Page 72 of Refuel

“She’s working at the house today. She said she would try but can’t guarantee,” Essence explained.

“I need to call Jackson and see what’s happening with the charity dinner getting rescheduled,” I said.

We were stopped at the light, and my phone vibrated with a new alert of the court details. A picture of Ronald walking into the courthouse with his head down as fans scrambled to get his autograph. I shook my head at the way people behaved when someone was on trial for a crime, yet they still wanted an autograph and picture.

“We’re here!” Essence said, and I finally looked up to see us at Dave and Busters. The same place Kamden took me on our first date.

“What are we doing here?” I asked.

“Here to eat. Come on and stop tripping,” Essence huffed, grabbed her bag, and stepped out of the car. I rolled my eyes at her antics. I felt she was up to something, but I didn’t want to go off on her in public, so I’d wait to see what happened.

She opened the door, and we walked inside. The place was crowded with couples and a few families in the game area.

“How many today?” the hostess asked.

“Two,” Essence answered.

“Perfect! Follow me,” the hostess said, and we walked behind her toward our booth. She placed us near the bar and the big TV screen to watch the races. I put my purse down, scooted over, and got comfortable, taking the menu out of her hands.

“What can I get you to drink?” she asked.

“I’ll take a strawberry milkshake,” I said.

“Same,” Essence commented.

I flipped the menu over and scanned the burger and fries and dessert menu. I glanced up to see the TV playing the latest race with Kamden coming in fourth place. He jumped out of the coach, and pushed a crew member to the side after losing. It was typical of him to have an attitude if something didn’t go his way. The reporter tried to get a statement from him, and he waved them off.

“You should call him,” Essence said.

“Call who?” I retorted.

“Don’t play dumb, Ari. Kamden is hurting just as much as you.”

“I can’t tell.” I sipped my milkshake the waitress brought to the table.

“Ready to order?” the waitress asked.

“Can I get the avocado burger with fries and a chocolate chip cookie?” I replied.

“I’ll take the lemon wings and fries,” Essence told her.

“Be right up,” the waitress said and took the menus with her to the back.

I sat back in my seat and continued watching ESPN commentators’ debate about Kamden’s loss.

“Do you blame him? Because it was Josie and Ronald?” Essence asked.

“No, I think he believes I blame him, but I’m more pissed that it went on for so long with her trying to push into his life, and I know he said they weren’t together.”

“But you’re worried that maybe he had feelings for her after all?” Essence questioned.

“Is that stupid?”

Essence shook her head no.

“Ari, you’re human, Kamden is human. You’ll make mistakes, but trust is the most important thing,” Essence advised.

“What if I don’t trust him?” I asked.

---