Lost in Hollywood

Only One Problem

Hawk glanced around the kitchen, a content smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Everything looked fucking perfect - like the set of a romance movie. He couldn't wait to see the look on Sky's face when she walked in and saw this.

He had finished the preparations ages ago, nervous to get everything done in time. The table was set for two - he had used the fine plates Mom saved for special occasions -  the roses were beautifully arranged in their vases, the candles were waiting to be lit, and the food on the stove filled the kitchen with a delicious, rich smell. The small gift-wrapped box containing the phoenix pendant was in his pocket, waiting for the perfect moment - which would no doubt come somewhere between finishing the meal and making out on the couch in the basement.

There was only one problem.

Sky was running late, and Hawk couldn't help the uneasiness that was starting to form a knot in his stomach.

He observed the food on the pans and post and picked up the wooden spoon, trying not to think about the fact that it was already six thirty. It wasn't unlike Sky to be late, he knew that. She'd be here at any minute, and he just had to make sure the food was still edible by the time she got here. That shouldn't be too hard, but still, he was worried. Mom had helped him to prepare three different kinds of taco fillings - chicken, black peas, and ground beef - and of course, spicy salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo. The corn tortillas Hawk had purchased this afternoon waited on the counter wrapped in a cloth - he just needed to pop them into the microwave before serving the food and everything would be perfect. The scent of tomato, coriander, and garlic filled the house, making Hawk's mouth water and his stomach growl.

His frown deepened as he glanced at the clock on the wall.

Where the fuck is she? She said she'd be here at six—

The food was already getting cold, and letting out a silent curse, Hawk turned the stove back on. He had begged Mom to leave half an hour ago - who in their right mind would allow their mom to be home during a romantic date night? - but now he kinda hoped Mom was still here. He was painfully aware of the fact that trying to re-heat the food he might just as well end up burning it. And when Sky finally arrived, the kitchen would be filled with smoke instead of this mouth-watering scent, and the food would be inedible.

Shit. This is a fucking disaster... I shouldn't have asked Mom to go—

Furiously stirring the ground beef on the pan with one hand, Hawk fished his phone from his pocket with the other. Almost quarter to seven— and they had agreed to meet at six. Even if Sky was often running late, this really wasn't like her. She hadn't even texted.

Hawk dialed her number and brought the phone to his ear, the uneasy feeling digging a hole into his stomach. He let the phone ring for a long time, but Sky didn't pick up.

This wasn't even the first time he tried to reach her. In fact, he had sent her several texts during the afternoon - just cute little things, letting her know how excited he was about the date, sending heart emojis, asking if she was getting ready, or what she was going to wear (He hoped she'd show up in pink. High heels would be a dream come true.) It hadn't worried him too much, that she hadn't read the messages or replied - she had said she was going to take a shower and a nap before the date, but now—

She couldn't still be sleeping, could she?

The thought of Sky missing their date because she couldn't be bothered to set up the alarm, made something twist painfully in Hawk's chest. Here he was, giving everything he had to impress her, and she wasn't even going to show up?

Did She really care that little about him? She had said she loved him, that she wanted to start dating again, but if that was true, then why wasn't she here already?