Still Alive - Adam Stanheight

Chapter 8

TW: Mention of Ab*se 

Before Adam and Brielle can start working on their plan, they have to attend dinner with Adam's mother. As much as Adam is dreading this, he also hopes to work things out with his mother again, so their relationship can be as strong as it used to be. It was also relieving that Brielle was coming with him. The two had gotten really close and he trusted her enough to stay by his side no matter what happens at this point.

Adam is dressed up by the time Brielle is home from work. He is wearing a fancy black blazer with a smart T-shirt underneath and jeans. His hair is neatly combed in place, for once.

"Oh shit, you look great," Brielle comments, trying her best to not stare at his attractive complexion and appearance for too long.

"Me? This is casual for the restaurant we're about to go to," Adam chuckles a little. "Mom's gone all out for some reason. I bet her asshole husband gave her millions to hide the fact that he doesn't even love her."

Brielle makes her way over to her closet. "Oh God, we better mentally prepare ourselves." She fumbles through her clothes and then places her choice on a certain dress. "I'm gonna wear the poshest dress I have."

Ten minutes later, Brielle exits the bathroom in a long, navy dress with thin straps, and a slit for her leg, loosening the tightness of the dress. It fits her frail figure perfectly. Her hair is in a neat up-do and her makeup is light and natural.

Adam isn't aware of how hard he's blushing until it's too late. His stomach whirls with butterflies rather than pain. "Fuck, you look beautiful," he blurts out.

Brielle laughs at his reaction. "You're so red, man. Is it too much or?"

Adam frantically shakes his head. "No, no, no it's not about that. I genuinely think you look stunning." He smiles shyly at her, hoping to God that he isn't blushing as hard anymore. His heart won't stop thumping in his chest.

"You're not so bad yourself, handsome," Brielle teases back, not lying to him either. In her eyes, Adam always manages to look good no matter what.

She takes his hand as they prepare to leave, tension noticeable between them in the best possible way. Brielle then takes a deep breath, hoping that feeling somewhat romantic towards him doesn't ruin what they've already developed. He doesn't need that in his life now.

"So, do you know where this place is?"

Adam nods. "It shouldn't be far from here."

As the two walk to the restaurant, their hands collide many times after they've let go. They share many laughs on the route, playfully shoving each other as they walk. It doesn't distract them both enough from how they are starting to feel towards one another.

Once they reach the restaurant, Adam reasonably becomes a little nervous before heading inside. "Not gonna lie, I'm not exactly sure about this. My Mom isn't the predictable type."

Brielle squeezes his hand tight. "I'm right behind you. Anything shitty happens, we go home."

Adam nods in approval as they both head in. There seems to be no sign of her yet. That's not unusual.

Adam and Brielle make their way over to the waitress to tell her their table. "Hey, we're booked under-"

"Adam! Is that you!"

Adam is cut off by a familiar voice behind him. The two turn around there is Adam's mother, making a whole scene at the entrance. She's a little different from when Adam saw her last. Her brunette hair contains golden highlights, and her face is lifted. She's definitely had plastic surgery in more places than one.