Breaking point

Dinner

After Cole's rescue yesterday, Ryan and his crew let me alone for Friday aside from occasional glares and dirty looks.

But hey? What do I care if they're pissed at me?

Though I knew even as amazing as it was to ride on his motorcycle it would probably only make dinner more awkward.

"Molly," my dad called from the kitchen, "come help set the table."

I groaned as I trudged into the kitchen, pulling 5 plates out of the cabinet and arranging them on the table.

"Why are we having them over?" I complained, giving my dad a bored look.

"We're welcoming them to the neighborhood." he reminded me.

I groaned in complaint as I finished setting the table.

"Oh you'll be fine!" My dad assured me, "go get dressed."

Furrowing my brow, I held out the edge of my T-shirt and sweat pants, "I am dressed!"

My dad chuckled, giving me a gentle push toward my room, "something nicer."

With an annoyed groan I shuffled back to my room, looking through my closet for something to wear.

Even though I knew Cole had a girlfriend, I couldn't help but want him to think I looked good.

After about ten minutes of staring at my clothes and thinking I had absolutely nothing to wear, I saw one of my old favorite dresses.

I grabbed the hanger, pulling out my black skater dress and chunky jewel belt.

Quickly changing into my dress and belt, I spun in the mirror.

Nice, I thought with a nod at my reflection.

Glancing at the time, I put on a light coat of mascara and a slight cat-eye style eyeliner.

Smiling at the finished look, I jogged back into the kitchen.

My dad smiled at me, "you look beautiful sweetie"

I smiled even wider, "thanks." I gave him a quick hug and helped him bring the food to the table.

Just as we finished getting everything ready, the door bell sounded signaling the start of what could be either a wonderful or horrible dinner.

"Hey," my dad greeted, pulling the door open, "welcome."

"Thanks for inviting us," Mrs. Huntley smiled, "this is my husband Don."

"Nice to meet you," my dad shook hands with Mr. Huntley, "come inside."

The three entered, my dad closing the door behind them.

I stood in the background quietly, perfectly happy with being invisible, until my dad pulled me forward for introductions.

"This is my daughter molly," he introduced to Mr. Huntley.

"Hi" I smiled shyly.

The parents conversed for a few minutes as I stood by awkwardly and Cole leaned on the wall, completely oblivious and involved in his phone. He hadn't looked up once, not even when they'd first walked in, what a waste of good eyeliner!

I chewed the edge of my lip as the parents talked about insanely boring things like business.

After an eternity, 10 minutes, the parents moved toward the table and Cole finally looked up from his phone screen, giving the room a once over.

His eyes scanned the room, passing over me as if I didn't exist. Wow.

Though he glanced back momentarily, observing my choice in clothes before following everyone else to the table.

Of course it was just my luck that we ended up sitting next to each other awkwardly. Well, I guess the awkwardness was just me since Cole was entirely focused on his phone.

I couldn't help but glance over, only reading the name on the conversation, Vanessa.

Her name was accompanied by two emojis, a flame and a heart eyed face. Guess it wasn't just one date.

I picked at my food, having lost my appetite while the parents talked and ate happily.

Cole continued texting on his phone, occasionally taking a mouthful of his food.

My best description of the dinner so far was awkward. Very awkward for me.

"Mom?" Cole spoke up, setting his phone down.

She paused her conversation with my dad, "yes?"

"Can I go meet Vanessa? She's at the movies." Cole explained, pointing at the door.

His mom gave him a stern glare, "Cole! We're here as a family, your staying."

The two had a silent stare down for dominance, after about half a minute, Cole gave one last glare before returning to his phone. Guess she'd won the stare down.

Dinner continued as it had before, parents talking, me drowning in awkward, Cole on his phone.

Great idea dad, so much fun, I thought sarcastically.

I started to get into another round of overthinking but was stopped mid mind-sentence by the sound of Cole's phone ringing.

Glancing over, I read the name, it was Vanessa. The screen was illuminated with a photo of her...

She was beautiful. My heart sank.

He clicked the answer button, "hey babe." he greeted her.

I couldn't hear what Vanessa was saying but he motioned to his mom that he'd be right back. She nodded but made the I'm watching you gesture as he got up.

Tapping my dad, I faked having to go to the bathroom and excused myself as I disappeared into my room. Ok maybe I was a stalker.

I cracked open my window listening to Cole's end of the conversation.

"My mom will literally murder me and have my Harley impounded if I go to the movies right now." Cole argued in an irritated tone.

There was a pause before he continued, "Vanessa! I can't! You know I would but I can't! I don't why you being such a bitch about it!"

After another paused he kept going, his voice raising more, "yes you are! Your so overreacting! It's one frikin movie, God, calm down!"

She may have looked beautiful but from what I could tell, she was definitely used to getting her way.

"You know what! Call me when your not in such a pissy mood Vanessa!" Cole yelled before hanging up the phone and kicking a nearby trash can.

Even though I felt like a horrible person, I found myself smiling and secretly hoping they'd break up.

I watched as Cole sat down on the curb, throwing pebbles from the ground.

He sighed and trudged back to his house, opening his garage and disappearing momentarily.

He came back with a bottle that looked exactly like the broken one from last night except it was still in one piece.

I guess my hunch had been right, Vanessa did cause it. He sat there for a minute or two drinking, before dropping the half full bottle into a trash can and walking back toward my house.

Running toward the bathroom, I flushed the toilet just to make them think I'd really been in the bathroom.

I managed to get back to the table and sit down just before Cole came back inside and sat down.

Phew, stalker crisis averted.

The parents and finished their food and wrapped up their conversation.

"Thanks for having us over," mrs. Huntley said as everyone headed to the door, "bye."

"Goodbye." my dad said with a wave as they left. The door closed and I sighed with relief, it hadn't gone terribly wrong. Thank god!