Mafia (DNF)

Forty-one

I looked over the menu of the diner we decided on, debating between a burger and eggs benedict. I know it was dinner time, but it looked really really good.

Karl was getting some kind of sandwich, and the waitress came over.

"Uh, just the classic burger and fries, please," I told her, deciding I would make eggs for myself tomorrow.

Karl ordered his sandwich, along with a milkshake. He closed the menu, and gave it to the waitress.

"So, you and your boss, huh?" He asked, giggling.

I widened my eyes. "What?"

"It's so obvious, the way he acted in the car. Is he mad at you?"

"A little," I admitted. "With everything going on at my job right now, he doesn't want me to be out by myself."

Karl looked over at the tables beside us, which were filled with bodyguards. "By yourself?"

I rolled my eyes. "He's careful."

"He sounds kind of overbearing."

"I guess so, a little," I sighed, leaning on my elbow. Karl didn't reply, instead sneaking glances at the table to my right, and I looked over.

Nick was sitting there, looking bored. I laughed, and Karl jumped.

"Why are you staring so much?" I asked him.

"No reason," he replied quickly, looking away.

"Are you crushing on Nick?" I teased.

"Is that his name?" He said, eyes making their way back over. "Oh, I mean, no I'm not."

"Sure, sure. And that's why you're not blushing right now, at all."

"Is it that obvious?" He groaned. "I've only been here for like ten minutes, and he's probably already creeped out."

The waitress came with our food, and I laughed at Karl's red face.

We started eating. "He's chill, just go talk to him. Worst case scenario, he's not interested, and you move on with life."

"It's like you don't know me at all, even if we've been friends for years," he muttered. "I could never do that."

"I'll do it for you," I offered, and he shook his head.

"Absolutely not. Anyways, I want to show you an art gallery near my house, but I don't know if your boss will let you go."

I rolled my eyes. "That idiot can't take over my entire life, I won't let him. Even if he says no, I'll just sneak away."

Karl smiled, but it seemed half-hearted. I tilted my head, confused.

"Everything alright?" I asked.

"Yeah, just a little stressed," he replied, not looking me in the eyes. "Lately, everything's been a mess."

I didn't push it, finishing up my burger. He was also done, and I called the waitress over to pay.

"Meet me outside your building again?" He asked. "Tomorrow at 7?"

"Sure," I agreed. Technically, I got off at 6, I think. So Dream couldn't force me to stay with him.

We paid, and Karl waved me goodbye. I got into the car, waving back, and drove off.