(Carl)
"Thanks for that" I said
"It's no problem. It's just quite sad to see grown men gossip like teenage girls" Britney said
"Still thank you" I said smiling
"You have quite a charming smile" she said
"Thank you, my mom use to say that a lot" I said
"Yo sup guys" Nick said as James, Sophie, some red head and a guy I've never met before walked up to us
"About time you guys came down" Betty-Ann said forcing her way in between James and Sophie
"Sorry about that. We got a bit carried away with lunch" James said
"Lunch?" Betty-Ann asked before a look of realization dawn on James
"It wasn't anything big. Rose, here came over to help me fix the car and then Aiden and everyone else came over so we ended up having lunch" he said
"It's fine, I didn't say anything. Why do you feel like you need to explain anything" she said
"I don't it's just-"
"Shouldn't some introduction be in order?" I asked in an attempt to help James out of this embarrassing situation. To my surprise he only looked at me without saying to me
"Let's go Betty-Ann. We're going to late" he said before grabbing her hand and walking away
I watched as he walked away and I don't know if I was sad or happy that he didn't argue or fight with me. It seemed like he was ignoring me. It's fine at least he's not angry anymore
"Okay" I said turning towards the others
"Well I'm Rosalia" she said smiling at me, "This jealous little boy right here is Aiden"
"Hey nice to meet you I'm Carl" I said reaching my hand out to him
"Whatever" Aiden said before grabbing Rosalia's hand and walking away.
"Did I do something to upset him or anything?" I asked Britney
"Oh don't mind him" Britney said
"Okay Sophie and I should get going. See you around Carl" Nick said
"Okay we should head out too. Let's go Carlton" Britney said before we left
We drove quietly to the restaurant and gave the valet the keys before walking in. We were both surprised when we noticed everyone standing in front of us
"Carl's here too. Was there some giveaway we didn't know about?" Carlos joked holding unto Libby's waist
"Just frickin perfect" Aiden said sarcastically while James just glanced at me before turning back to the girl behind the desk
"Well everyone's here now" Nick said
"You all have reservations here?" I asked
"Well what else would we be doing here?" Libby said
"Well that's a pretty big coincidence, isn't it?" I said
"Welcome to The Midnight. What name is your reservation under?" She asked
"Taylor. James Taylor" James said
"Oh right this way Mister Taylor" she said before moving the velvet rope allowing them to enter
"So this place is a exclusive place how did you guys get reservations?" Nick asked in attempt to make conversation while we waited
"Well my Shinning one performed here and she did so well they told her they will save her a reservation" Carlos bragged
"What about you?" he asked
"Well one of my friends had it for his wife and him but he couldn't make it so we got it" Nick explained
"Funny us too" Rosalia said before the girl came back
"Next" the girl said before Nick and Sophie went up.
Everyone went in pair by pair leaving Britney and I to go in last
"Welcome to the Midnight. What name is your reservation under?"
"Britney White" she said before the girl looked in her book
"I'm sorry I can't seem to find your reservation?"
"That's because I don't have one" she said
"What?" I said shocked
"I'm sorry Miss but you can't enter without a reservation"
"Hmph do you know who I am?"
"I don't and I honestly don't care"
"I am Britney White. Do you know how famous I am?"
"Obviously not famous enough" the girl sighed
"There's no way I can't be let in to a restaurant in some unknown town" Britney said clearly getting angrier
"I'm sorry but you aren't allowed inside without a reservation. No matter how famous you think you are" the girl quipped
"Oh that's it. I want to speak with your manager" Britney said before the girl sighed and walked away. Soon a couple minutes passed
"Britney I think we should just go" I said
"Carlton there's no way a star like me can get rejected from a restaurant in a town like this" she said
"And why is that?" A woman said as she walked gracefully towards us with the younger girl by her side
"Oh my God" Britney said shocked as she got a look at the woman
"You're Evelyn Chambers."
"Indeed I am"
"Who's Evelyn Chambers?" I asked
"She was business woman of the year three years running, a strong advocate for woman's rights. She basically embodies powerful women everywhere. She works for the chairman of the Midnight group and manages many business that they own. She seemed to have disappeared four years ago. Why did she end up here?" Britney said eyes filled with admiration
Seriously? Why is a woman like that doing here?
