Chapter 21 So, how was your date?
Seraphina
My biggest hope for this morning was to avoid Ryan completely. I just wanted to be spared the whole awkward situation. I still had no idea how to act around him, so I felt a huge wave of relief when I walked into the kitchen and found only Clement and my mom.
“Good morning, honey. We missed you at dinner last night,” my mom said.
“Yes, I am sorry. I went out with a friend.”
“You have been spending so much time with this friend,” she said, her voice full of playful suggestion. “When will we get to meet him?”
“Mom. It is not like that,” I said, rolling my eyes. “We are just friends.”
“Sure. That is how it always starts,” she replied, giving me a wink.
“Louisa!” I snapped.
“Fine, fine. So what are your plans for today? If you are free, you should come with us to watch Ryan compete.”
“Oh, I cannot,” I said a little too quickly. “I have plans.” It was a lie. I had nothing to do; I just really did not want to see Ryan.
“Oh, plans? With this friend?” My mom smiled a naughty smile.
“Mom!”
“Just kidding,” she said, giggling. “Do not be home too late, honey.” She called this out as I rolled my eyes again and left the room.
I had no real plans, but I had to find something to do so I would not have to go with them to see Ryan. Since I did not have many other choices, I decided to call Gabe.
“Hey, what are you doing today?” I asked as soon as he answered.
“Hanging out with you, I hope?” he replied.
“Okay. Text me your address. I will come over,” I said, smiling.
Luckily, Gabe’s house was only fifteen minutes away on foot. I had not planned for any of this, but here I was. And when I got to his place, his parents were not home.
“Where are your folks?” I asked as I stepped inside.
“My mom and dad are in real estate. They are always out somewhere. My big brother is in college, all the way in California,” he explained as we walked to his room.
Gabe’s room was what you would expect from a guy. The walls were blue, he had a single bed, and a desk with his laptop. I saw that his desk was covered with books, CDs, and old records. Movie posters were on the walls, and a few guitars were leaning in the corner.
“Cool room,” I said. “Wait, you like Little Miss Sunshine?” I pointed to one of the posters.
“Yes, it is one of my favorite movies ever.”
“No way! Mine too!” I laughed and gave him a high five. “You have good taste. I am glad we are friends,” I added.
We spent the whole day in his room. He tried to teach me how to play guitar, but I gave up after about ten minutes. Then we ordered pizza and started watching Breaking Bad on Netflix. It was a fun, relaxed day. Time moved so fast, and before I knew it, the sun was beginning to set.
The last of the sunlight came through his window, falling on his face in a warm, golden glow. I was staring, lost in the moment, and he caught me looking for a second too long. Gabe leaned in, moving to kiss me, and I pulled back quickly.
“Wow, it is already seven! I promised my mom I would be back for dinner,” I said, scrambling to get up.
“Oh, okay. I will walk you home,” Gabe said.
“You do not have to,” I told him, shaking my head.
“But I want to,” he insisted.
Against all my expectations, today had been a really good day. Honestly, I would not mind spending the rest of my time in Hawaii like this. When Gabe and I got to my house, I was laughing at a joke he had made when I saw the light on in Ryan’s garage. And there was Ryan, standing by the garage door, looking right at me.
“Uh, Gabe, thanks again for today,” I said, stopping him.
“Anytime,” he said, beaming. “Can I walk you to your door?”
“Um, I think I should just go. My mom is waiting,” I lied. He looked a little disappointed.
“Okay, no problem. I will see you later, then,” he said, still smiling graciously.
I felt bad for Gabe, so I gave him a fast kiss on the cheek. “Bye,” I said quietly, and then I hurried toward the house. The entire time, I could feel Ryan’s eyes on me.
“Seraphina, you are home! Just in time for dinner,” Louisa squealed happily when I walked inside. She and Clement were already sitting at the table.
“I already ate pizza. I am not hungry,” I said.
“But I have been cooking all day. Come on, just have a little salad,” she pleaded.
Again, I felt bad, so I gave in and sat down across from her and Clement. I thought I would just eat quickly and then go to my room, but that plan was ruined when Ryan walked in.
“Ryan. Come, let us have dinner together,” Louisa said. I shifted awkwardly in my seat.
Ryan sat down next to me, and he purposely moved his chair so he was closer. I coughed and moved my own chair further away.
“This is nice, is it not? Let us, uh, say grace,” Clement said, holding out his hand. Ryan took his father’s hand and then held his out to me. I took it, but I did not want to. The second Clement finished praying, I pulled my hand back.
“So, how was your date?” Louisa asked playfully. She really never knew when to stop.