This time, it was more of a real laugh than a chuckle that escaped her lips, although a small one. ââ Dead inside, huh? Weâll see about that.â She then addressed him a defiant smile, shaking her head slightly.
The unexpected casualness of the exchange made her realize how easily she often ends up liking people, the current situation being a prime example : despite knowing next to nothing about him except his surname, Tamara liked him, sort of. Truth be told, she always had this kind of natural ease when it came to talking to others, even if it was only a few words here and there â she loved people, or at least she tried as much as she could, finding the best in them and forgetting about the rest. An habit that didnât always do her good, especially when paired with the fear of loneliness ( her relationship with Daniel being the result ).
ââ Well I- â He wasnât wrong in the least, and the girl knew she sounded foolish. Still, it was in her character to help others. ââ If it was the case, I highly doubt you would say that out loud. Not to mention you could totally have hurt me back in the alley instead of coming here with me, in plain sight and all.â A smirk curled a side of her mouth, shrugging lightly. ââSeems I have a natural talent at making bad life choices anyway.â While being sometimes quite naive, she wasnât stupid however, and well aware of the risks she was taking here. Yet, she chose to trust her guts, even if it didnât always turn so well for her in the past.
The cashier came back to her mind soon enough ; even without looking at him â staring at Fishâs hands was immensely more interesting â it was as she could feel his disgusting stare on her. ââ Huh, yeah, no problem.â Quickly, she took her wallet out before sliding a twenty dollars bill on the counter, all while carefully avoiding looking directly at the clerk. ââ Iâll wait outside. â And so she got out, quickly.
The cold air of the night was, for once, much welcomed ; yet it wasnât said cold that made her shoulders quiver. Even twenty showers wouldnât be enough to wash off the feeling of him looking at her like that, and disgust was still churning her stomach.
Hands buried deep in her pockets, she let out an eased sigh when she heard him finally rejoin her. Â ââI was starting to think you preferred his company to mine.â Keeping things light made forgetting about the ordeal much easier. ââ âsorry I left you with him. He was starting to really make me uncomfortable.â An apologetic smile crossed her face, and she took a few steps, glancing at him over her shoulder. ââMy couch is really comfortable, by the way.â Yeah, her offer was still standing, no matter what he could say.Â