Catch me when I fall (Rúben Dias)

Chapter 39

"So, where are we going?", I ask my parents while we make our way to the car.

"This new restaurant that everyone has been talking about. We were lucky they had a cancellation so we could get a table", says my mum.

"Nice".

When we get there, I'm a bit surprised by the restaurant choice. It's one of those modern ones with very extra decorations. Not really a place where my parents usually go.

"Should we have a cocktail while they get our table ready?"

"Dad, Rúben doesn't drink", I say.

"It's ok, you can have one. I'll just order water", says Rúben, squeezing my hand.

"I'll have water too".

He has noticed how nervous I am about this dinner. Of course, he has. But it's also probably obvious to everyone how hard I'm trying to make this day go well. It's not as if my parents have done anything wrong or made Rúben feel like he isn't welcome but I can't stop thinking about how they never liked Abel. What if they didn't like him not because he was bad to me but because they'll hate all of my boyfriends?

"No, you won't have water", Rúben whispers in my ear when we are following my parents to the bar. "Have whatever you really want, please".

"I don't want you to feel left out".

"But I don't feel like that at all", he says, smiling at me and kissing my cheek.

"Ok, water for you, Rúben. What about you Grace?", asks my dad, handing me the cocktail menu.

"I'll have a gin pink".

"What does that have?", asks my mum looking at the menu I'm holding. "Oh, I'll have one too".

We have our drinks while chatting and I'm trying really hard not to smile too big every time my parents and Rúben have a normal interaction. Things are going well. And the gin is making me relax too. Thank God I didn't just order water.

After a little wait, we're told our table is ready, so we move there. My mum and I walking behind my dad and Rúben, who are busy debating about cars. Seeing them laugh together is my new favourite thing.

"It's going well, darling", says my mum, giving me a side hug.

"I know".

**

"I need to use the bathroom. I won't be long", I say when we are done eating. I have been wanting to go for a while, but I was making sure everything was going smoothly before leaving. And it was. It is. I'm so happy it is going so well.

"Did you come here to gloat?"

The familiar voice makes me turn to find myself face-to-face with Abel.

"What are you doing here?"

"Me? I'm working here, Gracie. Do you know that thing adults do to earn money? You might have seen it in movies or something?"

"Whatever", I say, trying to leave.

"Out of all the restaurants in London you had to bring your sugar daddy here, huh".

"What did you call him?"

"I guess I should at least congratulate you for the upgrade. I didn't think you'd have it in you to try and get a rich guy to date you. Did he get you that bag? And he'll pay for dinner too. It's not cheap here".

I get closer to him until our faces are almost touching. "Yes, I upgraded. But not because of Rúben's money, because he's not an abusive asshole like you. And where my clothes come from is none of your business".

I take some deep breaths before leaving the bathroom. I don't want to ruin everyone's night just because mine has been ruined by Abel.

"You ok? That took long", asks my mum when I sit at our table.

"Yeah, it was a bit busy. Do we want dessert?"

"Your dad was talking to one of the waiters about dessert earlier. What was it he recommended?"

"I can't remember", says my dad with a shrug.

"Well, can you remember who told you? We could ask him again".

"That one over there", answers my dad pointing at a waiter.

"How about you go ask him again while I go to the bathroom", she says, as an order more than a suggestion, which makes me smile.

"So the ordering me around habit is a family thing?", asks Rúben, chuckling and leaning down to kiss my neck.

"Maybe...".

We are about to kiss when someone bumps into my chair, making me hit the table with my legs and stomach. The impact makes the glasses on the table fall and spills the drinks everywhere. I try to get up quickly before my dress is ruined by the wine and food.

I don't even need to turn around to know who did this.