All The Things I've Yet to Do

Chapter Fourteen

Ace and I agree on a Carribean restaurant that is a couple of blocks away from the Scott's house. Once inside, we opt for dine in eating and we approach the counter.

"Good evening, sweetness," says an older Jamaican woman. "Just letting you know we're out of..."

She proceeds to list off at least seven items, and I laugh at the fact that Jamaican restaurants are always out of something. I assure her that it's fine and we place our orders. We're the only customers at the moment, so she tells us to grab a seat and that she'll bring our food to the table in a second.

Once seated, I pull out my phone for the first time all day. I reply to a text from Ariel saying that she and her mom will be home around 8. As I continue scrolling through my notifications, I spot a text that immediately makes me lock my phone.

"What's up?" asks Ace, noticing my movements.

He proceeds to place his phone in his pocket and lean back in his chair. I'm sitting with my back to the windows, but past me, the precious light of golden hour is shining. Ace squints, trying to meet my eyes through the sun that highlights his brown skin.

"Nothing, Ari just said that they'll be home by eight. I'll get her to drop me home when she's back," I dismiss. "So, what's Adrian planning to make tonight?"

"Honestly, I think he's just going to order pizza," he shrugs.

I mock glare at the boy across from me. "I love pizza, you know this."

Holding his hands up in defense, he argues, "I just wanted to spend time with you."

Not reading too deep into it, I ask, "Why?"

Before he can answer, the lady from the front comes with our orders. I smile gratefully and immediately start salivating. While I begin eating, he answers, "We hardly get to hang out anymore. You started university and forgot all about me."

He smirks before taking a bite of his chicken so I know that he's joking. "It goes both ways, you know. I can't drive, but you could have come up to see us."

"You're right, and you can't drive yet. Next year I'll be sure to come visit sometime,"

I shove a forkful of rice in my mouth to hide my grimace and mumble, "For sure."

Ace pauses eating to take a sip of his ginger beer. "When's the next lesson?"

My phone lights up with a text and I skim over it while replying, "I'm literally always free, so let me know what day works for you."

Chrissy: Come over later. We need to have a conversation.

Trying my hardest to keep a straight face, I quickly send, I'm busy, as Ace says, "I'll check my work schedule for next week and I'll text you."

"Mhm," I hum as another text comes in:

Chrissy: Then I'll pick you up tomorrow.

Once again replying that I'm busy, I put my phone on Do Not Disturb and shift my attention back to eating.

"So," Ace begins between chews, "how are things going with that guy?"

I take a long sip of my Sprite and shrug halfheartedly. "We're not talking anymore."

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow suspiciously. "So that's not who you were just texting five seconds ago?"

Almost choking on my food, I quickly respond, "No."

"I see," Is all he says.

Time passes as we finish up our meals and just when I think I'm off the hook, he asks, "Something happened with you guys?"