked genuinely concerned beside her as he cast not-so-subtle glances her way, but hadn't yet said anything. They finally turned the corner away from the noodle shop, and she released the outrage she was holding, flinging her hands up to her head.
"Cheesus Murphy. What the hell was that!" It was a rhetorical question, but saying it out loud felt good. Kevin stepped to the side just in time to avoid getting hit.
"Actually, I think that's what I'm supposed to say after something like that." Kevin answered. She looked at him and noticed he had that retreating look in his eye, but also the look of genuine concern. "Who was he?"
"Well, he's one of Mark's best friends, but not really acting like it anymore. And he's everywhere."
"What do you mean, 'he's everywhere'?"
"Everywhere. I keep 'running into him' in random places, but it's all the time. And I can't shake the ominous feeling he brings with him."
"Oh." Stephanie looked at him, and figured he really was at a loss for words. After a slight pause, he continued, "Can I do something? Do you want to head home? Or somewhere else?"
"I don't know what I want."
"That makes this difficult," he looked at her ruefully.
"I know. Let's just keep moving so I am further away from him." They kept going, Kevin taking on the conversational slack to talk about Doctor Who. Stephanie started to feel better, and wondered if she should tell him the whole story. But they were having a fun evening and it seemed like too heavy of a topic.
Kevin was finally starting to open up about himself. He told her all about his work at the start up, about Jared and Katy who helped him pick the hair cut, and about the other partners in his company, and how confident they are. Stephanie noticed that confidence really was an issue for Kevin. She would have to keep that in mind if they reached the point in friendship when they could tease each other. Mark had lost that ability. She was pretty sure David never had it.
They had been walking and talking for nearly two hours when the first rain drops started to fall. Noticing they were on the far side of the park near Steph's house, they decided to cut through the park when it suddenly turned to a downpour. Shrieking, Stephanie started running and hoped that Kevin would follow. Neither one of them were prepared for rain.
Once in the shelter of her car port, they caught their breath and laughed together.
"I can give you a ride home if you'd like. Then you don't have to walk to the subway."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I'll grab my car keys from inside. But I also want to change because I am totally soaked through! You can come up if you'd like to wait."
They went up the stairs and Stephanie left him in the kitchen, when she turned around and came back.
"Actually, do you want something dry?"
"Uh, no that's okay. I'll be fine."
"Okay, I'll grab a towel for you though." She disappeared into the bathroom and came back to hand him a fluffy, bright blue towel. She reappeared a few minutes later wearing new jeans and a t-shirt, and laughed when she saw his hair after towel drying.
"Look, the Han Solo hair is back!" She liked how he blushed immediately before continuing. "I thought it was a good cosplay. Simple enough character to pull off, no body paint required, and yet recognizable enough. It suited you." The pink didn't leave his cheeks, but they headed out the door. She was going to leave any further conversation about Com-Expo up to him, not sure if the blush was from standing her up with no explanation (not that he owed her one), or because he was shy about cosplaying.
Other than Kevin providing the directions, the car ride was quiet. Stephanie was thinking about Mark and David, and still trying to figure out how David always seemed to show up where she was. By the time she pulled up in front of Kevin's building, it seemed to be raining harder than ever. She turned off the car and peered out the window and sighed.
"Thanks for the ride. I had a really great time today." He peered out the window, but made no move to get out of the car. "It is really coming down out there."
Stephanie said nothing in response, but stared at the rain running down her window. Kevin looked at her, but she stared out the window. She was fiddling with her bracelet and biting her lip the way she had when she was stressed in the elevator.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Stephanie's lip quivered, and with a trembling voice, told him all about Mark, including how she truly thought he was the one, and then about David's actions since the break up. Her tears rolled down her cheeks while she stared straight out the front window.
He listened quietly and intently as she spoke and when she finally finished, he reached over and squeezed her hand. He didn't say anything, and she finally wiped her eyes and looked at him. She noticed he looked a bit shaken by her story, and a bit awkward about how to help. She figured she better try and ease the tension before it choked her.
"Good thing this wasn't a date, or this would be a really bad start." She added with a chuckle and withdrew her hand from Kevin's.
"Yeah, well. It was still a good day for the most part." Looking out the window again he added, "It looks like its clearing up a bit, so I should probably head in."
"Okay."
"Talk soon?"
"Sure," she said with a smile. He opened the door and started getting out. "Hey, Kevin," her voice was small and scared. He leaned back and looked at her, right leg out in the rain. "Thank you. For everything."
He smiled at her. "No problem." He stepped out of the car and slammed the door behind him.
She watched as he dashed into the building and waited for him to disappear from sight before starting the car to return home.
*
She didn't see Kevin again until Wednesday, and by that time she was half way through the book he recommended. It was living up to expectations, and she was eager to tell him so. Plus, Denise was hosting another games night and Stephanie wanted Kevin to join again. She had stayed at the office later than normal, so the train was emptier than usual and she sat down beside him.
"Hey! I've been reading the book you chose, and I am impressed. Also, there is another games night on Friday night, and I think you should come."
He looked at her and smiled. "Well, if you insist. Though, I should warn you, this time I will come to win."
"Oh, were you taking it easy on us last time?" She raised an eyebrow, and he laughed.
"No, but what do I need to know for Friday?"
"Denise's house again, can you bring snacks?"
"What kind of snacks?"
"Candy and popcorn. Make good decisions." She winked at him.
"No pressure or anything."
"Now you get it." She chided and held up her book. "So, about this quest they are on..."
*
On Friday afternoon Stephanie got a text from Drew about games night.
Drew: Carly got promoted and we want to go out and celebrate. So, new plan! We are going to Denise's and playing a game with a drinking twist while we eat, then going to a bar. We're meeting a few of her coworkers there at 9.
Stephanie: YES CARLY! Okay, still meeting at the same time? And what bar? Also, I invited Kevin again, Carly doesn't mind if he comes?
Drew: Not at all! The more the merrier (she's just planning to get reallllll drunk anyways). Going to bar-bon.
Stephanie: Sounds good. See you later!
Stephanie texted Kevin about the change of plan, and prayed that he wouldn't cancel on them.
Stephanie: Hey, so we have reason to celebrate (Carly got a promotion!) so we will have condensed games night before heading to bar-bon.
Stephanie: Still games, still food, but extra drinks.
She waited 3 hours to hear back from Kevin, and he finally responded when she was getting ready to leave the office.
Kevin: Okay.
Stephanie: Yay! Okay. Since there will be more drinks, I'm not driving anymore. Streetcar instead. Then subway home from the bar. We can meet up before and go together if you want.
Kevin: Alright. I'm heading home now. Tell me where to meet you and when.
Stephanie: 6:30, St. Clair station?
Kevin: See you then.
She had an hour and a half to get home, change into something decent enough to wear to the bar, grab her appetizers, and get back to the subway in time to meet Kevin. She grabbed her bag and headed out the door.