The Mystic Grill's outdoor patio buzzed with conversation, the clatter of silverware, the low hum of music filtering out from inside.
Bonnie's voice drifted through the crowd before I even reached the table.
"Well, I was talking to Grams, and she said the comet is a sign of impending doom."
Caroline scoffed, swirling the straw in her lemonade. "Yeah, and then you poured Grams another shot, and she told you about the aliens."
I pulled out a chair and slid into it. "Be nice, Care."
Bonnie shot me a grateful look before turning back to Elena, who was folding flyers with the kind of intensity that made me think they were the only thing keeping her together.
"So then what?" Caroline pressed.
"So then nothing*,*" Elena said, voice tight.
Caroline narrowed her eyes. "You and Stefan talked all night, and there was no sloppy first kiss? No, anything?"
Elena shook her head. "Nope. We didn't go there."
Caroline groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "Not even a handshake? Elena, we are your friends! You're supposed to share the smut!"
I smirked, sipping my drink. "Maybe he's waiting for you to make the first move."
Elena hesitated. "Maybe. We talked for hours."
Caroline leaned back, exasperated. "Okay, what is with the blockage? Just jump his bones already! It's easy. Boy likes girl, girl likes boy—sex!"
"Profound," Elena deadpanned.
I chuckled, but the moment was cut short when Elena suddenly stood, grabbing her bag.
"Elena?" Bonnie frowned. "Where are you going?"
Caroline's words seemed to settle something in her. "Caroline's right. It is easy." She exhaled. "If I sit here long enough, I'll talk myself out of it."
