BiteBound *completed*

Chapter 25

I was on my second lime margarita as I continued to anxiously sit in the middle the luxurious restaurant. This place definitely had the works. The dim romantic lighting, the live lobsters swimming in a giant tank, the large glass walls that overlooked the city lights of Seattle; all of this was not my style at all. Not only did it remind me how expensive this meal was going to be, but sitting right out in the middle of all the vacant tables made me feel incredibly self-conscious. I stuck out like a sore thumb.

I had to remind myself that I wasn't doing this for me. After all, it was his birthday.

Growing up, I'm sure he was raised with the best and finest things in life. It shows not only in the way he speaks and dresses, but with the mansion itself too. I couldn't just invite him to any place; and most certainly not casual dining.

But would he like it here? I mean, they got lobster. Lobster is expensive.

What's taking him so long? I tapped a finger on the side of my frosted glass. Did I make the game too difficult for him? Or was my redundant confession too much for him to want to deal with.

I checked for the clock on my phone, recalling the time when I arrived to where I stood now.

Nearly an hour. I sigh. It would be foolish of me to wait another hour would it?

I look over at Peterson by the bar. He notices me catching him so he raised his glass in acknowledgment. I nod with a solemn smile, dragging my eyes back to the menu.

I must've read this damn thing over 20 times already. Should I just order something while I wait? I feel like that would be rude. I'll just wait another ten minutes, see where it goes.

That ten then turned to thirty.

The longer I had to wait, the more I felt like this makeup was going to make me look worse than I already do.

I feel so fucking ridiculous in my attire. I adjusted my tight strapless black dress in my seat. My neck feels so cold and my eyes sting from the glittery make-up.

Anne had put so much effort into my look tonight. She even sent Peterson to the store to pick up this new dress and these expensive black high heel shoes.

Needless to say, my vampire fairy godmother left no detail behind.

From the pearls she let me borrow to the nails she painted a dark blood red. She wouldn't even let me wear my hair down with it's natural waves (Apparently it was too casual with the dress). So she took the time to curl and pin each section of my hair into an elegant updo; enhancing my face with makeup a bit heavier that what I'm used to. A copper smokey eye with a feline liner, easy contour, and a nude rosy lip that matched my blush.

This did not feel like me in the slightest.

I've put an effort to look my best for a date before, but this wasn't even a date. This was just a friendly dinner and... I felt like I was trying too hard now.

This whole other level of effort just doesn't feel worth it when I think about how it never worked with past dates.

As I could feel the sense of regret come to a rolling boil, her words kept me motivated to keep this shit on a little longer.

"We want to have him on his knees, begging and wanting to have you all to himself. And if he refuses to show up, then this is your time for self care. Treat yourself to a nice dinner. You are a strong, beautiful woman that needs to see what she's worth. So knock him dead...er."

Damn it Anne. I smile to myself. I'm so glad you're my friend.

"'nother margarita?" The college blonde waiter returns to pick up my now empty glass.

Would he think I'm an alcoholic if I had a third? It's not like I'm driving tonight.

"Might as well." I sighed, checking on the time again.

No message from Anne or Arthur.

I should just wave Peterson over to join me, I can't stand sitting alone for another second.

"You've been here for over an hour M'am." He says in a cute southern accent. "Ya sure you wouldn't like somethin' to eat?"

"I'm still waiting for my friend." I reply stubbornly. "I'll give them a bit more time, you know how Seattle traffic is."

And there's the denial.

Before he left to refill my drink, the clearing of his throat grabs my attention.

"If I may speak freely M'am, I'm afraid I've seen this one too many times. The man or woman waits for an hour, drinks several glasses; and even after they wait an hour, their date is a no show."

"It's not a date." I frown, still bitter that it wasn't.

"But my point still stands." He says. "Now, I ain't tellin' ya what you should do, but I think it's only best not to wait on this person if they are taking this much time to join you."

"I know." I said coldly.

You don't need to tell me twice kid. I know I'm an idiot for waiting for months on this vampire.

The blonde college kid blushes at my reaction. "Forgive me for stickin' my nose where it shouldn't. I just would hate to see another beautiful woman leave in tears for being stood up."

He's right Rose. Arthur isn't coming. It's already been and hour and a half.

I press down on my lips, accepting the moment of reality. This was it.

"A friend of mine will join me soon."

"As ya wish." He nods. "Ya sure I can't bring you nothin' besides a refill?"

Fuck it. I sigh.

"You got cake?"

"I do have a delicious chocolate cake I think ya might like." He gives me a sincere smile. "Not too sweet but it satisfies the sweet tooth."

"Then I'll have that." I force a smile. "Thank you for your recommendation—."

"You're having dessert already?" A familiar voice stopped my heart.