“I’m not me when I’m hungry,” he says with a mouth full of bread.
That finally breaks the tension, and we all bust out laughing. The conversation flows, and it’s weird how comfortable I feel around these people who I never bothered to get to know before. There is so much laughter as we eat, I forget that I am an outsider.
“I’m happy that you came,” Alex whispers into my ear, causing me to freeze in my chair when he places a soft kiss on my lips.
“I didn’t expect to have this much fun,” I admit. “I never liked your friends much.”
He lets out a loud chuckle. “They always liked you.”
“Doubtful,” I smirk back.
Thankfully we’re both whispering so no one can hear what I just said. I feel guilty for saying it after they’ve all been so welcoming to me tonight.
“Well, I’ve always liked you.” He leans forward and kisses me again. “And I’m happy that you’re here.”
I hate the way my heart goes wild at hearing the words. I would’ve done anything for him to say this to me before. And I want to say that they don’t mean much now, but I’d be lying. Still, I don’t want to play his games either.
As I drop my forehead against his, I can see the hope in his eyes.
“Nice try.”
“Mona…”
“Hey, you two!” Someone calls from the other end of the table. “Get a room!”
There’s no embarrassment as I can always take a joke, even if at my own expense.
“Well, since you’re offering…” I grin at everyone, then let out a sigh of relief when they laugh along.
Alex throws an arm over my shoulders and pulls me into him. The whole thing gives out weird vibes, like we are a couple. I get a little chocked up at how much I love it.
Suddenly, Hayden stands up and runs to the large window behind us.
“It’s snowing!”
I turn in my seat, surprised to see that it is indeed snowing.
“I hope it doesn’t stick. I need to get home tonight.”
Alex drops a kiss onto the top of my head. “I’ll make sure you get home safely.”
“You can’t drive in this, though,” Kyle butts in. “It’s not safe.”
“What?” I frown. “It looks like nothing.”
His eyes go from me to Alex, then back. It’s as if he’s buying himself some time before he says anything else.
“Not safe,” he repeats. “Right, Zara?”
She seems startled to be put on the spot like that. “I don’t think it’s that bad…”
Kyle gives her a look, and there’s some silent communication going on between them.
“But it will get worse,” she continues. “So you shouldn’t go back home.”
I lean back with what must be an incredulous look on my face. “What am I to do? Spend the night in Alex’s car?”
If they’re suggesting I pay for a hotel room, they can think again. Better yet, they can pay for it.