"You seem to know a lot about me"
"Yes I am big admirer" Britney said
"Well you don't seem to be. I don't think a fan of mine would barge into a restaurant I manage and demand entrance without even having the decency to make a reservation before hand" Miss Chambers said looking disdainfully at Britney who was incredibly embarrassed
"I am so sorry about that. I didn't know you were the manager of this place"
"Now you do so you can leave and come back after you've made a reservation" she said turning gracefully
"Let's go Carlton" Britney said somberly before Miss Chambers stopped in her tracks before turning back to us
"You" she said pointing at me
"Me?" I asked confused
"Yes you. What is your name?"
"Carlton" I said
"I meant full name" she clarified
"Oh Carlton Stewart" I said before she sighed then looked at the girl beside her
"Emily let them in" she said before the girl nodded and moved the velvet ropes
"You two follow me" she ordered walking away
Britney and I looked at each other confused before walking behind her.
We walked pass multiple empty tables before going to a private room where she showed us to our seats and gave us two menus before waiting on us to order and when we did she went to collect the food for us before leaving
It had been a couple minutes since that happened and I was sitting down looking down at the chicken leg I was using my fork playing with while I sorted through the thoughts in my mind
Most of my thoughts were about Ingrid. Why didn't she tell me she was in town?
Why did she wait until now to let me know that it was her?
"Carlton, are you listening to me?" Britney said snapping me out of my thoughts
"Huh I'm sorry I wasn't. What did you say again?" I apologized
"I said that you're full of surprises. Who would have thought you knew Evelyn Chambers?" Britney said
"I don't"
"What?"
"I don't know her. I was just as confused as you when she asked my name"
"Well she seems to know you. Is that what you were thinking about awhile ago?" she asked
"It's just something that happened early" I said wondering if I should tell her about Ingrid. It's not cool to say I'm thinking about another woman in front of her but it's not like we're dating or anything. I just think it would be weird
"What is it? Maybe I can help you with it?" She said
"Well it's actually about my mom" I said
"Oh what happened with your mother?"
"She's out of town" I said
"Is something wrong with that?" Britney asked obviously not seeing the big deal
"My mom never leaves town by herself. She only leaves town on family vacations or to pick me from camp"
"Camp?"
"Long story, anyways she'd always be home taking care of my dad and me. No matter what?"
"Doesn't she have any hobbies for herself?"
"Well she use to hang out with James's mom and her other friends"
"But recently she seems to not be around much and she and Dad don't talk much. In fact she even stayed out last night"
"Carlton are you sure your parents are okay?"
"Huh? Of course they are. Why wouldn't they be?" I said
"Because they sound like they're having serious problem."
"Problems?" I asked raising an eyebrow
"To me sounds like they might be in danger of getting divorced"
"What? Divorced?" I laughed, "No way. My parents won't get a divorce. It's impossible."
"Yeah I mean they are fighting a lot recently but what married couple doesn't fight occasionally."
"What exactly is occasionally?" She asked
"Not much. Dad would leave and mom would bring him home in the middle of the night and they'd argue in the morning but that was it. Just verbal disagreement it never got physical"
"That's good to hear"
"Well except..." I said remembering the night of James's party. But that was just a little mishap. Nothing to get a divorce over. They won't get a divorce my parents won't get a divorce
"Nevermind. My parents aren't getting a divorce so can we just change the topic" I rejected the mere thought
"Okay fine, I'll talk about something else"
"Thank you" I sighed
"I like you and I want you to be my boyfriend" she said eating her salad
"Huh?" I said surprised
"I like you and you're gonna be my boyfriend"
"Britney, I...." I froze thinking about what I should do or what I should say. Should I follow my dad's advice or my mom's? I can't think of this right now. I have to get some fresh air
"I need to use the bathroom" I said getting up and walking out. I headed straight for the bathroom where I saw Nick washing his hand
"Oh hey Carl" he said putting his hand under the stream dryer
"Hi" I said
"So how goes the date?"
"Great fine. Everything's absolutely fine" I said
"Okay, See you later man" he said walking towards the door
"Wait a minute" I said
"Huh what is it?" He asked
"I actually want to ask you something" I said
"Okay so what's up?" He asked
"I wanted to ask if you know a blonde girl in your hotel?"
"You have to be a bit more specific"
"Pretty, blonde with freckles and she's Norwegian" I described her to the best of my ability
"You mean Ingrid?"
"Yeah Ingrid"
"Yeah I know her. Wasn't she coming out of your car today? What's that about?" Nick asked
"Yeah, it's a long story but I want to know when she came to town?"
