Harper

PROMISE

Harper's pov:

I heard minuscule gasps reverberating all around the restaurant, and as I glanced around, I noticed girls shooting disdainful glares in my direction once again. "What on earth did I do this time?" I pondered silently. The waiter approached our table, his voice trembling slightly as he handed us a table number - No. 1. As I took the slip, I noticed there was some small writing on it, but I couldn't quite make it out.

We made our way to our designated table, and with each step, I could feel the weight of various emotions from the onlookers - envy, lust, jealousy, and even hatred. The table itself was adorned with black lights, setting it apart from the others in a striking manner. It exuded an undeniable beauty that captured my attention.

As I settled into the chair, its plushness felt like resting on billowy clouds. I savored the sensation, unconsciously rubbing my backside against the chair. Lost in this moment of comfort, I failed to notice Dylan gazing at me with an expression filled with adoration and affection. His intense gaze felt somewhat peculiar, yet I couldn't deny the warmth it brought to my heart.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I inquired, genuinely perplexed by his unwavering stare.

Dylan chuckled softly, causing a slight cringe to ripple through me. "You remind me of someone special," he replied with a smile that hinted at fond memories.

like someone I know," he said, smiling as he remembered that special person. I won't lie; I felt a twinge of jealousy, as he seemed to be filled with so much love and warmth just by thinking about that person.

"Who, your girlfriend?" I asked, smiling sadly, as I couldn't help but feel a bit envious.

He shook his head. "Hell no! I'm gay," he said, which made me raise an eyebrow. "Alright," I thought, relieved that it wasn't a girl.

As we perused the menu, I noticed Dylan's eyes light up at the sight of a full turkey with gravy sauce and other ingredients I was unfamiliar with. I assumed it was for both of us, but Dylan clarified that it was his order. He then told me to order my own meal.

Feeling a bit bewildered, I looked at Dylan and said, "I would like a Santa Fe grilled chicken salad and Baby back ribs with some sauces." The waiter was amazed by our orders, but we were simply excited to try something new.

I didn't want to overindulge, but my hunger got the best of me. As soon as our food arrived, I eagerly dug in. Just as I was about to savor my first bite, I received a text message from an unknown number. It read, "Harper,it's Hades, where are you?!." I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

I quickly typed back, "Me: Hey brother, I am in a cool restaurant and the name's Riley," hoping to reassure him that I was safe. Almost immediately, another message came through, "Fratello: Get your ass back home Harper." The use of a profanity made it clear that this wasn't Hades. It could only be Hardin or Hansel, two of my other brothers.

Feeling a surge of irritation, I responded, "Me: Relax I'm coming home,as soon as I retrieve Henry". "Fratello: who the fuck is Henry?" My frustration peaked. They didn't even know the name of my son. In a fit of annoyance, I decided to block him.

Finally able to focus on my meal, I managed to eat only half of my salad before engaging in small talk with Dylan.

"Where are we going to find your son?" he asked, excitement evident in his voice. I chuckled, savoring the moment. "We're actually going to get him today," I replied with a gleam in my eyes.

"Alright, then we should start moving," he said, wiping his mouth in anticipation. I nodded, taking one last bite of the succulent rib before putting it in my mouth. With a satisfied smile, I took his hand, guiding him out of the bustling restaurant.