was it ever real?

06. web of lies

as if he was called on queue, vincent cole hacker walked into the living room rubbing his closed eyes. he didn't seem to notice dad but dad saw him.

why was he still here?

he stopped walking from the hallway and sighed, "i woke up late from being up all night." yawning and continuing to rub his eyes.

dad slowly turned his head in shock as vinnie walked further into the living room about to pass me. his eyes were stern and widened and his mouth was slightly left open.

what the hell do i do now?

even my eyes widened.

although he didn't verbally react, i knew exactly what he wanted to say. out of all times, why in the hell couldn't vinnie have left his room earlier or even later?

why now?

i was stuck in my sticky web of lies.

a hickey, a watch, his glasses, his blunts, and him walking out of his room. how could i piece it together without making dad worry?

is it too late to come through and just say, "hey dad? after a misconception, i have to live as a roommate with my ex-bestie vincent. did i forget to tell you?" and try to laugh it off.

dad's lips were fixated on saying something but he couldn't get anything out. so instead of letting him say what he wanted to,

by reaction...i reacted.

i lifted myself and let my hands rest on vinnie's shoulders. my lips pressed onto his warm cheek and i half-smiled "morning...babe" with the babe dragged out.

vinnie's eyes widened and he looked taken back for a second. "jen-" he started, but before he could say anything stupid i interrupted him. "dad, you remember vincent, right?" i pat vinnie on the back, hoping he was comprehending.

after vinnie realized everything and noticed dad, he began to piece it together.

dad's eyes were still widened "...is that the vincent i used to always hear about?" he quickly closed his barely open mouth and smiled.

vinnie allowed his eyes to flutter a few times before fixing his groggy appearance, and smiling at dad. "hi mr. scott!" he hugged dad. while dad's back faced me, vinnie glared at me before quickly fixing his face when they separated from the hug.

"it's so great to see you son! i'm guessing you and jenae are finally a thing now?"

"uhh-"

"yes," i responded for him.

"well, that's just amazing!" dad couldn't contain his excitement. "that means the both of you can come to the cookout and my birthday party! i'm sure the family would look to meet you, vincent."

did i just dig myself into a deeper hole?

"i dunno about that..." i sounded unsure, glancing at vinnie.

"4-5 days is all i'm asking for." dad pouted.

"this is...a lot. let's just go to lunch and leave this conver-"

"-why not invite vincent to lunch?" he interrupted letting his eyes light up, glimpsing at vinnie so cheerfully.

"i actually gotta finish a few client commissions...but i would've loved to."

i clapped my hands together, ready to put an end to this very uncomfortable conversation. "welp, that's right dad. so just wait here patiently instead of running his ears off, and wait for me to get ready. drink your tea too, it's probably getting cold."

"nice seein' you son, and i look forward to seein' you next friday!" dad's eyes crinkled at the ends while he smiled, sitting back on the couch and letting vinnie walk into the kitchen.

"you too," vinnie walked back into his room, with nano escorting him.

─ ⋆✩⋆ ─

sulking, i lift my shot, bottoms up, and let the shot burn my stomach. all day—even during lunch with my dad—i couldn't stop my stomach from turning. it wasn't too late to say something at the time, but the way he smiled ear to ear and boasted on and on about why he thought vinnie and i were so perfect together, made me feel so guilty.

"jen, snap out of it babes." amorah snaps in my face, making me look over from my shoulder. i almost forgot we were at the lounge.

amorah's boyfriend, len chuckles, "maybe you had enough to drink..." with his arm wrapping around amorahs shoulder as they sat on the bar stools.

continuing to look in front of me, i shake my head.

"you sure?" milo asks, looking concerned. all of their eyes were on me, including milo's boyfriend, marshall who looked just as concerned.

gosh, i hate all of this attention.

i'm the only one in the friend group without a partner. the four of them were in love meanwhile i'm over here ruining relationships. i didn't tell them about chris and don't plan on it. even if amorah's been my best friend for 4 years and milo for 2, i don't want to talk about it.

"well don't be too sad 'cause you've got that roommate to keep you company." milo playfully winks, biting on his straw.

"huh," i cough on my margarita that got stuck in my throat. the four of them laugh until amorah and len at the same time ask, "what roommate?"

"you don't know?" milo lifts his brow.

"long story," i huff, looking back at the bartender's area.

"i have time," she smiles, lifting her glass a bit.

"he's got so many tattoos all over his body," milo continues, entertaining the 3.

i mute the conversation out of my head and focus on a couple few tables away. they're both too cute, laughing at each other and seeming truly in love.

playfully teasing, smiling, and seeming so interested in each other.

in all of my life, i haven't had too many relationships. after college, i dated two guys and both relationships lasted less than 9 months. that's why i understand why dad seems so excited about this morning.

maybe he's rooting for me, and trying to give me hope for love. so maybe i shouldn't give up. maybe i should ask vinnie about it tonight.

about helping me with my dad

suddenly, the couple step out of their seats, and the male crouches on one knee. the restaurant is silent and the waiters are surrounding them, with the customers helping them and cheering him on. "will you marry me jennifer?" he smiles at her.

she nods, wrapping her arms around him with tears in her eyes and they hug. "ah, that better be coming soon for me." amorah sighs, taking a sip from her drink, and shaking her head in jealousy.

the waitresses bring out two cupcakes and a largely decorated drink for the couple, sitting it on the table. "that's the part i'm looking forward to." milo snickers, watching the waiter place their desserts down.

"yea, me too." i sigh, still sipping on my margarita while putting my eyes on someone other than the couple that filled me with envy.