Between The Lines

Chapter 6

Ana

As I skated through the neighborhood with Christian behind me, I thought about what possible reasons he might have to ask me to hang out with him. Maybe it was all just a joke to him. No, I can not think that way. Before I could think anymore, Christians voice snapped me back into reality.

"Hey Gibson, you hungry?' I stopped and he almost ran into me. I smiled at him and nodded. He scratched the back of his neck and smiled nervously. "Well I happen to know a great pizza parlor not to far from here."

"Alright well let's go then." I replied and kicked off again leaving him behind me. It wasn't long before we skated into the parking lot of a little pizza place. A big sign on the front read Sal's and I wondered why I had never heard of this place. Christian looked up and smiled taking a deep breath before looking at me. We walked to the door which he so kindly held open for me and we walked in. The smell hit me first. Actual fresh baked pizza hit my nose like a hurricane, making my stomach growl .

"I know." Christian said clearly hearing my stomach yell at me. "The smell is mouth watering ." He smiled at me. "Just wait until you take your first bite." I looked at him eagerly and he lead me through the small building. The building was painted a nice red and orange. Small tables littered the floor and only a few people were here. The tables were a dark orange. But a nice orange. When you first walk in there's a cutout piece of wall and behind it people are carefully preparing fresh pizza. As Christian walked ahead of me I couldn't help but notice a scar on the back of his neck. I thought about asking him later while we ate . Again I was snapped out of my thoughts by a booming voice.

"Christian my boy!" A tall, dark skinned man stepped out from the back room. "I thought that was you!" I stood there feeling a little nervous. The man pulled Christian in for a bro hug and laughed at him. Then he looked at me and smiled.  "Who is the beauty?" I immediately blushed and smiled at the guy. I stuck my hand out to shake his hand but he had other ideas. He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of my hand.

"I'm Ana. I smiled and looked over to Christian who had his arms crossed and just smiling.

"I'm Sal." I was kind of shocked. I was expecting a short chubby Italian guy, not a tall, thin, dark skinned man. "How about some pizza guys?" Sal said getting straight to the point.

"That would be great." Christian said nodding and leading me to a corner table against the wall. I sat down and crossed my feet and looked around. "So what do you think so far?"

"It's really cool. I can't believe I haven't been here before." He nodded at me.

"Well, it is kind of a hidden gem. I love it here. It's never crowded, so it's nice here. Especially if you want to just get away." I looked at him with a confused look.

"What do you have to get away from?" I asked him. I was curious what the most popular kid in the neighborhood needed to escape from. Just then Sal came to our table setting to cups down. I looked down at my cup.

"Oh, Sierra Mist for the lady and Coke for the tramp." He smiled and punched Christian's shoulder playfully. I laughed at the reference. I was grateful for he drink. I didn't even realize how parched I really was until I brought the cup to my lips to take a small sip. I ended up downing most of the drink in one sitting. As I went to exhale I burped loud. My face immediately turned red and heated up. "Keep her. I like her." Sal said before taking my cup and walking away. I put my head down in embarrassment.

"I'm impressed." My head shot up and I glared at Christian, thinking he was being sarcastic. He held his hands up and chuckled. "I'm serious. I don't mind. It just makes you that much better doll. If that doesn't seem weird."