All The Lies We Tell

Chapter 24: That B!tch

The restaurant stood alone on its lot. A short two story building painted black with the restaurant's name printed in big. Mom pulled into the adjacent parking lot and put the car in park.

"Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up?" she asked me again.

I shook my head. After my conversation with Parker, I couldn't help but wonder if there was a seedling of truth in there. I always assumed that I would never get over my PSTD and maybe I won't but it couldn't hurt to try again. Maybe this time will be different.

"Well...okay. I don't need to reiterate the curfew?"

I shook my head again. "Nope. Ten p.m. on the dot. Not a minute later."

She nodded and then smiled. "Ceecee, I'm really glad you've put yourself out there. I knew you'd have no issue making friends here."

A pang struck in my chest but I smiled through the pain. "Yeah mom, thanks."

I reached for the handle and pulled myself out of the car. I bent over and grabbed Emilio's present from the backseat. "I'll see you later."

"Have fun!"

I closed the door and headed towards the restaurant. I could hear them before I could see them. Parker was speaking obnoxiously loud and Emilio was laughing along. I found them sitting outside on the patio.

Emilio, Parker, Dylan, Layla, Nate and Carrie were sitting at several tables combined to one. As soon as Emilio saw me, he let a hoot of laughter.

"Look who we've got here."

I laughed. "Yes, I've decided to grace you with my presence," I replied as he approached.

He reached over and gave me a quick hug. As he pulled away, I pressed the present to his chest.

"Feliz cumpleaños," I told him.

His cheeks reddened as he grinned. "You didn't have to."

I shrugged. "I know. Send me a pic when you put it up."

He raised an eyebrow and I laughed again.

"Alright you two, I'm starving!" Parker announced.

We turned to the table. Emilio walked back to his spot at the head. I saw an open spot next to Layla and another next to Parker. He tapped the spot beside him and like the dutiful girlfriend I am, I begrudgingly walked over. I removed my purse and draped it on the back of the chair.

As I settled in, my eyes caught Nate's. His were smiling and I suddenly found it very hard to breath. I dropped my gaze for fear I would sweat two big pit stains in my green wrap dress. Albeit, I was shocked to see him here. Not only was he missing in action a lot at school lately but this didn't peg me as his scene.

To take my mind off of him, I picked up the menu and looked through it. The menu items were written in Italian but had the English translation written in small underneath. I decided on the Pizza Carbonara with water. There was pop on the menu but decided against it for fear of an accidental belch slipping loose.

Parker leaned in. "Have you decided what you want?" he asked, his tone earnest.

I couldn't help but think there was a double meaning to that question. I nodded. "Yeah, I have."

"Good!"

Not a moment later, the waiter showed up. He began taking orders and I tried not to listen intently as Nate ordered the Pizza Carne. The waiter was taking Emilio's order when I caught Abi approaching.

She looked so small without Cassie and Liz by her side. It's like was like seeing the wizard behind the curtain. She walked over with the same air of confidence she held at school but I saw her expression falter as she saw Cassie sitting next to Dylan. I could only wonder why Cassie hadn't told Abi she was coming.