He meansThe Sizzling Diner, which is one of the eateries that opened recently, and it’s rather popular. The owners are from Leo’s pack, and they’re a friendly duo.
Azura was the one who came up with this entire idea for a little area for us to hang out in and oversaw the planning. She’s also incorporated a lot of little private areas that are now used for making out. It’s probably what she had put them there for, but I’m not sure if I’d ever use one. I mean, I’m not as bad as Allie, but who knows what’s been on those walls. Eww.
“You’re making that face again.”
I peer through my lashes at Holden. “I was just thinkingabout something unpleasant. Kind of disgusting, actually. So, how has your training been going? I know it’s gotten quite intense.”
He sighs. “Yeah, you know it’s been kind of intense. Apparently, there are rumours that a new Strategy Lead might be brought in. You haven’t heard anything, have you?”
I shake my head. “No, but we don’t really talk about school when we are together as a family,” I point out.
I wonder who it is.
“I thought you might know since your grandmother is the head here.”
“It doesn’t mean she’ll share things with me,” I reply airily. “But I might hear something over the weekend, so I’ll let you know.”
“I’ll make sure to keep the secret.” He winks at me, and I shake my head.
“You want me to find out,” I cajole playfully as we reach the glowing entrance to the cluster of shops.
“A fact I won’t deny,” he replies, taking my hand. “Come on,”
I allow him to lead me inside. The moment the bell tinkles and the music from the jukebox reaches my ears, my smile grows.
The warm ambience with the soft buzz of chatter feels like a relief after the weight of training, and my mind is constantly in overdrive.
“You got my table ready, Phil?” Holden calls out to one of the owners.
“I do, right in the spot you asked. If you had come any later, I would have had to give it up. Nice to see you, Aldona,” he says, giving me a flourishing bow.
“Nice to see you too, Phil,” I reply politely before we go over to the table he’s kept for us. It’s in one of the more secluded corners, and I settle down in my seat happily, looking at the menu, wondering what to choose.
I sense Holden watching me and glance up at him. He wants to say something, but he’s hesitating.
“What is it?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “That’s freaky when you do that. Nothing really, I just…” I cast him a scathing glare, and he sighs. “Alright, earlier when we were on the field, that exchange with-”
“Why are you asking about it?” I ask abruptly.
“It’s not the first time I’ve caught you two-”
“Caught?”
He sighs. “Not- look, I’m just saying I’ve seen you two talk a few times, and there seems to be something you two know that I don’t. Is something going on between you guys?”
I raise an eyebrow. “He’s a senior; it’s not what you’re assuming, but do you really think I’d do that?” I ask, unable to imagine myself with someone like him. Eww, no.
He shakes his head. “No, but girls often like that kinda guy.”
I scoff. “Well, clearly you don’t know as much about girls as you presume. Keep acting like that, and I might definitely have to reconsider my choices in boys. Now, are we eating or shall I leave?”
“We’re eating. We’re absolutely eating, babe. Ignore what I said. I’m sorry.”
Babe. I hate that pet name. Babe, baby, bae. Just stop.
“I’ll be ignoring that last part for sure,” I murmur. “So, what are you doing for your 17th birthday?”
