My Colors are you

Chapter 18

"Casual. Be casual." She repeated to herself.

But inside, all she felt was panic. She took a seat at the edge of her bed and stared at the carpet. Rory was going over how she assumed the night would go. She would meet up with Finn at some sushi place in town and talk a little, then come back. Also, it wasn't like Finn was a stranger. They were, to some extent, friends. But that didn't help the unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach.

After a few moments, she took to compose herself. She ventured out of her apartment after pep-talking herself and grabbed her coat and keys. She felt determined to be impressive. Maybe she could conjure up some of Abigail's confidence. She was overflowing with it.

"Going somewhere?"

Rory turned to her left at the entrance of the mailroom. Harley had a couple of envelopes in his hand. Out of all the times, they could have run into each other, it was almost comical that they found each other at that moment.

"I'm meeting up with some friends," Rory confirmed.

Harley arched a brow, leaning into the wall. "Really? Last time I remembered you'd lost some of your friends. So you and Maggie finally made up then?"

"No," Rory retorted, "She's friends with Abigail now. I'm sure you know that, considering the situation."

"Hah," he mocked, "Right. You're right. You know everything, don't you, Torres?"

"Whatever," Rory snapped, rolling her eyes.

"Enjoy your night!" He called out before the entrance door closed behind her.

Finding the sushi place seemed harder than she had expected. She circled the block until she found out she had passed it. She went back and stood outside.

It was only a few moments before she realized maybe they were inside waiting for her. She pulled out her phone to check but stopped when she heard Finn call out to her.

"You made it," he exclaimed.

Not that Rory was given any other option. Finn was very persuasive. Typical for a business major.

"Yeah, it's freezing." Rory didn't expect her voice to come off vexed, but he laughed it off.

"Must be a sign that winter is sneaking up faster than we thought."

Rory looked around him. "Where's your friends?"

"They'll be here," Finn looked around, "But in the meantime, we could get a table and wait inside," Rory asked no more questions and followed him in.

One server escorted them to an empty table next to the window. Rory was glad she could at least stare out the window whenever she needed a moment. Finn took the seat next to her. Several minutes had passed and Rory was starving. But she didn't want to stuff her face and eat without Finn's friends. So the relief she felt when they arrived was very strong. She didn't know how she'd cope if it had turned into an awkward setting just between them.

"Rory," Finn stood up to introduce, "This is my friend Edmond and his friend..."

"Charlotte," the vibrant girl introduced herself.

They looked like a magnificent pair together. Edmond had broad shoulders and blonde hair with lovely hazel eyes. Next to Charlotte, she even looked like an angel. They dyed the ends of her blonde hair pastel colors, it only complimented her own blue eyes.

They took a seat. Rory quickly sat down and stared down at the menu. She didn't dare look up since Edmond was seated across from her.

"I'm starved," Charlotte groaned, grabbing the menu.