Caramel || Leonardo DiCaprio

Chapter 3: Central Park

Originally Published: October 17, 2022

LEO'S POV:

"Remind me again why we're here," Tobey said to me as we hung out in Central Park. "The guys were going out for pizza and drinks. I was really hungry."

"We can pick up a hotdog from a cart or something," I responded, gazing past the leaves that were just beginning to turn bright yellow.

"How's your hangover holding up?"

"It still feels terrible, but I don't want to go back to the hotel yet."

"We've seen Central Park like a hundred times. Remember when we all got drunk and ran though here yelling U.S.A.," Tobey asked me, but my head throbbed from the memory.

"I'd rather not think about being drunk right now," I winced, us following a different trail before finding the more open area part. My heart pounded when I caught sight of them, sitting on a bench as they chatted. Both of their blonde hair was blowing in the strengthening breeze, and I took a deep breath before casually strolling over. "Hi," I greeted, licking my lips nervously as I kept my dark shades on.

"Hi. What are you doing here, Leo," Nena asked me, seeming to be in shock.

"Tobey and I just happened to be passing through, and I remembered you were coming here," I lied, since everything about this was intentional.

"Do you want to have a seat," she kindly offered, scooting over.

"Thanks," I gratefully smiled at her, Tobey able to squeeze on my other side.

"Have you eaten yet?"

"No, but I'm not sure if anything sounds good," I lowly chuckled.

"Oh. Well, Ellen and I were just about to go eat. I hate to leave you so soon after you found us."

"We could go with you, if that's okay," I added, chewing on my bottom lip as she smiled sweetly.

"Yeah, we were going to our favorite Italian place. They make the best fettuccini alfredo pasta in the world," she blushed, looking away as she studied her hands. "Sorry, I have such a soft spot for any food that has to do with pasta."

"Pasta's my favorite food," I excitedly shared, not knowing why I was getting so hyped up.

"Oh yeah, I remember reading that about you somewhere. We better leave now. They tend to get busy in the next hour."

We all stood before trekking across the lawn to find the busy, exhaust filled streets. I rubbed my nose as we stayed quiet during our journey, eventually stopping at the fairly fancy restaurant. Thankfully we were seated quickly, and I was already scanning my menu.

"I'm getting my usual," Nena decided, pressing her arms against her side as she smiled.

"I think I'm going to get the cheese ravioli but with the alfredo sauce over it," Ellen shared.

"I'm going to get what you're getting," I said to Nena, who was seated across from me. "And I'm getting a side of avocado too."

"Oh, I didn't think of that. I think I'll add that to my order too," she commented.

I liked how smooth and soft her voice was, forcing myself to stop staring when our waitress came over.

"So, where are all your other friends," Ellen wondered as I sipped on my water after taking a couple pills for my hangover.

"They went out for drinks and pizza, but I want to stay away from the drinks for awhile," I admitted, forcing a small smile.

"How long are you going to be in New York? Don't you live in Los Angeles?"