𝓒𝓵𝓪𝓻𝓪

We ordered from a food cart selling hotdogs and little flimsy cups in the shape of a heart to hold fries.

Maverick grabbed the two cups of water and followed close behind to a bench.

I cast shy glances in his direction as we ate - His amber eyes and dark brown hair. The dimples in the corners of his mouth as he smiled.

"You remind me of fall," I said, feeling brave.

He smiled, amused, the dimples appeared briefly. "Do I?"

I nodded, putting a small fry into my mouth. "I don't know, just your appearance."

"Hm.. Do you like fall?" He asked, shifting to face me.

"I do, actually... It's really pretty. Winter would be my favorite, though. Um.. What about you? What is your favorite season?"

"Hold on," he smiled, "why is winter your favorite?"

I looked at him and swallowed, "Back at the orphange." I couldn't help but notice the way he looked at me - his brows furrowed, and he looked surprised, but very briefly.

I continued. "During winter, one of the women there would take us outside to play in the snow after our bedtime... we would make snowmen... I always liked watching the snow fall."

"I didn't know you two were orphans," Maverick shifted slightly. "But you know who your mom is?"

I swallowed, "yeah... Um.. It's complicated, I guess... We were never adopted."

His brows furrowed, and a look of sympathy painted his face. "I'm sorry, Clara."

I shook my head quickly, "Oh, it's okay. Don't worry about it."

Maverick put an arm on the back of the bench. I realized then just how close he was next to me - our legs nearly touched.

"Did you like it there?" He asked.

I looked at him and hestitated. My heart began beating so loudly that I feared he could hear it. "Um... Yeah. It.. It was good."

His eyes narrowed then, "you do realize I'm a detective, right?"

I shook my head as if to wave off the entire conversation. "Your favorite season?" I tried again.

"Clara, you know I notice by how you're acting right now that the orphanage or someone there is clearly making you hesitant to even talk about it, so I am going to ask.. Did something happen there?"

I looked at his chest and slowly took in a deep breath.

"Nothing happened."