She cackles at that as I head to my desk, firing up my computer for the day. She’s not actually a bitch. I really like Maddie. She’s the perfect work friend. We get along, work well together and she also likes half priced margaritas on Monday down at the restaurant on the corner.
Daniel walks through the door, nodding in greeting before he pauses. His eyes glance to my scarf as a tint of confusion colors his face.
“Is that your scarf that’s been in the breakroom all this time?”
“Oh, no. It’s Maddie’s. I was a little cold and forgot a jacket,” I say with a shrug like it’s the next obvious solution.
Daniel nods slowly before moving to the back while I turn around in my chair and shake my head.
Once the workday is done, I pull out my phone and see a few missed texts from Alec and my mom.
Alec: How is your day going?
Mom: What time will you be home tonight?
Alec: Are you doing anything tonight?
Mom: We are taking Nico and Carly to Pike Place Market if you want to join us for dinner?
The idea of having dinner with Nico and Carly is enough to have any semblance of appetite gone in a moment. Maybe with alittle bit of a buffer, though, it won’t be terrible. Besides, two birds one stone. Besides, I can’t let Nico think that his behavior or presence has any sort of affect on me. The more unaffected I can behave, the better. So, yeah. A buffer is definitely needed.
I give my mom a quick call to find out where they are at currently before shooting a text to Alec for him to meet us. He agrees almost too quickly and I head for my car before battling traffic through the city towards downtown.
Mom said they already finished up at Pike Place and shot up to Capitol Hill to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. It takes me at least twice as long as it should to get up there but when I do, I only have to circle the block twice to find an empty parking spot. Lucky me.
I strategically pull my hair to one side, conveniently concealing the rapidly darkening mark that Alec left on my neck. Not like anyone at dinner would care, but it wasn’t like I was going to wear Maddie’s scarf into the night.
Stepping through the doorway of Poquitos, I spot my parents in the back instantly, excitedly waving to me. I can’t help but smile at the absolute dorks they are as I weave my way through the beautiful restaurant. Gorgeous lights, stone flooring and a fireplace warm up the fusion restaurant, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. And I could literally eat my bodyweight in their guacamole so, win, win.
Looks like they secured a long table with six chairs. My mom and dad are beside each other with Carly beside my mom and Nico across from her. I hesitate between the two empty seats. Do I take the one beside Nico or the furthest one away? Am I overthinking this? Definitely, it’s not like anyone cares where I sit. Wherever I’m most comfortable, right?
As soon as Nico’s chocolate eyes look up to me, practically locking in on mine, though, the anxiety inside me only amplifies.
“Sit down,” he says.
His words aren’t harsh or brash, but they are firm. It’s not quite a command but it isn’t a request either. For some reason, I do as he says, slowly sinking into my seat. Conversation picks up organically with my dad asking Nico something but I still can’t take my eyes from him because my god I can’t figure this man out. He carries such a large presence about him. He’s quite yet steady, firm but gentle. He’s a fucking anomaly in every aspect and as much as I hate myself for it, I’m completely enamored.
“Do you need something, Cassi?” Carly snarks, snagging my attention from, well, her boyfriend.
My eyes snap to her, embarrassment filling me for half a moment before I decide I don’t give a fuck what Carly thinks of me. Kinda makes me want to look at her man more, honestly. Just to piss her off. Though, pissing my sister off is like coming at a hornet’s nest with a bat.
“I’ve got my loving family, what else could I need?” I smile with the biggest fuck you smile.
Smoke practically billows out of my sister’s ears and before she can pop off, a hand touches my shoulder. I look up to see Alec smiling down at me.
“Hi everyone,” he smiles to the table before pressing a kiss to my forehead as he takes his seat.
Everyone says hello back, except Nico who is staring at my forehead with a glare. His eyes slowly move to Alec, a disinterested look passing across his face before he looks down at the menu.
“So glad you could join us, Alec,” my mom smiles.
“Thank you so much for having me,” he nods happily.
Our waiter comes over and takes our menus before my dad strikes up conversation with Alec.
“So, you mentioned before that you have a job waiting for you on the east coast. You must be pretty special for them to wait on you like this.”
Alec shrugs with a gracious smile.
