Racing to You ✓

06 | perspectives

It was nearly a week later on a Saturday evening when the long-awaited text arrived.

👱🏼 : Shit I'm so sorry for not seeing ur text earlier, it's been kinda hectic. Could tell u everything maybe tonight if u arent busy?

👱🏼 : could we go to our usual place pls i miss them burgers & shakes 🥺

My heart thudded in my chest as I picked up my phone. It was nearly embarrassing how I was getting giddy with excitement.

👩🏽‍🦱 : Sure!! When should we meet x

👱🏼: it should be less crowded at 8 right?

👱🏼 : i cant deal with ppl rn

👩🏽‍🦱 :  Ahahaha, sounds g :) See you thereee

Māmā was still teaching a singing lesson and Makua was at yet another audition -- I attempted to reason with myself that they would probably knock out by the time they got home anyways. I was definitely one of those people who put their parents before themselves for affirmation. I glanced at the clock and gathered the courage sent a text off to them explaining that I probably wasn't joining them for dinner, which they would definitely fuss about, but I was finally seeing Justin, so that would soften the blow.

Justin and I loved to go to the retro diner nearby my house, as they served the best milkshakes and comfort food. He always had a burger while I had some fish and chips, as I didn't eat red meat. My parents had introduced the diner to us as Justin often stayed at our house when his parents were particularly busy with their airline jobs. Over the years, it became our 'usual' place.

I decided to put some light makeup on, with natural eyeshadow, mascara and coloured lip balm. Since it wasn't a fancy place, I dressed down a little, opting for high waisted jeans with a long sleeved sweater, along with simple jewellery. I could pull out my other autumn outfits later on, when Toronto's temperature dropped even further.

I pulled up to the familiar parking lot nearly by muscle memory and reached the diner before Justin did. The servers guided me to a red booth, and I decided to call for some chips as a starter while waiting. Glancing out of the diner, with the soft background chatter and cars in a distance driving by, I finally caught my breath and relaxed.

A familiar tall frame appeared at the entrance a few minutes later. My feet seemed to react before I fully processed that I was running towards him -- he was barely through the door when I attacked Justin with a lung-crushing hug. He chuckled and squeezed me back before we returned to our seats.

"Hey, Sunshine," he greeted.

"I have so much to ask and to tell you," I gushed.

He held up a hand, with a signature smirk on his lips. "But first, food."

We waved a server down and her eyes widened at the sight of us. "Are you guys--"

"A classic burger and some fish n chips please," Justin interrupted.

"As well as a strawberry marshmallow and a vanilla milkshake, thank you," I added quickly.

She pulled herself together and nodded. "Coming right up."

We watched her walk away and Justin released a breath. "Sorry, I just can't deal with that right now."

I empathised with him. "That's fair. I brought my vlogging camera, but wasn't sure if you'd just want to be away from cameras for a bit, so I haven't turned it on."

He offered me a small smile. "Thanks. We could film when the food is here?"

"Alright," I told him. "So, how's the tour prep coming along?"