Hanging Out With The Bad Boys

Chapter 5- "Where's your salad and water?"

When I get home at 5:00 pm after hanging out with the boys at Wendy's, Dad is in his bedroom searching for an outfit. He asks, "Blue tie or black?"

I shrug and reply, "Black, Dad. Stop worrying; it's just another date."

He responds, "Yeah, but this time I'm bringing my no-table-manners daughter."

I shoot him a look. Dad, with his chestnut hair and green eyes, looks like me. I have my mother's eyes and curves.

We need to pick up Chelsea at 6:00 pm, and the restaurant is about forty minutes away, with Chelsea twenty minutes from us.

I bathe, get dressed, and borrow my mom's heels, surprised they fit.

Dad says, "You look nice, just like your mom." I see hurt in his eyes as I glance at the clock; it’s 5:55 pm.

I gasp, "It's almost time to go, Dad. Get your keys and phone."

He smiles, "Don’t worry, we have a reservation; it’s okay to be a little late." I sigh and head out the front door. Luke texted earlier, saying he was going to dinner with his aunt.

When we arrive at Chelsea's house, it looks normal, but I'm surprised to see a guy who looks familiar.

Chelsea, my dad's co-worker with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, opens the door and gets in. The boy climbs into the back, and we exchange a shocked, "You."

I can’t believe Luke is coming to dinner with us.

Dad asks, "Ann, are you okay?"

I respond, "Yes, everything is just fine," dripping with sarcasm.

Chelsea says, "Luke, say hello to Anastasia."

He smirks, "Aunty, I know her already. She's the one who joined our group."

She smiles, "Oh, that's lovely. Luke won't be lonely when I go on dates with Alvin here."

Luke rolls his eyes, "I'm fine, aunty. Stop babying me, please." After his mother died six years ago from a heart attack and his father the following year from suicide, Luke lives with his aunt.

We’ve both lost someone, so we’re not alone.

**********

We arrive at the restaurant, and Dad parks the car. Chelsea, in a fitted dress that hits just above her knees, looks great, while Luke is in soft black pants and a blue shirt.

We walk in and get seated immediately. I order spaghetti and meatballs—my go-to since I was young.

Chelsea looks at me in shock and asks, "Where’s your salad and water?"

I reply, confused, "Salad?"

Luke sighs, "She’s not like other girls starving themselves. She eats what she wants and still stays slim."

I smile at him, and Chelsea sighs, watching my dad. We order dessert—chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream. I have a second slice, and Luke just smiles.

By the time we finish, it’s already 8:15 pm.

Chelsea yawns, “I’m tired. Alvin, please take me home, and thanks for dinner.”

Dad kisses her on the cheek while Luke makes a puking face, and I laugh. We leave the restaurant, and Dad unlocks the car. I drift off to sleep as he drives home.

Someone shakes me awake, and I see we’re in the garage.

Dad says, "It’s been a while since we watched a movie together. Let’s do it now."

I frown, "No scary movies this time."

He suggests, "Let’s watch White Chicks; I’m in the mood to laugh." We head to the theater room with popcorn.

I settle into my comfy chair and put on my 3D glasses.

It’s been too long since we watched a movie together.

Dad adds, "Maybe next time Chelsea can come over for a movie night."

I raise my hand, "Hold your horses. She can come for movie night, nothing else." Dad sighs.

We laugh at the funny parts, and I receive a message from Justin:

Player: We’ll pick you up at 10. Don’t be late.

Me: Me? Late? Never. Don’t you know me at all?

Player: Yes, I know you hate to fail a test.

I smirk and reply,

Me: Not my fault; it’s a nerd thing. Get used to it.

Player: 10:00 am, sharp. Don’t be late.

Me: Night, Tin Tin.

Player: Night, Ana.

Dad glances at me, then back at the screen.

He says, "If you have a boyfriend, I want to meet him first." I blush.

I reply, "Dad, I don't have one."

He chuckles, "Yet, Ana, yet." I roll my eyes.