The Last First Date

Caught In The Rain

Chapter Eight — Caught in the Rain

The rain started without warning.

One minute, the sky was clear.

The next, dark clouds covered the city.

Amara was leaving her office when she noticed the first drops hitting the pavement.

"Perfect."

She hurried toward her car.

Before she could reach it, the rain became heavy.

She ran the rest of the distance.

By the time she got inside, her hair was damp and her clothes were speckled with water.

She started the car.

Nothing.

She tried again.

Still nothing.

Amara stared at the dashboard.

"Please don't do this."

She tried once more.

The engine made a weak sound and stopped.

Amara leaned back.

She closed her eyes.

"Of course."

Her phone rang.

Daniel.

She answered.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?"

"At work."

"You're still there?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"My car won't start."

There was a pause.

"Where are you parked?"

She told him.

"I'll come."

"No."

"Amara."

"I can handle it."

"I know."

"Then why are you coming?"

"Because it's raining."

"I can wait."

"So can I."

She smiled.

"You are stubborn."

"So are you."

Twenty-five minutes later, Daniel arrived.

He walked through the rain holding an umbrella.

Amara lowered her window.

"You actually came."

"I said I would."

He looked at the car.

"Did you call a mechanic?"

"Not yet."

"Let's try something."

He opened the hood.

Amara watched from inside.

A few minutes later, Daniel returned.

"I don't think we're fixing this tonight."

"Great."

"We'll get someone to tow it."

"I hate cars."

Daniel laughed.

"Cars don't hate you."

"They do."

He opened the passenger door.

"Come on."

"Where?"

"I'll take you home."

Amara hesitated.

"Daniel..."

"It's raining."

She sighed.

"Fine."

They drove through the wet streets.

Lagos looked different in the rain.

Streetlights reflected on the roads.

Cars moved slowly.

People stood beneath umbrellas.

For a while, neither spoke.

Then Daniel said, "You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"You don't sound fine."

"I'm just tired."

"Long day?"

"Very."

She looked out the window.

"I lost a client today."

Daniel glanced at her.

"I'm sorry."

"It happens."

"Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt."

Amara smiled slightly.

"You always know what to say."

"I don't."

"You do."

They continued driving.

Then the car stopped in traffic.

Amara looked at Daniel.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Why are you always there?"

Daniel smiled.

"Where else would I be?"

"You know what I mean."

He thought for a moment.

"Because I care about you."

Amara became quiet.

The words were simple.

But they felt heavier than they should have.

She looked away.

"Thank you."

The rain continued.

When they reached her apartment, Daniel walked her to the entrance.

"You should get some rest."

"I will."

"Call me if you need anything."

"I will."

He turned to leave.

"Daniel."

He looked back.

"Thank you."

He smiled.

"Anytime."

Amara watched him walk away.

She stood there until he disappeared from sight.

Then she went inside.

She leaned against the door.

Her heart was beating quickly.

She didn't know what to do with the feelings growing inside her.

She only knew that she didn't want them to disappear.