Before He Lied

Tessa Chapter 31

I look to Hardin and his face fills with anger, Kim and Gavin awkwardly look at each other. Hardin sifts uncomfortably in his seat before he looks away from me, so much for a nice dinner.

"Well Miss. Young it was nice to see you again." The waiter says.

I smile at him before he takes Kim and Gavins order, Hardin gets this pasta thing. When it comes for me to order the waiter starts talking again.

"Would you like why you got last time? Zach made sure to tell the chef that it was your favorite."

I look at Hardin's hands and see him clenching his fists.

"No that's ok, I'll get the same thing as him."

I point to Hardin.

The waiter smiles before he collects our menus and walks away. We all sit in awkward silence.

"So? How about some wine?" Kim quickly says.

"I'm only 18." I add.

"Well you have an in with the owners son so I don't think they care." Gavin says with a laugh.

Kim kicks his under the table, I look at Hardin and see his face full of rage.

"It's fine, I don't think they'll care." She awkwardly laughs.

She orders a bottle of white wine and attempts to make small talk, Hardin just sits in silence while he looks out at the city.

...

Once the waiter brings the wine Gavin pours us all a glass and I quickly drink mine. I need to be tipsy or I won't survive the tension radiating from Hardin.

...

Three glasses later and I'm a little dizzy, I feel much better now. I pour myself another glass, I bring the cup to my lips but Hardin grabs my hand under the table. I look at him and he shakes his head.

"I think you've have enough Tessa." He says bluntly.

"Actually I haven't."

I pull my hand away from him his under the table and bring the glass to my lips. The sweet but bitter liquid pours down my throat.

"Wow Tessa, you can really drink." Gavin adds.

Kim proceeds to kick him again, at this point he should probably wear shin guards.

...

Kim and I talk and a few minutes later our food arrives, we all eat except Hardin. He just stares at his food.

"Why aren't you eating?" I quietly ask.

He just looks at me and rolls his eyes, I can't believe he's mad that Zach brought me here. What was I supposed to do? Cancel the whole dinner because I've already eaten here?

"This is so good, we have to come here again." Kim says.

Hardin whispers something under his breath.

...

This night is absolutely horrible, I just wanted to have a good time with my friend but Hardin is making everything so awkward. Gavin tries to start a conversation with him but Hardin just ignores him. We finish eating and the waiter comes by to get our plates.

"Was there something wrong with your pasta sir?" The waiter asks Hardin.

"No." Hardin answers rudely.

"He just wasn't hungry, everything was very good." I add.

I smile at him before he clears our table, Kim and Gavin order dessert. Just like before a violinist and pianist start playing music, couples start joining the dance floor.