Lucky's (Mis)Fortune (MXMXMXM)

Lucky's (Mis)Fortune: CHAPTER TEN

The most awkward part of this dinner was the sound of clattering forks hitting our plates. It was the only sound in the room, making me want nothing more than to escape. I'd much rather go back to lying in bed for endless hours until I needed to work again tomorrow morning. But these were my bosses, and whatever they said, I had to agree with, naturally.

I could be watching a movie right now, or doing homework, or sleeping.

I sigh.

"What's the sigh for?" Mr. Sawyer—Khael—asks.

I turn my head up and see his stern face looking at me, an eyebrow raised. I feel my ears and cheeks become hot at the sudden attention everyone was giving me, making me slide down in my chair a little bit.

"Sorry, it was nothing... Thank you for inviting me to dinner. I appreciate it." It would have been too awkward if I hadn't said anything else, right? I should be respectful and grateful even if I didn't actually want this.

"We're glad you joined us," Mr. Lewis beamed. He looked around at everyone else, silently begging them to not let the silence return.

"Right. We like to know our employees," Aiden says.

Translation: We like to make sure that they don't make stupid mistakes like exposing us. We want to make sure that we can trust you.

I nod silently, looking back at my food and pushing the pasta around with my fork. The clattering sound returns, and nothing else fills the space. Back to the start, to the awkwardness and nothing else. I stop myself from groaning; their eyes on me again was the last thing I wanted.

I just needed someone to stand up and leave, then I could do the same. Come on, someone, I beg.

"Well, love the awkwardness, my dear family, but I will take my leave," Leo abruptly speaks, making a big deal of pushing his chair back and standing up.

"Where are you going?" his brother asks, unfazed.

For a second, I wonder where their parents could be, but I forget about it when Leo answers, "I'm going to the race with Mykel and the others. I'll be back by three."

I watch Eliott perk up at his response. "I'll come with you," he says, standing up. "What about you guys?" He looks at his boyfriends for a response.

"Will everything be alright if I leave?" Mr. Sawyer asks Mr. Lewis.

The older man smiles. "Of course. Everything will be in order. Have fun and be safe, you four." He laughs, standing up as well and pushing his chair in. "I'll be heading to my office if anyone needs me."

"And I'm going to get everyone to clean up," Ms. Angela explains, getting out of her chair as well.

I take it as a sign that I can now leave, thanking all the lords and gods above as I push my chair in. I was about to walk away when someone called out to me.

"Yes?" I ask, internally cursing as I turn to look at Aiden.

That boyish smile was back on his face as he rubbed his nape. He looked sheepish, glancing at the other men in the room before speaking. "Would you like to come?"

Utterly confused, all I can mutter is, "Huh?"

"Would you like to come with us to the race?"

I look around at the others, searching for the right response. Leo seemed like he couldn't care less. Khael looked ready to kill me if I upset his boyfriend. Eliott looked like he wanted to kill me if I said yes. Aiden just looked eager for my response. I didn't want to go with them. But I also didn't know if it was okay to say no to my higher-ups.