"I'm not sure. I left town after Fright Night and she was there when I got back" he said
"You wouldn't happen to know when she's leaving right"
"Yeah"
"Really when?" I asked
"She told me she was checking out tonight."
"Seriously" I said a bit disappointed
"Yeah she said her photoshoot wrapped up so he had to leave" He said before I let out a sigh
"Thanks anyway"
"No problem man. But if you want my advice you should really focus on the blonde outside. She seems to really like you and she's pretty hot too" he said before walking away
"Yeah sure thanks man" I said
"Any time. And I'm sorry again about what happened with Brittney" he said walking out.
I looked at the door and sighed before deciding to go back to Britney.
"Hey I'm back"
"Good now I need an answer"
"Britney you're an amazing girl and you're probably the only person in town that doesn't treat me like an outcast but-"
"Don't finish that" she said
"What?"
"Before you say what you're about to say. Do you remember what happened in the town today?"
"Yeah what about it?"
"There will always be people like that. They will mock and jeer you everywhere you go and I'm guessing you don't want that"
"Not necessarily" I answered
"Exactly, You'll continue to be treated like a pariah unless-"
"Unless?" I interrupted
"Unless you have me by your side. Just like today I can deter anyone that might think of saying anything. Because who are they to talk when you're walking around with someone like me" she said
She was right. Those people of the hotel did leave when they thought she was my girlfriend. Maybe this isn't such a bad idea
"But isn't that like using you?" I asked
"And your point is? I'll be using you as well. Consider it chasing a cheap thrill" she said
"Cheap thrill?"
"Exactly, you'll keep me entertained. Literally and physically"
"Physically?" I blushed
"What? You shy?"
"Britney you can't be serious about this?" I said
"Oh I am. I want to know what exactly that cougar-"
"Can you not call her that?"
"Fine what that milf taught you" Britney said
"Um I...."
"So what do you say. Let's enjoy using each other" she smiled
"You're serious?"
"You keep asking that and I keep saying yes" she said
I didn't know what to do so oddly I ended up nodding
"Good now get over here and give me a kiss" she said before I sighed and we both stood up and met each other in the middle of the room. I stood watching her as she held unto my hands and moved them to her waist before throwing her hands around my neck
"So what should I do? Should I kiss you now or do I wait for sort of a signal?" I said
"I think me telling you to kiss me is a pretty big signal"
"But I don't know if you mean a small peck or-" I said before she forced her lips unto mines starting our make out session
"Is that enough of a signal for you?" She asked as I panted before looking at her then suddenly I forced her against the wall and kissed her again.
Dad was right. Right now I wasn't thinking about Brittney or Ingrid. My whole attention was now focused on the one I was kissing. The kiss was amazing and I soon found my hands unconsciously trying to move towards her butt but she slapped them away before I could get a good feel
"Owe" I said
"Never on a first date" she said
"Sorry I got a little carried away" I said before she smiled and dragging me back into another passionate kiss then suddenly someone cleared their throats causing us to break apart
"I am happy you guys are enjoying our private room but please remember this is a restaurant and not a cheap motel" the girl, I think her name was Emily, said holding a dessert menu
"I'm sorry about that" I said embarrassed
After dinner was over I drove Britney back to her hotel and walked her to her apartment
"That was a great date" she said
"Sure" I said
"So when will you be taking me out again?" She asked
"I don't know"
"Okay so what about I invite you for Thanksgiving?" She asked
"Thanksgiving?"
"Yeah"
"No thank you. I'm gonna have Thanksgiving with my family." I said
"Let me know if that works for you. If it doesn't you can always come here" she said
"Hey Britney, did you just get back?" a man said as he walked towards us
"Yes Jake"
"Is this your date?" Jake asked
"Carlton, this is Jake. Jake, this is Carlton"
"Oh I know who he is" Jake said.
"Great" I sarcastically said
"You mustn't believe all the gossip. You of all person should know that Jake. Carlton is a sweet guy"
"Oh I know"
"Huh?" I said surprised
"Well that's good because I invited him for Thanksgiving" she said
"Oh about that."
"What? Is it not okay?" She asked
"It's not that. It's just there'll be a change of venue"
"To where?" Britney asked
"Trudy's" he surprisingly said
"Then I definitely shouldn't go" I said before suddenly my phone went off.
