Burned

SIX

I SHOULDN'T BE UPSET, but I am.

Angie and I walked into the dinner and within seconds, as my eyes scan the restaurant, I see Nolan. Sitting there, deliciously, in his tight fitted tactical station shirt. His muscles look huge in his shirt, his hair looks disheveled. I wonder if he had a long day.

Why do I care?

A loud laugh captures my attention away from Nolan, the laugh coming from the woman sitting in front of him. It kills me that I even have to admit that I'm disappointed he's here with a woman. A pang in my chest makes me wince, jealousy?

I shake my head and follow Angie to one of the booths. I make sure to sit in the booth, so my back is facing Nolan, not allowing myself the opportunity to stare at him. My eyes scan over the menu as a waitress walks up.

"Hey Angie." The waitress smiles at Angie and then at me. "Thanks again for saving my pup."

"Hey Jewels. She feeling better?"

"Back to normal, the usual crackhead mode." She laughs and shakes her head. "What can I get started for you?"

We put our orders in and Jewels is quick to the kitchen. Angie's brown eyes scans the room, an excited look of realization appears on her face.

"Ember!" She excitedly pats at my hands.

"No Angie, I saw him, he's clearly on a date." I sternly whisper. Panic sets in when she continues to stare. "Angie!" I whisper yell. She rolls her eyes before leaning against the window. Her left hand on her forehead as she makes a face of distaste.

"Of course, Alice." She scoffs. Jewels dropped off two waters quickly before heading to the other tables. Angie grabs a straw and rips the paper while quickly shoving the straw in the beverage. "God, I really hate that woman. She lives off being cruel. She's the kind of girl that'll be nice to you but once she gets what she wants." Angie shakes her head angrily.

We make small talk as we wait for our food. The diner is small but I can understand the hype about it. It's nice, soft tunes play in the background along with the laughs of customers. The smell of baked goods makes my mouth water.

"Here you go, you lovely ladies." The plates clink on the table as they slide in front of us. The delicious smell of my burger makes me inwardly moan. I quickly take a large bite, my taste buds explode at the delicious food.

"Incoming." Angie nonchalantly coughs as she leans to sip her water. A soft voice clears their throat and I wipe my face with the napkin. I look up and my heart drops to my stomach.

Alice Parks is fucking stunning.

Her blonde hair is styled perfectly, she reminds me of a southern belle.

She looks down at my food and then back at me, hazel eyes pierce into mine, she scoffs before rolling her eyes and facing Angie.

"Angie."

"Alice."

"Who are you?" Alice's voice directs towards me.

"Emberly, nice to meet you." I smile while putting my hand out. She scoffs before readjusting her purse on her arm, completely disregarding my gesture.

"So you're the one who made Nolan so busy today." She rolls her eyes.

"Yeah it was a busy morning, accidents happen though." I fake a smile, the guilt from the fire earlier hasn't entirely gone away.

"Well he shouldn't be working that hard. Daddy needed him today and he completely disregarded him." She scoffs again. "Daddy is the mayor, that's completely unacceptable, maybe learn to take care of yourself instead of wasting everyone's fucking time." She flicks her blonde hair over her shoulder before raising one of her eyebrows as she judges me.