Deal Breakers

Day 16

Tonight was Lizzie and Charlie's game night, but I'd be missing it. Our special surprise was a fully catered dinner inside the Arena that had been used for trivia.

We were allowed to invite 2 people; I opted for Lizzie and Charlie- but Peter invited Chase and Samantha. Honestly, I found it shocking. Peter had grown to like Charlie a lot, plus he and Chase haven't been on great terms. I think maybe even he doesn't want all this tension with his brother, they were so close before their mom passed.

Half the arena was pitch dark, no clue still what was in the vast darkness. It had to be about 5,000 square feet and I wondered was this built for the show or already here? The floors had the shine of a basketball court, but the walls had no seats for an audience. It was just a huge empty space, that changed depending on what was needed. Weeks ago a huge stage was in the middle for trivia; that's vanished and now a large table was in the middle with lots of string lights on the walls, twinkling behind us.

A large round table was in the middle of the lit area, white linen tablecloths and freshly shined silverware. Four chairs surrounded it, each chair has a white cover thrown over it like you'd see at weddings. It wasn't elegant, but could be seen as romantic if not for the circumstances.

"You're a bit early," Ellen told us, as she placed a pink flower arrangement on the table.

"Sorry," I said sheepishly. I didn't have make up, on or even a fancy dress to wear. The nicest thing I'd packed was a pink summer dress for the plane ride home. So instead I used it for dinner.

"Have a seat," she pulled out a chair. "Where is your other half?" Ellen's hair was in a tight ponytail, her dark hair slicked back. She was wearing her usual army green t-shirt with jeans.

"He should be here any minute," I sat down. "I was ready before everyone I guess."

Ellen took a seat across from me. "Better to be early than late, my mom would say."

I didn't know much about her, except that she recently graduated UCLA, which I learned from a conversation with Todd a few days ago.

"She sounds smart."

"She is."

Ellen's brown eyes and ebony skin glows, always. Like the sun lived inside her, she was always smiling, except for the rare occasion we've seen her upset. But her attitude never lasts for long.

I hear the creak of the large metal door; the others have arrived. Chase glided over, Peter and Samantha in toe.

Chase's hair looked brushed, it was a happy surprise to see him in a blue button down and jeans. The shirt made his green eyes sparkle.

"I'll be going," Ellen said with a nod. "Have fun." And just like that she vanished into the dark part of the arena, right passed the others.

Samantha and Peter both sporting black. Samantha's dress form fitting and knee length. While Peter had on jeans and a Black t-shirt.

Chase took the seat one of the seats beside me, but it's a circle so no one's really close together. "You look beautiful, Layla."

My stomach did a back flip at his compliment. "Thanks." I fidget with the napkin in my lap, I'm not going to let him draw me in with those eyes. Not anymore.

His date looked unfazed by his comment, why should she? I'm Peter's fiancé, his brother.

Peter took the other seat beside me, and Samantha across. Her smile big and bright, she looked genuinely excited to be here. She gave off golden retriever energy, always smiling and happy. Always excited for the activity, just having a good old time.