Lost in Translation

Chapter 15: Donatello's

———Anthony———

Saturday, May 25th, 2019

"Ant, would you please sit the fuck down," James said from his spot on the couch, sounding exasperated. "You're going to wear a groove in the floor if you keep pacing."

"I'm not pacing," I replied testily as I started yet another loop of the living room.

"I know you're anxious about your date with Ben—"

"I'm not anxious."

"— but this isn't going to help you relax," James finished, completely ignoring my interruption. I stopped and huffed.

"Going on a date with him is a bad idea," I snapped as though it was his idea. Even if it wasn't, I was sure he had something to do with it.

"Then why did you say yes?" James asked. I glared in response, then resumed my path, causing James to groan. He stood up and grabbed my shoulders.

"Ant, come on, sit," James said as he steered me towards the couch.

"Sitting isn't going to help," I protested, but I let myself be pushed to the couch anyway. James dropped beside me.

"Then maybe talking will," James suggested. I wrinkled my nose in distaste.

"Yeah, yeah," James said as he waved his hand dismissively and rolled his eyes. "But seriously, I think it'll help. You see Ben basically every day now. What's got you so riled up about today?"

"Going on a date is a bad idea," I said again with a frown.

"And why do you think that?" James. "How is that different from getting lunch with him?"

"James, you know damn well that getting lunch as a group is different from going on a date with someone," I snapped back.

"Still haven't explained what makes it bad, though," he countered immediately.

"I... it's more serious, it... it will make things worse if I keep encouraging him when this doesn't work out," I said. I felt a heavy feeling settle in my gut that I really didn't feel like examining.

"Cupcake, I think we've passed the point of encouraging him," James said gently. "And it'll work out if you would just let it."

"Whatever," I mumbled. "Think what you want." James closed his eyes and let out a big sigh before turning back to me with a smile.

"It's just dinner and bowling. It's not that scary. Just try and relax, and you might actually have a good time," James said.

"I— how do you know we're going bowling," I asked with narrowed eyes. James wiggled his eyebrows in response, and I groaned in exasperation.

"What else do you know? Ben just told me to dress casual," I said.

"Not much, really," James replied with a shrug. "He's taking you to Donatello's."

"Fuck, I love Donatello's," I said, half to myself.

"I know."

"You know?"

"Yes?"

"How the fuck do you know."

"I have my ways."

"How does Ben know?" James didn't reply aside from a smirk.

"I— have you been texting him?" I asked apprehensively.