Project GoldCrest ✓

Chapter 30

Charlotte

I looked at Cole to find his left eyebrow raised. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked and had the urge to cross my arms before realising that I was carrying the picnic basket.

"Why's he here?" Cole insisted.

I resisted the urge to not answer him and just walk away. The date was going well before this. Mickey and his dad just had to show up, and Cole just had to start acting like this. Wonderful.

"I don't know why he's here. Let's just greet them and go inside. Peacefully, okay?" It felt like I was reasoning with a child.

He nodded reluctantly and we started walking over to them.

The second we got there, their voices suddenly kept quiet. Strange. What were they talking about?

"Hey Dad. Hello Mr McCartney. Hi Michael. How are you all?" I greeted, playing the part of the good daughter. Just like how my mom taught me.

They then answered me. "Who's the young man you're with, dear?" Mickey's dad asked.

"I'm so sorry. This is Cole. My uh... friend from school. You may have seen him before at the soccer matches. He's one of the strikers in Michael's team. We just came from... a stroll and he was about to assist me with something." I explained while trying to keep a straight face and not look at Cole.

Mickey suddenly smirked. What the heck amuses you about this?

"Well then, let's not hold you. In fact, maybe Mike here can help you as well." Then he turned to his son. "Don't you want to help the young lady and your soccer mate?"

Mickey's smile didn't drop from his face. Instead he nodded and said something about joining us later. Dad gave me a look that said, we'll talk about this later. After that, I practically forced Cole inside with me.

I thankfully didn't encounter my mother on my way to my bedroom. I left the door open just so that her imagination wouldn't run wild. Cole plopped down on the foot of my bed and I dragged the chair from my desk.

"It's the first time I've been here. I had no idea you liked white and purple walls," he started. Probably trying to lighten the mood.

And it worked a little. At least, I smiled a little before realizing that we didn't know a lot of small details about each other. "You never asked. The lavender was my choice. I wanted deep plum but my mom said it was best not to be too bold."

"It does seem pretty grown up-ish."

"Yeah," I agreed. Almost the whole house was like this.

"So um... weird seeing Mickey and his dad here. Is that often?"

"Not really. It used to happen quite a lot back in the day. That is, during childhood. "

"Are your parents trying to pair you together?"

At this, I found myself chuckling. That would never happen. Even if our parents wanted it. Whatever happened, almost happened, with Mickey was over now. "God, I hope not."

Cole started laughing as well. "Yeah. For both our sakes, I hope not."

He then let his eyes roam around the room taking it in. I'd left it looking clean and tidy, like how I was taught. I appreciated some of the things mom taught me, but not all of them. Her controlling side came out when she wanted things her way.

I watched as Cole's eyes took in my well made bed, the clean nightstands, the dustless grey tiles, white headboard and the photos hung up. The only untidy thing that was out of place, was my backpack on top of my desk. The Red Book peeked a little from it.