12:22

twenty-six

As I scroll on my phone waiting for the food, everyone talks to each other asking about our plans while we're here. My eyes shot up to look at everybody but somehow they connect with the ones that I've been avoiding.

Ronan stares right at me while everyone talks to one another, I clear my throat. "Um why don't we all head down to the downtown area after this."

They all collectively agree, nodding their heads. I was excited to walk around a city I've never really been to.

Our food shows up and I dig in, after the hummus and pita I eat a couple baklavas for dessert then end up being full.

I always think I'll eat it all then become full after eating the smallest amount. Probably the worst habit of mine.

Everyone finishes eating, "Let's go guys!" Alisha gets up and so does the rest of the group one by one, I get up last and follow them.

Ronan slows down and is now walking with me at the same pace, "Hernandez."

"Hi." I don't bother to look at him and only stare forward. Alisha, Viola, Jackson and August all walk quicker continuing their conversation together.

"Are you ignoring me Hernandez?" He asks.

"Yes."

Ronan scoffs in response, "You're still mad about what happened?"

I shake my head in response, we step into a record store and I begin to look at some. The Channel Orange vinyl catches my eye but then my eyes skim over the price and I end up putting it down.

Vinyls are expensive. Maybe I just grew up poor but record players already are and how come they don't come with records?

After that, I walk out of the store in some hope of exploring the city. It was crowded but cute nonetheless.

Even in the midst of the dim street lights at night, you could slightly see the Golden Gate Bridge from a distance.

"What's your favorite city?" I questioned him, finally maybe looking at him in the eye with confidence.

He seemed startled with my question, I haven't spoken to him in the past couple of minutes so perhaps he didn't expect me to say anything.

"Seattle."

"Seattle? Why?"

"It's not like Los Angeles. The greenery, puget sound. It's not as overstimulating as LA. The summers, the rain. Nothing could compare to it." He truly described it like he was in love.

"Would you ever move there?" We walk on the overfilled streets, side by side. I didn't know where everyone was at this point, I was just with him.

He laughs, "Dad would never allow it."

"Really? But I'm sure you've had millions of business trips there, what's the harm? I'm sure there has to be some benefit in shifting there."

Ronan shakes his head, "I'm allowed to do everything but give my father business suggestions, unless he makes me go there himself. For now he needs me."

"That's why you're always doing things to piss off your dad. Cause those are the only areas you have control in."

"I guess." He agrees.

"Do you like the cold weather?" I change the topic before I say anything wrong.

"I hate the hot weather. Cold weather is when you can actually do things."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, the day is shorter. You're not constantly sweating your ass off trying to do basic shit. The cold is comforting." I kinda understand where he's coming from.

"Really? I don't start living until summer, the days are longer. Makes it actually feel like life is worth living. The sun setting at seven pm brings me joy."

We continue walking around, looking around the cute overpriced shops and taking pictures of the place. The only reason I come on trips is to fill my camera roll.

"Your turn." I hear him say.

"My turn?"

"Favorite city."

I shrug, "I mean well I've never really been to many places outside of California. Born and raised by my mother. She worked hard so I could get the education I needed and I never had the desire to ask for more."

"But I'd definitely say Los Angeles. I've always loved living close to the beach, yes it's expensive and the the hustle isn't always worth it but it's still my home. The friends I grew up with, the community, my mother."

He nods in understanding.

"Italy was nice though!" I tell him, walking ahead into some alleyway.

"Which part? Getting drunk or sharing a bed with me?"

I dramatically gasp. "You're unbelievable Ronan."

He clicks his teeth. "That I am."

Suddenly, my phone begins to vibrate in my pocket and I take it out, an incoming call from Jackson.

I pick up, my phone on speaker. "Dude where are you and Ronan? Everyone's confused."

"Um, we just walked kinda further than we were supposed to, accidentally. Where are you guys?"

"Union street, are you gonna meet us there?" Jackson asks from the other end of the line.

"Well yeah-"

"We'll meet you back at the hotel later." Ronan butts in, I mouth 'what the hell?'

"Oh cool, see you guys later then!" He cuts the call.

"Why?" my brows furrow.

Observing this man's face, I'm not completely sure what's going on. He's planning something.

"I wanna take you somewhere."

"What, where?" My confusion only increases as he speaks.

"Don't trust me?"

I shake my head, "Absolutely not."

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