Page 64 of Trust Me

I know we can do things without each other even though we’re dating, yet I still wish he were coming. I know it’s hard since he’s gawked at and people tend to not leave him alone, so I get him wanting to stay home.

Aurora, Cameron, and I grab dinner at The Grand Cantina, loading up on chips and guac. It feels so good to see them as we eat, laugh, and exchange stories, reminiscing about our times together at school.

After dinner, we head to her dad’s house, who’s away on business.

The three of us get ready, Aurora and Cameron in her old room, while I get ready in the bathroom. My costume is genius, or at least I think it is. It cost me twenty dollars, another bonus in my book.

I’m wearing a plaid button-up, tied in the front so that it’s more of a crop top, with a black lace bralette underneath. I have on cut-off jean short shorts and I borrowed some cowboy boots from Camille, who has every shoe you could think of, the caramel color of the leather complementing my skin tone.

I’m wearing a cowboy hat on my head, which is what cost me money, and taped to the front of it is a reverse uno sign. Reverse cowgirl, get it? I saw it online and thought it was hilarious.

I’m waiting on the couch in her living room when I hear them coming down the stairs.

“Sorry, we took so long because when Cam was painting my body green, he took a little detour.” Aurora waggles her brows.

Cameron grins at her, looking like he could go for round two right now. They’re dressed as Gamora and Starlord from the Guardians of the Galaxy. Aurora’s body is painted green, a black wig with purple balayage on the ends of her hair.

They really went all out. My little Marvel nerds.

We make it to Beers n Cheers around nine, the place full, with everyone dressed in various costumes. There’s Halloween themed music on the speakers, and the bar is decked out in decorations. I spot Camille and Theo in a booth, waiting for us.

Camille is dressed as a mermaid, a starfish bikini top on with a maxi sequin blue skirt. Theo’s dressed as a football player—boring.

Theo squeals, literally, when he sees Aurora. He jumps out of the booth and runs toward her, crushing her in a hug. “AV, baby! Holy fuck, I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Theo,” she tells him as they separate.

Theo’s head tilts, giving Cam a cheesy grin. “Ronnie boy! Come here,” he booms, giving him one of those guy hand-back clap things.

“I hate that fucking name, but it’s nice to see you.” Cameron grins once Theo backs up.

“Hello?” I pout, giving Theo a stare down.

“Oh, come on, Jay Bay Bay, you know there’s lots of Theo to go around.” He smirks, picking me up and spinning me.

I sit beside Camille and Theo, while Cam and Aurora sit on the other side of the table. “Cami, you look so good. Holy shit,” I comment. The girl looks good.

She chuckles, sipping her drink. “Thank you.”

The five of us are talking animatedly when a waitress comes to the table, halting our conversations. “Hi, I’m Marcela, your server tonight. What can I get you?” She beams with a smile. I’ve seen Marcela around when I’m here, but we’ve never spoken to one another.

This is the girl Theo is pining after, and I can see why. She’s stunning with her long brown hair nearly hitting her waist and thick dark eyebrows.

Her eyes are a light brown, lighter than I’ve ever seen on someone before with freckles covering the tops of her cheeks and nose. I look over at Theo while Aurora and Marcela chat, since they used to work together. He’s staring, willing her to look his way, but it seems like she’s purposely avoiding him.

Then she takes our orders. Cameron and Aurora order water, while Cami and I split on a bottle of rosé.

Marcela finally turns to Theo. “What would you like to get?”

Theo holds her stare, a sly grin forming on his face. “You.”

Aurora giggles, while Cameron and I shake our heads at him.

Marcela visibly blushes, not looking at him as she stares at her notepad. “No, but, um, if that’s all, then I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.”

She begins to walk away when Theo calls out after her. “I’ll take a Bud Light, please.”

Marcela looks over her shoulder, nodding quickly before turning back around and heading to the bar to tell Craig, the bartender, our drink orders.

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