world we created, paul lahote

Chapter 28

Carver Café is filled with idle chatter of regular patrons and the clink of dishes as they eat their preferred meal. Towards the back of the restaurant, Lucia and Paul sit with Emily and Sam and whom Lucia came to know as Abigail, Jacob's imprint. Soft lighting casts a warm glow over the table, a contrast to the slowly darkening sky beyond the window.

The two couples can't help but share glances with each other, amused by the interaction going on between Jacob and Abigail. The Black boy can't seem to keep his eyes off Emily's cousin though she is far too oblivious for her own good. She catches his eye from time to time but brushes it off as nothing.

Paul couldn't help but chuckle each time, taking note of the joyful gleam in Jacob's eye when it happened. Lucia nudges him with her elbow, her touch anything but harsh. Paul glances at his imprint who chides him subtly even though she held the same amusement dancing in her green eyes. Paul can't help but roll his eyes playfully, resting his arm casually on the back of her chair.

"So, we've finally set the date for the wedding," Emily spoke up, drawing Paul and Lucia's attention, ensuring not to disrupt Abigail and Jacob from their little world. Emily looks to Sam with a giddy smile which he returns with a softer one. "We were thinking after New Year. Everyone will be back from holiday by that time and hopefully not too tired because of it."

Lucia nods, plopping a fry in her mouth. She tosses a side-long glance at Paul, who eyes her fries, smiling innocently when he catches her staring at him. "I think it's a good idea--maybe not too soon after, however. I do have to say, a winter wedding sounds magical."

"Don't hold it on my birthday, though," Paul teases, stealing one of Lucia's fries causing her to glare at him. He leans down and presses a kiss to her cheek which washes it away easily. "I still want to celebrate it with this little lady."

"No leniency, Lahote? Not even on our special day?" Sam asks, taking a sip of his lemonade.

"Not even then."

"Careful there, Paulie," Emily chided, a mock frown pulling at her features. "We might just change the date to spite you."

Paul lets a faux pout grace his features when he hears Lucia laugh, gently tugging on her hair in reprimand. She doesn't react at all in the slightest, leaning into his hold a bit more. Emily watches the interaction, a devious idea coming to mind to fluster Lucia. "I'm surprised Paul hasn't proposed yet with how clingy you two are. I can barely get you alone anymore!"

"I'm sure he will soon," Sam replies; a knowing glance cast Paul's way, who blushes faintly, clearing his throat in an attempt to act natural. Lucia looks at him confused but he waves her off, sending a somewhat convincing smile her way. "He's gone all soft because of her. Hard to anger him much these days."

"She brings out the best in me." Paul glances down at Lucia who feels warmth rising to her cheeks. She bites her lip to prevent her smile, shifting her gaze down to her plate shyly. A playful smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, knowing he's struck a chord with her. He leans in slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You know, it's adorable when you get all shy like that."

Lucia narrows her eyes slightly, creating an adorable scowl that contrasts sharply with the smile playing on her lips. He could barely keep a straight face at the sight before him; his girlfriend was just too cute when she acted in such a manner. She crosses her arms and leans back in her chair, puffing out her cheeks in a mock display of annoyance. "Yes, I know, you love to remind me."

With a quick glance upward through her lashes, she meets his gaze, her scowl softening as she tries to maintain her faux annoyance. He can't help but laugh at her endearing display, leaning down and pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. Her cheeks redden further at this and she turns her head away to hide it. But it's far too late; he's already seen it. He can't help but grin, the urge to kiss her washing over him at that moment.

Conversation flows among the group with ease, filled with teasing and lighthearted chatter. Paul and Lucia get to know Abigail more as they do, discovering the girl had come to visit and set up everything for Emily and Sam's upcoming wedding.

Paul unconsciously leans closer to Lucia, his fingers toying with her emerald green sweater. She often notices how his attention strays to her, ensuring she's involved with the conversation as much as he is. Lucia's heart flutters in her chest like the wings of a hummingbird, basking in his attention with an immovable smile on her face.

Out of the corner of her eye, Lucia catches a teasing glance from Emily, who raises an eyebrow with a smirk. Lucia can't help but roll her eyes at this. Emily was acting as if she hadn't been trying to hide the large love bite on her neck throughout the evening, covering it with her dark hair. Lucia noticed it the moment she sat down, the hickey rather hard to miss.

Amid the conversation, Jacob had gotten a call and had reluctantly stepped out to take it and from the looks he'd sent Lucia before leaving, it was none other than Bella. Her eyes flicked over to Jacob who spoke heatedly into the phone outside, pacing slightly up and down the sidewalk. A deep furrow formed between his brows, his jaw clenched tightly. He ran his hair through his hair time and again, his annoyance clear as day.

Lucia excused herself to go and check on the shifter, knowing now that the rose-tinted glasses were removed, he was more likely to see all of Bella's flaws. And by the looks of it, he did.

She steps out into the cool autumn breeze and brushes up against her as she does, making her way to Jacob, who aggressively ends the call. "What did she say?"

"I couldn't tell you. She was being so vague," Jacib grunts, exhaling sharply. His shoulders are wound tight at the thought of Bella and how stupid he'd been before finding Abigail. Why had he let Bella string him along like that? "She wants me to stop by the Cullen home tomorrow. She has to show me something or some shit."

Lucia's brows furrowed, her eyes following the cars that passed by. "I thought she and Edward were still on their honeymoon for another two weeks."

"Apparently not." His frown remains and he rolls his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.

Lucia nods slowly, tucking her hands into the pockets of her jeans. "You don't have to go, you know. You don't owe her anything."

"No." Jacob shakes his head. "I'll... I'll go. Hear out whatever it is she needs to say and leave. I won't let her convince me to stay or anything like that."

A hum escapes Lucia's lips. She wasn't sure if Jacob would be able to prevent himself from growing attached again, stop himself if she tried to weasel her way back into his heart. He found his imprint and she hoped that was enough to keep him from letting Bella continue to be selfish by keeping him there as a backup option. "All right. Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, it's all right." Jacob sends a smile her way. "I'll be able to do it on my own. I'm just going to hear out whatever she has to say."

Lucia glanced at him for a long moment. She hoped that was the case but, knowing Bella, she probably needed something from Jacob. Lucia nodded and the two headed back inside, joining their friends once more.