"Oh where did I put my phone!" I muttered as I dug through my little purse. Didn't take me long to realize it wasn't there, must have left it in the car with Derek.
"Sorry couldn't help but overhear your conversation with yourself." A male voice said jumping a little I looked up to see a blonde blue-eyed handsome guy standing next to me. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, need a phone." He asked while offering his blackberry.
"Yes please, thanks." I took it and quickly dialed Derek's number.
"Hello?" he answered
"Hey, it's Casey. I left my phone in the car."
"Way to go Spacey." He said and I could picture his cocky little grin, I gave a slight smile.
"Yeah, yeah I know. When do you think you can get here?" I asked. The blonde was staring at me intently and I turned away from him a little.
"I'm actually on my way, but there's some traffic so it will take a little longer. I'm hoping no more than fifteen."
"'Kay, see you then."
"Alright." He said and hung up. I handed the blackberry back to the stranger.
"Thanks again."
"Not a problem, can't be fun to be stranded." He smiled. "Joe." He said offering his hand. Hesitantly I shook it.
"Casey."
"You aren't from around here, are you?" I shook my head in response. I don't do well with strangers. "Where are you from?"
"Canada." I answered not wanting to give any more details. He smiled again, it wasn't a bad smile.
"That's different. How long are you in town for?"
"Probably another day. We're just driving through on our way to college."
"We, being you and your ride?" I nodded again. "Where are you headed for school?" he did ask a lot of questions though.
"In San Antonio."
"Really, coincidence. I'll be attending St. Mary's in the fall."
"That's cool. I've heard good things about St. Mary's." we stood around awkwardly for a few minutes.
"Ummm, are you waiting on your ride too?" I asked.
"Ohh sorry, this must come off as a little weird. It sounded like your ride wouldn't be here for a while so I thought I would wait with you, Detroit isn't known to be one of the safest cities in the US."
"That's kind of you." He shrugged his shoulders as if it was no big deal.
"Well someone as pretty as you, it probably isn't a good idea for you to be outside alone this late." I thought this was a little ironic since I didn't know him at all, and he could very well be the dangers he spoke of. Jeez Casey, when did you get so paranoid I thought.
"I appreciate it." I said, and realized I might have been a little hard on him before barely answering his questions. "So what did you think of the music?"
"It was decent. They've had better here though." He said shrugging. I nodded. "What did you think?"
"It was beautiful, it felt like it was telling a story." He thought about that for a second and just as he was about to reply Derek pulled up to the curb. "That's my ride, thanks again for letting me borrow your phone… and the protection." I said turning toward the car.
"It was a pleasure to meet you Casey." He said taking my hand he lightly kissed it. Then he turned away walking toward the parking lot. I shook my head and climbed into the car. Derek was staring back at Joe.
"Who was that?" he asked, I shrugged.
"Joe. He let me borrow his phone to call you." I said.
"That was fifteen minutes ago." He said staring straight ahead.
"He said he didn't want to leave me unprotected this late at night in an unsafe city." Derek responded with a "harrumph" type noise. And didn't say another word the rest of the way to the hotel.
I had just finished my shower when Derek knocked on the adjoining door. "Case, you there?" he said, I opened the door. He stood with his hands behind his back.
"Sorry, just got out of the shower." I said pulling my hair into a ponytail. His eyes followed my hands. "What's up?" he cleared his throat.
"Casey. I didn't like that you were hanging around that guy, it didn't sit well with me. To be honest I was jealous. I wish I had gone with you to the symphony instead of going to the baseball game. I know you think I'm a player and all of that but I like you Casey."