Allégro

Chapter 06: Lucas

          I dragged my palm underneath my eyes, whipping away the falling tears as I trained my gaze out of the passenger side window. During training, the sun was still high in the sky–emitting it's brutal warmth in waves. Now, the sun has started to set, casting gentle pink and yellow hues across the sky.

          From the driver's seat, Liam spares a few glances my way before returning his gaze to the winding road. He has a right to be worried. I just stormed away from my Aunt and Uncle with tears streaming down my face, demanding we leave the property.

          "Do you want to talk about it?" Liam questions softly. How do you tell someone that after nineteen years, the people you trusted the most–your only family left in the world–are sending you away?

          I shake my head. "No. Just...keep driving. Please."

***

          I sit up straight in my seat as I watch Liam turn into a parking lot. The lit-up sign above our heads reads 'Black Bear Diner'. "This isn't your dad's ballet studio."

          "You seemed upset, so I thought I'd bring you to my second favorite place." Liam explains with a small smirk, parking the truck and turning off the engine. Pulling the keys from the ignition, he pockets them and turns to me. "Plus, you didn't bring your dance gear."

          Opening his door, Liam climbs out and slams it closed behind him–earning a small jump from me. He crosses the back of the truck before stopping in front of my door and tugging it open. I too climbed out only for Liam to slam the door closed behind me. He holds his arm out to me and I take it, following him into the diner.

            I take in my surroundings as Liam leads me up to the register, where a petite brunette woman is standing at the ready. Everything looked as if it were carved from wood, that is if wood were plastic and shiny.

          "Table for two please," Liam says to the waitress. A bright smile decorated her heavily made-up face as she grabbed two menus, gesturing for us to follow her. I kept my hold on Liam as he led me through the restaurant.

          The smell of fried eggs along with the sweet smell of syrup fills my nose as we pass by the other tables. I watched as waiters and waitresses strode out of what must be the kitchen with platters of steaming food resting on their arms.

          Stopping in front of a booth, I unhooked my arm from Liam's and slid into my seat. As Liam slid into the one across from me, the waitress took a notepad out of the front pocket of her black apron–which tied securely around her waist–and asked, "What can I start you off with today?"

          I looked toward Liam, unsure of what to say or do. Of course, I've seen them in movies, but I've never been to a restaurant before–never sat in a booth and ordered food before.

          "Two hot chocolates, please," He says with a small smile. The waitress quickly jots down our order before setting the plastic covered menus in the center of the table.

          "I'll be back with those and to take your order," With that, she turns and starts toward the kitchen.  

          "So," Liam starts, dragging one of the menus to the spot in front of him. "What are you thinking about getting?"

          I shake my head, wrapping my arms around myself. "Nothing. I can't pay for this."

          "Don't worry about it," He says, studying the menu.

          "Liam, I already hijacked your evening. I'm not taking your money."

          At this, Liam sets his menu on the table. His brown eyes zeroed in on mine, a small smirk on his lips. "I invited you out. Let me at least pay for dinner."