The Waiting Game

THE WAITING GAME - 7

JUNE 2017

CALIFORNIA, USA

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARIANA!" Everyone greeted after they sang the happy birthday song. "Make a wish, baby." Mac said to the lady sat beside him.

Ariana closed her eyes and made a wish. They were all gathered around a table to eat dinner. All of Ariana's friends and family are present on her very special day. It was indeed a happy birthday.

"Okay, presents time!" Brian excitedly said while clapping his hands. "Thank you for treating us here in Nobu Malibu. It was so much fun."

Ariana hid her smile using the sleeves of her oversized yellow sweater. "Happy 24th! Now, it's time for us to give you something." Brian continued, making Ariana chuckle.

"Guys, you don't have to. I swear. You, guys, being here is already enough." She said while waving her hands in front of her. "Shh, babe. We do. I'll start!" Victoria interrupted. She fished for her present inside her bag and handed it to Ariana.

"OH MY GOD, VIC! ARE YOU PROPOSING TO ME?" Ariana exclaimed dramatically. "Baby, Vic is proposing to me! Is it okay if I marry her?" She told Mac, making the rest laugh boisterously.

Mac shook his head in disbelief, a smile is evident on his face. "You can't propose to my girl, Vic. That's not how it works." He said, riding along with his girl's silliness.

"Maybe if you propose to me instead..." Ariana said while rolling her eyes, earning a chorus of 'whoa!' from the people in the table. "What are you trying to say, baby? You want me to propose right now? I'll get on my knee-"

Ariana grinned widely before hugging Mac sideways. "Nothing. I'm just kidding, baby. Love you." She said before pouting. Mac wasted no time and gave her a quick peck.

"Okay, sorry to interrupt, love birds. Reserve that lovey dovey shit for later." Victoria jokingly said, catching the couple's attention. "That's a pair of earrings, Ari. Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm not proposing to you." She added with a heartily laugh.

"Good. You can't steal my girl from me." Mac said with a smile, placing his arms around Ariana protectively. The latter leaned to his body in return.

Victoria chuckled. "Oh please... I like someone else."

"Ooooh, what a tea!" Brian interjected, earning an elbow from his twin. "Ouch!"

"Do you remember the cute guy in the coffee shop?" Victoria said, giving Ariana a teasing look. "I think he's available now. Right, Court?"

Courtney nodded and smirked. "Very much available." She took a sip on her drink and laughed a bit. "The restrictions have been lifted. He's officially back in the market."

"I don't think so." Ariana said with a stoic face.

"Relax, Ari. I'm single and he is also-"

"Vic, Court, can we talk?" Ariana immediately said while standing up. "Excuse us please..." She said before walking towards the girl's bathroom and gesturing the two to follow her.

Once they were all inside, Ariana shut the door and clicked the lock. "What the hell was that?"

"What the hell was what?" Courtney asked back, making Ariana cross her arms over her chest. "Don't act stupid. You know what I'm talking about."

Victoria sighed. "How long are you gonna keep this up?"

Ariana looked away. "How long am I gonna keep what?"