Watch & Learn

Chapter 21: Time to Catch Up

"You know I'm not looking for a relationship. Most of these guys are just trying to fuck anyway." Candace shook her head.

"Not all guys! I don't see why you don't just go on a few dates. Test the waters. All you ever do is go to class, go to practice, or go to work." Crystal said, rolling her eyes.

"Keeps me busy. When the time is right, I'll get back in the dating scene. But for now, I'm staying on my grind." Candace replied before yawning. "I'm tired though. Have fun tonight." She said as she stood up while Crystal checked the time.

"It's only 7:30 though!" Crystal exclaimed while Candace went into her room. Pulling out her phone, Crystal sent a quick text off to Teddy.

Crystal 💍: Plan B. Adding one more person to the guest list.

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Night of Birthday Dinner

Walking inside of the restaurant, Candace and Crystal were escorted to a private room where the dinner would be. Most of the people who RSVP'd made it there. About 15 people showed up so far. There were still a few people running late. Walking inside of the room, everyone greeted Candace with happy birthday wishes and gifts. Candace thanked everyone for coming before taking a seat at the table. After putting all of the gifts on the table, Crystal took a seat next to Teddy.

"You've eaten here before?" Tron asked Candace as he looked through the menu.

"Yeah, it's like one of my favorites spots." Candace smiled. After putting in their drink orders, Candace engaged in conversation with everyone before their attention turned to the door, with Rome walking in. Candace couldn't believe her eyes. She was lost, practically confused. Everyone in the room had the same expression on their face except for Teddy and Crystal, who were smiling mischievously.

"I'm sorry I'm late. Traffic was crazy getting over here." Rome stated before looking at Candace. It's been so long since they've seen each other. They both looked different in each other's eyes. More mature. "Happy birthday. I got this for you." He said as he walked towards her with a bouquet of white roses, her favorites, and a gift bag. Candace was still speechless. She couldn't believe that he was actually in her presence. It was like she was meeting a celebrity. Turning her head back to the table, Candace looked to Crystal who was motioning for her to get up. Slowly getting up, she felt like she was learning how to walk and talk all over again. Nervousness filled her body. She didn't expect to ever see her again.

"Thank you." Candace lightly smiled as she grabbed the bouquet and gift bag and put it on the gift table.

"Sit anywhere." Toni told Rome before he took a seat next to Teddy. Everyone could feel the newly formed awkwardness that floated above the table. A few of the guests sparked up a conversation to relieve some of the awkwardness. Candace didn't pay much attention to Rome during the dinner. Rome couldn't keep his eyes off of her though. She looked good, really good. Getting up from the table, Crystal and Toni went to go get the birthday cake before coming back into the room. Everyone sung happy birthday before she blew out her candles.

After the dinner, Candace said her goodbyes to everyone before walking back inside of the dinner room where Crystal, Teddy, Tron, and Rome was. The boys were talking while Crystal was gathering the gifts bags.

"Thanks for setting all of this up." Candace smiled as she helped Crystal.

"No problem." Crystal said.