I was sneaking a look at Jazi when someone sat beside Alec. My eyes almost came out of the socket seeing who it was. Grace almost jumped out of her seat while Riel didn't even react.
Grace's jaw dropped after muttering " Oh Em Gee!!!"
"Guys, this is Lo-Ri, my girlfriend."
Lo-Ri looked and smiled as Alec started introducing the three of us. She is ethereal and classy-looking. There is not one eyelash that is not positioned right, nor a hair out of place.
"Can someone look this perfect?" I whispered to Riel.
"You" she quickly replied.
I smiled at Riel for her attempt to be funny. To me this time, it deserves a smile at least. My ever-loyal friend, guaranteed to always assure me I am the best even in a form of humor.
At any rate, whether it is a joke, sarcasm, or truth, it made me feel a bit better that Riel is back to speaking to me. I gave Riel a smile and a shoulder bump. A smile finally emerged from her lips.
"Are you guys together?"
I looked up knowing it was Alec asking.
"No! But in the future, she will marry my brother." Grace said loudly while stuffing her mouth with the appetizers in front of her.
Riel blushed and chuckled. She patted Grace's head who was sitting next to her as she told her that she needed to wipe her cloudy crystal ball."
I tilted my head back towards the right waiting for Grace to look at me. I wanted so badly to remind her to behave and not to embarrass me but Grace never paid me any attention.
Alec who was sitting on my left placed his hand on my shoulder.
"Your sister is adorable," he says.
I wanted to disagree but I had a mission so I sweetly responded "Sometimes and other times she can be the reincarnated devil."
He lightly laughed then the next thing I heard from Alec was, "So you and Riel ...?."
I gave him a questionable look, and then it dawned on me that he might be asking because he is interested in Riel. I smiled at him while I replied "No, we are both available. We are best friends and neighbors since we were kids." I emphasized to Alec for clarity since I will be going after Jazi. He has to know that I am available to date his sister.
I slowly turned to my right to Riel and whispered, "Alec is interested in you. I am concerned with the competition tho."
Riel sighed and took a drink. She turned her head towards me so close that we looked like we were about to kiss. She gave me her "Stop what you are doing" look.
Jazi started teasing us. "Are you two sure you are just friends? Seems like you are about to kiss there."
Riel didn't take her eyes off me and even gave me a death stare enough for me to sit back quickly. Grace looked at us and raised her left eyebrow.
"It seems my crystal ball isn't cloudy."
I started to wonder why Jazi even said that. Is she watching me? Why would she be watching me? Is she interested in me? Is she jealous? I quietly smile.
I think fate is sending a lot of signals my way. I can almost confirm that I am on the right path.
As my thoughts wandered while I ate, I suddenly felt eyes on me. Instinctively, I looked at Alec. He is looking at me with his beautiful hazel eyes like he is trying to figure out something. He nonchalantly took his eyes off me and took a bite of food after I caught him looking at me.
I secretly smiled. It felt good that he was looking at me. I inhaled when I realized my thoughts. 'What the heck is wrong with me today?'
This is starting to alarm me. I purposely looked at Jazy to snap out of it. I complimented Jazi for her cute look. Jazi beamed and responded.
"Thank you. I have to try my best to be as pretty as Lo-Ri but look, Grace is hard to beat too. She is so cute."
Lo-Ri chimed in telling Grace that she is adorable in her sundress and that she did her make-up perfectly well.
I bent a little to look at Lo-Ri who was sitting next to Alec. She noticed me about to say something so she smiled. "Based on the people around you outside earlier, you are not lacking admirers for your beauty."
Lo-Ri laughed and said, "I got lucky as an influencer. That's what it is all about."
"So how did you guys meet?" I asked Lo-Ri as I pointed my fork at Alec.
"Oh. Just like you and Riel, we have been friends since we were young. My Dad and his Dad are good friends."
I noticed Alec did not react at all as he continued to eat. "Because of that, we are expected to date." His voice had a hint of sarcasm.
I stopped my questioning thinking it may be something I shouldn't explore further.
Everyone at the table is enjoying the food as they talk while I am quietly questioning the way I am reacting to Alec.
Riel nudged me. "You good?"
I sighed and smiled at her.
"I am awesome neighbor."