Mafia by Blood (wlw)

7 - Tell me about Charlotte

"Are you really going out with Noelle? Today?" Marley asked, her excitement barely contained. It was finally lunchtime, and the two friends sat at their usual small table in the cafeteria, a routine they had made since Mac started at this school.

"Well, uhm, yes" Mac blushed at the thought of just them eating together somewhere, almost like a date. Mac knew she declined the last time she asked, but now she couldn't stop herself.

"Hey girls, is someone sitting here?" Jackson's voice cut through our conversation. He stood holding a tray of cafeteria food.

"N-no, just sit," Marley stuttered, suddenly blushing. Mac had figured out that Jackson was very popular at school, and a lot of girls were crushing on him.

"Hey Jackson, what's up?" Mac smiled kindly at him. They hadn't talked much at school, just smiled at each other in passing. He sat down on the last free chair and placed the tray of food in front of him. Mac glanced briefly at Marley, who was busy glaring at Jackson. Mac smirked a little to herself.

"Nothing special, just thought I'd have lunch with you guys," he smiled back. "Are you working later, or are you free?" 

"I'm off today. What about you?" Mac asked, glancing at Marley, who had her face resting in her palm.

"Same. Want to hang out later? Go eat or something?" he asked, straightening up a little in his chair.

"I already have plans tonight. Another time," Mac said, taking another bite of my food.

"Ah, I see. Who is the lucky one who gets to enjoy your presence?" he flirted. Mac giggled at the comment.

"Eh, Noelle" Mac blushed, only at the thought of her. Her shining, piercing emerald eyes, her perfect, athletic body, her whole aura in general.

"Laurent? Oh wow... She didn't force you, did she?" he asked, almost a little annoyed. Mac smiled and shook her head.

Mac stood in front of her wardrobe, nervously fingering through her limited selection of clothes. Tonight was important—her first real date with Noelle. She finally settled on a gold, glittery, tight v-neck dress that stopped just above her knees. Adding a few rings and a piece of jewelry, she slipped on her bright high heels, hoping she wasn't overdressed. But knowing Noelle, she had probably picked an elegant restaurant with a dress code.

"Wow, Noelle," Mac breathed as they entered the restaurant. It was way more elegant than Olivia. The restaurant boasted large, mullioned windows with long, embroidered curtains. The dim lighting created a mysterious atmosphere, enhanced by the delicate strains of live piano music. It wasn't crowded; only a few tables were occupied.

A blonde waitress approached them after they found their table, smiling. "Good evening, my name is Camille and I am your waitress tonight. Here are two menus, and I'll be back in a bit. Do you know what you want to drink?"

"A bottle of the finest red wine you have," Noelle replied, handing one menu to Mac. "I already know what I want to eat, and I think I know something you'd like, Mac."

Mac nodded, trusting Noelle's judgment. Camille nodded back and disappeared into the kitchen, returning shortly with a bottle of red wine so fancy Mac couldn't pronounce its name.

"You look beautiful," Noelle said warmly, taking a sip of the wine. Blood rushed to Mac's cheeks, and she found it difficult to maintain eye contact.

"Thank you," Mac managed to say, smiling shyly. "You're not too bad yourself." She grinned, biting her bottom lip as she admired Noelle's black, tight-fitting dress, which highlighted her perfect body and showed just enough cleavage.