09. The chapter with all the provocations

Rose

We settled down at the table, and it was not long before a young waiter approached.

" Van Derr Waal, same as always?”

" Just two beers this time, and cranberry juice for the girls," he decided.

" Is he old enough to drink? " The waiter looked suspiciously at Theo.

" And who says it's for him? I'll drink them both," Liam assured him.

That was the most ridiculous excuse I had ever heard, but it seemed to have convinced the waiter, who took our orders and walked away after handing us the menu.

" Are you going to drink both? " I sneered.

" I could order three if you hadn't gotten a tattoo," he winked at me.

" And Sky?”

" I don't drink," she explained.

" She thinks alcohol is Satan in its liquid form," Liam teased his friend, who was happy to ignore him.

Once again I found myself wondering how it was possible for those two not to be a couple. And from the exasperated expression on Theo's face, he thought the same.

" I could say that I was surprised by Alicia's attitude, but she only acted as she did at school, I wouldn't be surprised if they got a song for him too," I returned to the previous subject.

" What the hell kind of song did she sing for you anyway? " Theo frowned.

" I'm not perfect and no snitch, But I can tell you she's a bitch," I crooned as I checked the menu, "you know, the theme from that show don't trust the bitch in apartment 23. I suppose that's where they got the reference from.”

I ignored Skyller's shocked look, pretending to choose what to eat next. It was not one of my fondest memories of high school, but my friends and I made a lot of fun of it at the time.

When we found out that we would be coming to the same college, I was willing to forget all about it, but that experience proved to me that some things never change.

" That is…”

" Past, even though I don't feel the slightest desire to remain close to her at this moment. No offense, Liam," I interrupted my friend, not wishing for any show of pity in the face of that story.

" No offense, and besides, she's in the sorority now, I doubt she'll be talking to us for long," Liam shrugged, "especially after she finds out about our new friend.”

" Now that will be an interesting addition to our group.” Theo mocked.

" Rose will love it " Sky joined in the teasing.

Great, even she will be against me now!

" Of course I will, because the closer I get, the more likely I am to hit him," I snorted.

" Really? And what exactly do you plan to hit him with? " Liam looked into my eyes.

" I don't know, a bat, a paint can…”

" Your panties," Sky added, leaving me speechless.

" Oh my God. You, of all people, Skyller!”

" If you need any suggestions, whipped cream is always a great option.”

" Or chocolate syrup " Theo added.

" You guys are the worst," I muttered in disbelief.

The waiter returned with our drinks, taking our orders as we sipped from our glasses.

" Okay, we are being horrible, after all, you just made the guy you hate get in your car and choose a tattoo for you. What was the place he chose anyway? " Theo remarked nonchalantly as a country band started playing some songs.

I glared at him, standing up and taking Skyller's hand in mine.

" I'm not going to stand here and listen to these stupid questions, we're going to dance," I didn't give her a chance to deny it, running away as fast as I could.

I dragged Skyller to an area near the stage, reserved for a small dance floor, where a few people were already venturing out, even though it was only the beginning of the performances.

" Rose, I don't know how to dance." Sky tried to run away, but I held her arm, pulling her to the dance floor.

" Don't be a killjoy, Skyller," I complained.

Little by little she began to loosen up, moving to the lively rhythm of the melody. The door of the restaurant opened and a few more people entered, attracting our attention. I couldn't help but grimace a little when I saw Allie standing next to Wayne, who was accompanied by some of the guys from yesterday's fraternity.

And now she is the new trophy doll of the group. Perfect!

" Okay, you avoided the subject, but I still want to know where the tattoo is," Sky teased, drawing my attention away from Allie.

I watched my friend, and knowing that she wouldn't give up, I brought my hand to the area over her shirt.

" Oh my God, he saw you with your shirt off," she laughed.

" Hey, everything was covered," I scoffed.

" Still, it was a nice first date," she hummed.

I didn't answer, just gave her a tired look, ignoring the teasing.

" Be honest, you didn't think for a moment about…”

" I told you, I just hated the way he was treated," I decided to omit the slight temptation I felt for a few seconds as he stood very close to me.

We danced for two more songs until the waiter heading for our table made us leave the dance floor and return to the boys. When we arrived at the table, Theo was telling Liam about the double date he and Skyller had gone on the day before, eating the servings of fries they had ordered, while I was content with the roasted chicken wings. The afternoon was pleasant, we played games, danced, and I watched Liam try to disguise his jealousy every time Sky's date from the day before was mentioned.

This was the first time we had spent a weekend together and I could tell you that I was enjoying every detail.