"It's really late. I should be heading home" I said before leaving
I drove straight home and sighed as I walked into my house to find my father with a an of beer in one hand and the remote in hand
"Dad we need to talk" I said
"What is it Carl?" He asked skipping the channel
"Where's mom?" I asked
"Out" he said skipping the channel again before I stepped in front of the TV
"Dad, where exactly is Mom? Where did she go yesterday? What's going on?" I asked but my dad didn't respond instead he sighed and emptied the beer before belching
"Carl, if you really want to know. You should talk to your mother" he said getting up and walking up the stairs
I dropped down on the couch taking out my phone and looked down at the speed dial
What am I going to do? What am I expecting to hear from her?
Thoughts like that kept me hesitant to push the button but I eventually decided that I needed to know do I pressed the button
(Rebecca)
"Wendy where are you?" I asked as I walked passed a giggling closet
"Oh my Wendy. Where ever could you be?" I asked moving towards the giggling closet
"Maybe you're inside here" I yelled opening the closet
"You found me" she yelled jumping out of the closet to hug me
"Yes I did. Now it's time for you to shower" I said before she pouted
"Come on Rebecca one last game" she pleaded
"No that was our fifth last game. Time for you to shower and get to bed" I said
"Fine" she pouted before I brought her to the shower.
I don't get why kids always complained about going to bathe but whenever they get in the tub they quickly started playing and splashing around
"Alright alright. No more splashing. Let's get you dried off" I said taking her out and wrapping the towel around her before drying her off and getting her dressed in her pajamas before bringing her to her bed
"Alright time for bed."
"Will you read me a bed time story?" She said
"Not tonight but you know Sophie should be here in a minute and I promised you'd be asleep by the time they get back" I said before she sighed
"Fine but you have to promise to babysit me again"
"You can call me whenever you want to play okay" I said
"Okay" she yelled happily
"Alright go to bed now" I said kissing her forehead before walking out and going to the living room to find a bored Jason sitting on the couch flipping through channels
"She's finally asleep" I said
"So what you watching?" i asked but he didn't answer
"Okay are you hungry? Maybe I should heat up dinner and we can talk" I said joining him on the couch but he didn't say anything
"Hey you aren't angry, are you?" I asked
"Angry? Why would I be angry?" He passive aggressively asked
"Come on why are you angry?" I asked
"I don't know. Maybe because I planned a great date for a girl I really like but she seems to be more interesting in babysitting someone else's kid instead. If you didn't want to go out with me you could have just said so okay"
"I know" I sighed
"I should get going. See you at work" he said getting up
"Wait up" I said getting up
"What?" He asked
"Can you just stay?"
"Because?"
"Look I've been through something really bad recently. I just got out of a relationship. It was a bad breakup and I've been telling myself that I'm not ready for a relationship but it's been months and now you, a really great guy, wants to go out with me and I don't know if it's because of what happened or because I might still feel something for the bastard, but I find it really hard to let myself like you"
"So you're judging me for what some jackass did. Isn't that a bit unfair to me?" He said
"Yes I know. I know it's totally unfair, but that's just the way it is. Now I'm going to give you two more unfair choices."
"Go ahead I'm all ears" he said
"Option one you can walk out that door right now and we go back to just coworkers."
"Option two?"
"You wait"
"For what exactly?" He asked
"I don't know. Until I'm ready"
"And when is that?"
"I don't know. So you what do you say? You leaving or should I heat up dinner?" I asked.
I stood there silently as he thought over the situation
"What exactly did you make for dinner?" He asked with a smile.
I smiled back
(Aiden)
"Wow that was amazing" Rose said putting down the knife and fork
"Yeah the food here is absolutely delicious" I agreed before suddenly the waiter came over to us again
"I hope you guys have all enjoyed the food?"
"It's absolutely great" Rose said
"Five stars" I added
"Okay so would you like to try some of our desserts?"
"And what would you recommend?" I asked
"We have a wonderful two layer chocolate cake and an absolutely delicious chocolate Fondue"
"That chocolate fondue sounds great. What do you think?"
"Good but can you really afford it?" Rose asked
"Yeah Jake's picking up the tab" I said taking the wallet I took from his pocket
"How did you get that?" She asked
"Learnt a few tricks at the school" I answered
"Your Dad's gonna kill you"
"Then I should really enjoy my last meal" I smirked
"Would that be the fondue or me?"
"Can't it be both?" I asked
"Depends" she said to me before looking the waiter, "Can we get that to go?"
The waiter nodded before leaving. She turned back to me and smirked.
