Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 33 (Edited)

I inspected myself in the mirror, turning slightly to admire my reflection. I had to admit, I looked cute in my outfit: a short, cream-colored, straight-lined dress paired with long black boots and a beige coat. It felt effortlessly classy, perfect for a casual meet-up. Sweet and casual—that was what I was going for.

My makeup was simple but flawless, except for the stubborn bags under my eyes that even the best concealer couldn't fully hide. Still, I pushed those thoughts aside, donned my sunglasses over my contacts, grabbed my bag, and headed out the door.

As I descended the staircase, I checked my phone to see if Cam had texted again. He'd asked me to meet him downstairs in ten minutes, but since I'd woken up late, I was running behind. Typical me. I couldn't help but feel a little taken aback that Cam had chosen today—a lazy Sunday, of all days—for "his date." The same date he'd been teasing me about for weeks, the one he practically blackmailed me into agreeing to.

I reached the bottom of the stairs in a hurry and collided with someone.

"Uh, careful," Mrs. Avilla said, gently steadying me.

I pushed my sunglasses onto my head and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Mrs. Avilla."

"It's okay, dear. You look lovely today," she said with a warm smile. "Are you headed somewhere special?"

It felt strange to admit to my ex-boyfriend's mother that I was going out with her nephew. Odd, even, to be hanging out with Cam, given the circumstances. But I reminded myself that this was just a casual outing. It wasn't a date—not for me, at least.

"Thank you. Yes, I'm just heading out for a bit, but I'll be back for dinner," I replied.

"Well, have fun," she said kindly before continuing up the stairs.

I put my sunglasses back on and stepped outside. Cam's car was parked right in front of the mansion, and he was leaning against it, looking effortlessly cool in jeans and an oversized hoodie. His sunglasses mirrored my own casual vibe, confirming that he didn't see this as a real date either.

Though it was autumn, the weather was still mild and humid, with a gentle warmth in the air that felt like a soft embrace.

Cam looked up from his phone and grinned as he saw me approach. "Finally! I was starting to worry you wouldn't show."

I couldn't help but return his smile; it was just as infectious as his cousin's. "I ran into your aunt on the way down. Let's go before we bump into anyone else."

"Your wish is my command," Cam said playfully, saluting me before walking around the car to open the passenger door.

I thanked him and slid into the seat, fastening my seatbelt. "So, where are we going?"

Cam shot me a sidelong glance as he pulled onto the highway. "It's a secret."

I nodded, settling back into my seat and gazing out the window. For once, it felt nice to be on the receiving end of a surprise, to let someone else take the lead. At least today, I didn't have to carry the weight of secrets. Not my secrets, anyway.

Cam eventually pulled into a parking lot in the middle of nowhere. I stepped out of the car, pushing my sunglasses onto my head, and looked around. We were definitely far from Lakewood, in a lot that seemed isolated except for a few cars scattered around. Across from us stood an old-fashioned diner, and beyond that, a dense forest. High above, the mountains loomed, their peaks dusted with snow, creating a picture of eerie, desolate beauty.

Cam motioned for me to follow him, and we walked up to the diner. The moment we stepped inside, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. The place had a retro vibe—black-and-white checkered tiles, red booths with white tables, and walls adorned with vinyl records and posters of bands like The Beatles. It was the kind of place that felt frozen in time, like a snapshot from a different era.