Until We Meet Again

7.

As I'm about to take my first bite of the strawberry tart that my dad made, my phone vibrates in my pocket.

@nicknelsunshine : hi charlie :)

My eyes widen as soon as I see the notification and i put my phone face down on my chair between my thighs.

My boyfriend is sitting in front of me at lunch, way too busy trying to get closer with my dad to notice that ive been checking for a notification more than usual.

Even though our conversations are completely platonic, James would lose it if he ever saw I got a text from Nick. Or if he noticed that I was waiting for one.

And he'd lose it if he knew I replied to him two nights ago.

I know him enough to know he'd be so jealous. You just have to remember his reaction to me meeting him at the pub.

I don't want to hide things from him, but in this particular situation, I have to. I don't want to go through another argument with my boyfriend.

I don't think i'm strong enough to, anyway.

I clear my throat and take another bite of the tart, humming before looking at my dad.

"God, this is my favourite thing." i say with a mouthful and Tori gives me a look as we all hear my phone vibrate a second time.

I'm not usually as loud when sitting around a table. Eating has always been something difficult for me to do, even more while in public, so I try to be as discreet as I possibly can.

Me throwing around that comment about the dessert has certainly made Tori wonder what is going on, but her gaze goes back down on her own plate. She knows better than to ask questions.

At least I hope so.

While my father talks to James about something football related, I check my phone, and as I expected, Nick Nelson has texted me again.

@nicknelsunshine : it's sunday so im assuming you're with your parents? or james' ? i'm not...

In order to read the entire message, I'd have to unlock my phone. And my mom would make a comment about how disrespectful it is to be on my phone while with family.

I put my phone back down and give my brother a smile.

Oliver is giving me weird looks, like he knows what's up.

Nothing is up. My life is boring.

"I thought your favourite thing was paella?" he tells me with an eyebrow raised, a little bit of whipped cream on the side of his mouth.

I roll my eyes at him and take another bite of a strawberry. He can be a little annoying sometimes.

He's grown up so much, too. His jaw has sharpened, and he's started to bring girls home.

Oh how I miss the seven year old boy I could carry around and tickle as much as I could.

"My favourite thing is anything dad makes." I say and i see my brother reach for another piece of that heavenly tart.

I will never get over how much this kid eats.

"That makes sense." he says before focusing back on his piece of cake and eating it.

From the corner of my eye, I see Tori roll her eyes at Oliver.

They love acting like they hate each other, but I know for a fact Tori would be nothing without him.

He keeps us all together.

"What about my meals, mhm?" My mom adds, not really asking anyone in particular.