Moths - Saltburn

The morning I encountered Oliver is etched in my mind, a moment that unfolded in a rather cliché manner for meeting a soulmate. The barrister's sharp voice pierced the air with the call, "Flat White!" Grasping the warm cup, I ventured outside, where the brisk air nipped at my face. While I attempted to secure my scarf, it inexplicably wrapped around my body, setting me up for a trip. Just as I started to fall, the comforting warmth of a stranger enveloped me. My coffee was a loss as it spilt over the cold concrete.

Gazing up, I was consumed by the ocean that created his eyes, complemented by the tousled dance of his brown hair in the breeze. As I regained my composure, he spoke, "Are you alright?" A nod escaped me. While he continued speaking, my attention drew to his lips; God, were they inviting. "I'm sorry about your coffee. Let me buy you a new one, please. I'm Oliver, Oliver Quick." It all happened so fast, yet time felt at a standstill in my trance. Now, upright, I was able to find my words.

"Thank you, Oliver. Please don't worry about the coffee; it's my fault for tripping. I'm just grateful you caught me. My name is Evalie Clarke." I offered my hand as if I hadn't been nestled in his arms the moment prior. He graciously shook it and insisted on buying me a replacement drink. Unable to resist, we walked into the shop, and he bought a new coffee. I found the only table available in the far back corner, creating a somewhat secluded setting. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee calmed my nerves and eased my muscles.

After a few minutes, Oliver made his way towards me. He wore a well-fitted blue sweater with a black down jacket, jeans, and crisp white trainers.

"Here you are." He handed me freshly brewed coffee and sat down after draping his coat over the chair.

Leaning gently on the table, he searched my eyes as if studying the very fibre of my soul. "So Evalie... Is stumbling a usual way for you to make new acquaintances?"

"Is rescuing damsels in distress your way?" My eyes drew to his sweater, which emphasised his muscles. His striking appearance carried an almost intimidating quality. Repositioning himself in the chair, he sipped his coffee and glanced up at me, eyebrows raised.

"Only damsels as beautiful as yourself." His charisma was unparalleled; the way he said "beautiful" was bewitching.

"Tell me about yourself," I replied, taking a long sip of my warm coffee while holding eye contact. The shop was getting busier, but it felt as though we were the only two. He took another sip before placing his elbows on the table, leaning in closer than before.

"Well, Evalie, I'm a bit of a loner right now. My father died years ago, and my mother couldn't take the pain; a year ago, she passed. There's not much to me; tell me about you?" He smirked and raised his cup, tilting his head slightly.

"Oh, Oliver, I'm so sorry to hear that. I moved here by myself, but my parents live in London. I'm a photographer, so having the countryside to take pictures is a nice change." I felt guilty for being glad to be away from my parents since his passed. "Why am I just now coming across you?"

"No need to be sorry, I'll get along. Honestly, I don't come here much. I'm normally at home, but I was getting lonely." He paused briefly, shifting his weight back into the chair. "Are you originally from London?"

"I'm from Cambridge, but we moved to London when I was fifteen. I went back briefly to university and then back to London. Do you live by yourself then? If you had to join the coffee addicts, it must be bad." I let out a shy smile, hoping I didn't overstep.

"I could do without the rest of these people, but I would like to thank your scarf for tripping you. Tell me, do you enjoy Art galleries?" He rested his chin on his palm.

"Of course I do; one of my favourite things about London is the art. Are you a world-renowned artist that I haven't discovered?" Cradling my cup, I leaned into the table, anticipating his deepest secret. "I won't tell a soul."

"That would certainly make me an interesting bloke, but no. There's one I would like to take you to if you'd like to join me. Maybe tomorrow?" Placing his cup down, he studied my features intently. I glanced at my empty cup before locking eyes with him.

"Sounds lovely, Oliver. Thank you again for the coffee." I was enamoured and hadn't realised five minutes quickly turned into an hour. We gathered our coats, and I ensured my scarf was wrapped correctly. As we stepped outside, we exchanged numbers before bidding each other farewell.

"I'll pick you up; it's a bit of a drive." He said before smirking and walking away.

My clock seemed to tick extra loudly, taunting me with every second. The evening eventually arrived, and before I realised it, I found myself nestled in bed, dreaming about those mesmerising eyes. My alarm was excessively abrasive, and I fumbled to turn it off. My thoughts raced as I betrayed myself more time in my cosy sheets. My body reluctantly moved with me as I stepped into a steaming shower. I allowed myself a moment of relaxation before quickly washing. After showering, I lay on my bed wrapped in a towel. Despite my anticipation, my eyes began to feel heavy.

Abruptly waking up after an unknown amount of time, I swiftly reached for my phone, discovering it was almost eleven. While asleep, Oliver asked if I had lunch plans. I hurried into my bathroom, curling my hair and applying makeup with haste. Wearing a plum turtle neck, black trousers, and a black coat, I found my ballet flats, and within twenty minutes, I was ready. As I reached for my phone, a knock at the door echoed through my small hallway, breathing deeply to calm myself.

When I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat at the sight of his eyes. No matter how long I gazed into them, they seemed more captivating than before. His dark orange sweater and navy coat looked warm and inviting. I gathered my belongings, and we ventured outside into the cold, gloomy weather, where his vapour grey Volvo waited. Unsure of my expectations, I appeared slightly surprised.

"Is it not to your liking?" He asked as he strolled over, opening the passenger door for me.

"I'm just admiring the sophistication," I responded with a smile. Entering the seat, I placed my bag next to my feet and warmed my hands by the heat. It dawned on me suddenly that I was in the car of someone I only somewhat knew, prompting a deep breath to calm my nerves. Having recently moved to the area, my circle of friends consisted mainly of acquaintances; my close friends stayed in London and Cambridge. After a few minutes on the road, I chose to break the silence.

"So I'm not going back in a body bag, am I?" Smirking, I exhaled a breath that escaped my notice. He met my gaze with a friendly smile.

"No, but I might. You look gorgeous." Part of me couldn't believe how shameless he was, but the other part of me loved it. Glancing down at my lap, I sensed warmth spreading to my cheeks, and an uncontrollable smile emerged.

"You're too kind, Oliver. Is this your favourite Art gallery?" I said, glancing back in his direction.

"I wouldn't say I have a favourite, but it's on my list."

"Oh, so there's a list now?" I remarked jokingly. We both attempted to rank the favourites we had visited, comparing how many we'd been to. I was victorious in that friendly competition.

We paused for a brief lunch and, shortly afterwards, reached the gallery. Although smaller than the ones I typically visited, it was refreshing to have something nearby. We walked lazily through, pausing now and then, giggling at a few modern pieces. It was delightful to share our love for art, deepening our undeniable connection. All too soon, we were back in the car, driving back to my flat. I wished the drive had lasted longer, but unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Leaning my head back on the seat, I closed my eyes for a brief moment, attempting to savour every moment.

"Are you alright?"

"Better than alright." I shifted my gaze toward him, but his eyes focused on the road. I couldn't resist admiring his sharp jawline and hair framing his face.

Once we pulled in front of my flat, he turned his attention back to me, leaning onto the console and resting his chin in his palm. He retrieved an envelope from his coat, "Don't read it until you're inside."

Lost for words, I smiled and left the car to go inside. My curiosity longed to see what the tiny envelope held, but my heart ached for more time with him.