Page 128 of Steeling Her
“Your meal is on us today.” He raps his knuckles on the wooden table and leaves.
What? What did he just say to us?I flick my attention back to my roommates and they seem equally as puzzled as I am.
We watch his retreating frame as he leans in and kisses the waitresses head before he disappears behind the double doors. Now that I get a good look at her, they look alike. They must be related somehow.
We’re eating our pizzas that are happily paid for by the manager. The waitress walks over to us to check and see if everything is alright. We all nod with huge grins on our faces as a sign that the food is delicious. “You were right about the jalapeño’s,” I comment and she beams back at me.
“Can I just say, I wish you aimed a little more left?” she says to us, and I’m wondering what she’s talking about. So is Haley, because that’s who she’s talking to. Haley furrows her brows and continues to chew so she can speak without a mouthful of food.
“Um . . . I don’t know what you mean?” she speaks finally and puts her slice down so she can converse with her.
“The pizza? I wanted you to get the brunette—”
“Aid?” Her head whips around to the front door again and we all see Rob. Or is it Ryan? I can never tell the difference, other than Rob is a lot quieter than Ryan. They’re identical in every way except for their personalities; they’re polar opposites. But it’s not just him standing at the door. Nick and TJ are there too, right behind him.
“Rob? Wh—” she stammers out, not believing he’s right in front of her.
“Are you alright?” He steps forward and lets the guys pass through behind him. All of us stand up to greet them. Nick hugs me and TJ hugs Haley. Then they move to check on Danielle.
Where the hell did they come from?
And why do they all look so worried?
They all grab chairs to join us and Haley huffs. “So much for a girl’s night and a slumber party,” she jokes with all of us, but Rob just stands there, staring at our waitress, who I now know is called Aid. Probably short for something else; like Adrienne or Adrianna.
“Rob!” There’s a booming voice back by the door, and it’s that brunette again. I thought they all left. Maybe she stayed and waited for Rob to come.Why are the guys even here right now?I don’t mind it right now, so I’m not going to question it further.
I watch the waitress step away from Rob and walk away from everyone. I’m assuming this is the girl she wanted Haley to hit with the pizza slice.
“We need to talk,” Nick whispers in my ear beside me.
“Can we not? I’m so embarrassed, Nick,” I groan a little and bite my pizza, hoping the food would comfort me. I need chocolate right after this too.
“Hey.” He takes my chin and directs me around so we’re inches apart. “Don’t be embarrassed. Seriously, it’s all good, Carter. Just don’t call me that unless we’re alone and in a bedroom. But there’s no pressure about it, Carter. I didn’t mean today or tomorrow. When you’re ready, I’ll be there. I was just flirting and playing with you.” He smiles, attempting to make me feel better.
I appreciate how nice he’s being about it and feel a weight lift off my shoulders. I’m not ready yet. This is why I really like this guy. It’s so natural with him, and he never pressures me into anything I’m not comfortable with.
“You can call me ‘Daddy’ anytime you want, provided it’s only between us.” He winks and seals it with a kiss. “Now, give me a slice of this pizza.” He reaches over and takes a slice from my plate and bites into it. He’s not going to like it. There’s no meat, and I know him and the guys like their meat.
He stops and stares down at the slice. “Where the fuck is the meat on this?” he asks the slice in his hand, but I just laugh at him waiting for the inanimate object to reply to him.
“It’s vegetarian,” I tell him and bite my own slice. He throws it back down and a loud scream catches our attention. I forgot where we were.
Our waitress steps back and walks away, but Rob goes after her and pulls her back. “You hurt me!” she cries as she thumps his chest with her fists. “I’ve cried over you too many times, Rob!” she tells him, and I can see the tears fall down her face. I feel so bad for her. She doesn’t need an audience.
“I know, Aid, I’m an idiot,” he says softly to her. While he pulls her closer to his chest. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes to her. She looks up at the ceiling and wipes her eyes.
“So dramatic,” Maya’s friend comments while rolling her eyes.What is it with their group and the way they treat other girls? I suppose mean girls stick together, don’t they?
“Just leave, Rachel.” Rob turns around and points to the door where they came in from.
“Not until I talk with you, Rob! You owe me that!” she screeches back. I can see her face going a little red with irritation.
Rob sighs and rubs his hand through his hair. I feel a hot breath on my face, knowing it’s Nick. “The short version; Rob messed up, he slept with Rachel, on your left, in order to get the girl he’s been in love with for years, on your right. Adrianna and her family own this restaurant. They’ve been on and off for a while, mainly because Rob can’t make up his damn mind. I feel bad for her, she’s so sweet and deserves a guy like Rob when he’s not fucking around. Pun intended. She walked in on them, even though they weren’t together, and wouldn’t talk to him for months. Looks like he’s finally grown some balls and is going to tell her how much he loves her. Well, I fucking hope so because this shit should be on a soap opera.” He laughs and kisses my cheek.
I slap his chest, telling him not to laugh at other people’s misfortunes. That was us not so long ago. He sends me those beady eyes that say he’s sorry and he keeps requesting a kiss from me.
So, I kiss him on the lips and I hear someone pretending to barf down the other end of the table. I know it’s Haley and so does he.
