Where the Road Bends

Chapter 14

Julia pirouetted in front of her mirror, a whirlwind of nervous energy. Sebastian had actually called! A date, proper this time, not a post-pub stumble.

Here she was, a tangled mess of emotions reflected in her disaster zone of a room. Clothes lay strewn across the floor like fallen soldiers, casualties in the war of "what to wear." Ten outfit changes later, her eyeliner still stubbornly refusing to cooperate, and her curls rebelling with a life of their own, Julia settled on a simple blue dress. "This is as good as it's going to get," she muttered, smoothing down the fabric.

A sharp rap on the door sent her heart into a hummingbird impersonation. He was here. Julia flung open the door, plastering on a smile that probably resembled a rictus grin. Sebastian stood there, looking impossibly handsome with his ridiculously defined cheekbones (seriously, unfair). He also smelled fantastic, some cologne that whispered of expensive holidays and danger (or maybe that was just her nerves talking).

"Bloody hell, Julia," he said, a low whistle escaping his lips. "You look..." He trailed off, searching for the right word.

"Radiant?" Julia offered, a touch too eager, hoping to hide her obvious nervousness.

"Nah," he chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "More like trouble."

Sebastian, reached out and snagged her wrist, pulling her gently towards him. Their faces were inches apart, his gaze warm and inviting. "Hold on there, love," he murmured, his voice a husky whisper.

Julia's breath hitched. "M-mm, hi," she managed, her voice barely a squeak.

Sebastian chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. He leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a soft, teasing kiss. When he pulled back, a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "Now," he said, a hint of amusement lacing his voice, "you can go grab that coat. Unless, of course, you'd prefer to skip straight to dessert?"

Julia couldn't help but grin. Sebastian might be all charm and easy smiles, but she wasn't entirely helpless. In fact, she rather enjoyed the playful banter. "No, dinner first." she drawled, raising an eyebrow.

Sebastian flashed Julia a cheeky smile, then gestured for her to follow him with a flourish. "Come on then, love, let's get a wiggle on!"

"Wiggle on?" Julia echoed, "Where exactly are we wiggling on to?"

Sebastian winked, his smile turning enigmatic. "Oh, you'll absolutely love it! Trust me."

With that cryptic message, he ushered her into a waiting cab, the door clicking shut with a whoosh. The city whizzed by as the taxi sped towards their unknown destination, the anticipation building with every passing block. Finally, the cab pulled up to a building with a giant checkered flag. Julia's jaw dropped.

"Go-karting?" she squeaked, her voice a mixture of amusement and disbelief.

Sebastian chuckled, feigning mock hurt. "What? You don't like go-karting?"

Julia rolled her eyes, a playful smirk gracing her lips. "Don't be daft, Seb. I love go-karting! It's just..." she glanced down at her dress and heels, "not exactly the ideal attire for high-speed racing."

Sebastian's smile widened. "Silly sausage," he teased, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "That's why they have those lovely little jumpsuits here, isn't it?"

"Alright, Sebastian, you're on. Prepare to be trounced by a lady in a blue dress."

***

Julia ripped off her helmet, her hair a windblown mess that somehow managed to look endearing. Sebastian watched her, a genuine smile playing on his lips. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, a clear indicator that she'd thoroughly enjoyed herself.

"Alright then," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I think it's safe to say you've had enough carnage for one day. How about we grab a bite?"

Julia grinned, her victory still sweet on her tongue. "About bloody time," she countered, shooting him a playful jab. "All this winning does tend to leave a girl famished."

Sebastian chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. They changed back into their clothes, the cab ride back filled with easy conversation and comfortable silences.

The destination, however, was a surprise. Instead of a fancy restaurant, Sebastian pulled up to a brightly painted food truck emblazoned with the words "Spudtacular Spuds."

Julia arched an eyebrow. "A baked potato, Sebastian? Is this your idea of a post-victory feast?"

Sebastian, unfazed by her amusement, winked. "The best bloody potato you'll ever have, love," he declared confidently. "Just wait here a sec, yeah?

Moments later, Sebastian returned, holding two steaming containers. The aroma that wafted out was divine, a symphony of melted cheese, herbs, and something gloriously meaty.

They settled on a nearby bench, tearing into their unexpectedly delicious meal. Conversation flowed easily. Sebastian, peppered the conversation with playful compliments that sent a warm flush creeping up Julia's cheeks. As they talked, Julia realised a smile had been permanently plastered on her face.

"So," Sebastian began, his voice laced with a hint of nervousness that surprised her, "are you, by any chance, free on Saturday?"

Julia tilted her head, considering the question. "Saturday? Yeah, I think I can swing that," she replied with a warm smile.

Sebastian's face lit up, genuine relief washing over his features. "Brilliant! There's this friendly football match happening down at the park, and I'd absolutely love it if you could come watch."

He hesitated for a moment, then added shyly, "No pressure, of course. But it'd be great if you could make it."

Julia couldn't help but laugh at his sudden bashfulness. It was a refreshing contrast to his usual confident persona. "I'd love to." she said leaning into him playfully.

Sebastian's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her in for a brief hug. "Perfect," he murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear.