Page 43 of Refuel

“Great. The kids loved the surprise and the photos,” I said.

“That’s good. Come inside and eat. I made some of your favorites,” she told me.

“I’m still full from the big breakfast Cicely made.”

I jumped up and helped her stand. She removed her gloves, and I left mine on the steps. She opened the door, and I walked in behind her.

“Go wash your hands, Kamden,” Mom said.

“On it,” I answered and headed to the bathroom.

As I opened the door, I felt my phone vibrate. I pulled it out of my back pocket and saw Josie texting me.

Josie: Can we meet up for dinner tonight?

Me: That’s not a good idea.

Josie: Please, Kamden, just friends, like old times.

I sighed and thought it might not be so bad to have dinner with a friend since I didn’t have any major plans.

Me: All right, I’ll pick you up.

I turned my phone on silent to continue hanging out with my mom for the rest of the day until it was time for me to head to pick her up for dinner.

14

Arianna

Essence was driving the car, and I snapped my fingers to the beat of old school Janet Jackson’s Doesn’t Really Matter playing. We decided to go out to dinner and celebrate her promotion at work. After she got her master’s degree, she applied to all the major companies in California for tech, and she was able to get a position as a lead tech designer for Temper, an app for parents with kids.

“This is my song,” I said, swaying my hips in my seat.

“Get it, boo,” Essence replied.

“You want to go to the club afterwards? I can see if Ry is free.”

“I’m down.”

“Okay, I’ll text her when we get to the restaurant.”

“Perfect, and we have arrived. Are you ready for the charity event?” Essence asked.

“Yep, I have a walk-through tomorrow with the designer,” I said, getting out of the car where I stood waiting for Essence as she gave the keys to the valet. I decided to treat her to a fancy dinner at Giorgio’s, a popular Italian restaurant. Frequented by celebrities, the only problem was that paparazzi hung around a lot. The maître d held the door open as we stepped in, giggling at her dancing in happiness about her new position.

“I’m really proud of you, Essence. You’ve wanted this for a long time,” I said.

“Thanks, boo. You’re doing amazing with coming in second place and then doing this huge event.”

“Hello, welcome to Giorgio’s. How many are in your party?”

“Two,” I said.

“Great, follow me please,” the hostess said. It was my first time inside Giorgio’s. The vibe was little Italy with the atmosphere, and the colors were off white and cream, with vintage paintings and pictures on the walls.

“Oh,” I said to myself about walking past the last person I expected to see.

“Here you go, ladies,” the hostess said, placing our seat next to Josie and Kamden. I didn’t know if I was on a hidden camera show or being punk’d. But I needed to keep my annoyance off my face. For someone to say they didn’t have a girlfriend, and then attempt to ask me out to dinner, this was a new low I wouldn’t even expect Freddie to do.

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