After he returned with the cake we got out, paid our tab and headed for the gate
"Wait, aren't you gonna wait for your crush?" She asked
"Why? I'm sure she's fine" I said looking at my watch
"Let's see if we can catch a cab back home" I said before we left
We took the first cab back to the hotel and went up the stairs but we stopped and pushed her against the wall and started planting kisses on her
"Wait wait" she said pushing me off
"Wow Rose"
"Wow what?" She asked
"Didn't expect you to chicken out?" I smirked
"Oh ha ha" she said rolling her eyes
"I just need to go Rebecca and tell her I'm not coming home tonight. Or would you rather I go back?" She said
"I'll see you inside" I said kissing her again before going in
"Hey Aiden you're back early" Roman said as soon as I walked in
"Yeah I brought dessert here....Do I smell BlackBerry pie?" I asked
"Oh yeah you missed the greatest pie ever. Miss Trudy came over and had dinner with us"
"Wasn't that the name Jake called last week?" I asked
"Yes she's really nice" Tevon said before running up stairs
"Sounds like I missed something" I said
"Yeah. So how was your date?"
"I'll tell you tomorrow" I said
"Okay....where's Britney?"
"I left her at the restaurant. How did you know we went to the same place?" I asked
"I overheard her talking about it yesterday" he answered
"Oh thanks for the heads up then bro" I said sarcastically but he only shrugged
"I'm actually surprised you left without her. You've never done that before" Roman said
"Yeah so?" I said
"That Rose girl, are you actually serious about dating her?" He asked but I only laughed
"Dude it's not like that. We're not even dating"
"Okay but you do have some feelings for her?"
"Look Ro, even if I did have some feelings for her. I won't act on them"
"Why?"
"Because I still like Britney and wouldn't it be unfair to her to start a serious relationship in a situation like that. Plus I don't think Rose is the type to start serious relationship and if she was I probably wouldn't be the guy she'd choose" I said leaving him jaw dropped. I guess he's surprised I'd think something out like this
"Ro? Ro? Roman!" I yelled snapping him out of whatever mental trance he was in
"Did you just admit to liking Britney?" He asked
"Yeah so?" I asked before Rose walked in
"Hey you ready?" She asked
"Go ahead I'll meet you up there" I said before she walked over to me and kissed my cheek
"Don't keep me waiting" she said before walking away
"Roman" I asked not taking my eyes off her
"Yeah?"
"Is Jake here?" I asked
"No, he went to bring James's mom home"
"Okay when he comes back. Tell him I went to bed early and he doesn't have to check on me"
"Why?" He asked before looking at Rose going up the stairs
"You're actually going to sleep with her here?"
"Yes in my room. Why you asking don't tell me you want to join?" I joked
"Ew not funny. It's just weird"
"What's weird about it?"
"You've never brought a girl home. Wasn't that against some rule of yours?"
"Rules?" I asked confused. What rules? I don't have rules"
"Rose must be really special girl" Roman said
"I've barely known her for a week"
"And yet you're making her stay the night"
"I think you're reading too much into this"
"Maybe?" he smirked
"Just make sure he doesn't check on me okay?" I said
"Yeah whatever. Just make sure to use protection"
"I always do" I said before walking up the stairs and walking into my room
"Took you long enough. I almost thought you weren't coming" she said
"Of course I would. We can't end dinner without dessert" I said looking at the cake on the bed then at her
"Good. Now get naked" she demanded
"I'd much rather you strip me" I requested and she immediately complied by gripping my shirt
"I won't be gentle" she said
"Neither will I?" I said grabbing the waist on her dress
We both smirked as we started ripping the clothes off each other causing buttons and pieces of fabric to fly all over the room until we were in nothing but our underwear then she pushed me on the bed and spread a piece of the chocolate all over my abs
"I thought this was my last meal"
"Well I want first taste" she said before licking the fondue off me. Hours passed as we enjoyed the dessert and each other until suddenly we heard a banging on the door
"What could you possible want at this hour!?" I yelled incredibly pissed as I eased up from on top of Rose
"Hey Aiden it's me" Jake said
"Shit what's Jake doing knocking on my door" I whispered to myself
"Don't know maybe we should let him in and ask." she joked. Well at least I hope she was joking
"Roman told me you're not feeling well. I came to check on you" Jake said
"I'm fine. I already told Roman to tell you there was no need to check up on me"
"Yeah he told me that but Britney insisted you might have caught something bad. She said it might be food poisoning"
"Jake I'm fine, it's just a little....hot in here" I said resuming my kisses until Rose let out a seductive moan
"What was that?" Jake asked
"Nothing" I said