Always

5.

A waiter came and got our orders. Now we were just waiting. Conrad was on his phone while my brothers and I were talking.

"How that work going?"

"Better. It's better."

"That's good. I've heard Micah has a big project coming up over there."

"He does? We haven't been told."

I shrugged. Why would he tell them?

"How has school been Muffin?"

"It's fine. Tests and homework keep me busy most the time."

"And guys keep you busy when you have free time?"

Ren retorted.

"Soren."

Javan warned him. I just shrugged.

"I mean it's not like he's wrong. I have friends, some of them are guys."

I gestured to Conrad.

"But I'm only seeing one guy right now. I'm not a slut or whore who just wants the male attention."

"Victoria."

Now Javan was warning me. Conrad's head looked up at me confused.

"Who called you a slut and whore? I swear-"

"Conrad. Calm down. I can handle myself. Thank you for your concern though."

"Victoria I'm serious. Has someone been bothering you? I will not think twice this time ar-"

"Conrad. Let's go talk, okay?"

I stood up and walked to the door. Conrad followed me.

"I'll be right back."

I told me brothers. Conrad was waiting for me right outside the door. I hit the side of his head.

"You said you'd behave. And no one has been calling me anything. Mer and I joke about it sometimes."

"Sorry...I'll go home if you want me to."

"No. Connie I didn't say that. Look at me. Stop being so sad."

I put my hands on his face to force him to look at me.

"Just take a deep breath and calm down."

"Are you actually still seeing Rael?"

"What? No. No. I'm not seeing anyone. Rhys and I are hookup buddies, but that's it. There's nothing more than a casual friendship and occasional hookups."

Conrad pulled my hands from his face and pulled me into a hug. His head rested on my shoulder. I hugged him back.

"We'll talk some more after dinner Connie."

"Alright."

He mumbled in my neck. I pulled away from the hug and let Conrad open the door for me. We sat back down like nothing happened.