Love's A Game // LN4 ; GR63

Dinner and Decisions

Lewis: George! About time mate
George: We are not that late, what like 10 minutes?
Alex: Late is late
They all laughed
Violet: It was my fault sorry about that
Alex: Nonsense Evans, don't cover for George. We all know he's a diva and takes longer than anyone to get ready. What was the problem this time? Not enough mirrors? Or couldn't you get that perfect picture without your shirt on?
Violet giggled at Alex's comment, feeling relief with his humor.
Carlos: So you must be Evans, Lando's mentioned you before-
George: -He has?
Lando: I just told him you'd be bringing someone tonight
Violet noticed a tension building and didn't understand why. Thinking quickly, she tried to diffuse it.
Violet: Yeah, I'm Evans. Nice to meet you Carlos. Thanks to Lando though I can't keep you guessing my name, I always loved the mystery but I guess that's a dud.
Carlos laughed and Lando froze, not sure how to take her sarcasm.
George: You're full of surprises
Violet: You have no idea
She winked at George, unsure where this confidence came from but she'd use it till there's none left.
Violet: And Lan don't worry, I'm only joking with you.
Lando smiled weakly at Violet before looking back at his menu. Violet really tried to open up with Lando more but she seemed to have gone unsuccessful again. She was determined to get it right, after all she'd always loved his racing.

Lewis: Shall we eat? I'm starving...

They all ordered and as the night went on the atmosphere became more and more relaxed.

George: So Lan, you've been very quiet. It's weird. What's up?
Lando: Nothing, just enjoying listening to the conversations
Alex: Unlike you, how's Quadrant coming along?

Violet looked up at the mention of Lando's brand, a conversation she could finally be involved in.

Lando: It's going well, getting busy. Finding new members to compete in this new league
Violet: A new Esports league?

Lando looked across to Violet, something glinting in his eye at her involvement in the gaming conversation

Lando: Uh- yeah. Well not really but sort of new. New for Quadrant
George: Evans you're quite the gamer aren't you?
Violet: Uh- yeah I am- So wait, are you entering a competition?
Lando: We are, it's going to be streamed next month
Violet: I'll be sure to check it out

Lando smiled at this and looked down at his empty plate before looking up and seeing George's hand on Violets at the table

Lewis: So Evans, you and George?
George: Mate...
Violet: Uh- I-
Lewis: -My bad, I overstepped. You just met right?
Violet: Yeah
George: We're just getting to know one another
Lewis: Uh huh. Well you're cute together
Violet blushed and looked down
George: W-
Lando: Well this has been fun but I think I'm gonna call it a night.

Violet got up as Lando stood to say goodbye but he simply nodded a general goodnight and left.
Defeated, Violet sat down.
Why was Lando so weird? I thought we were getting along...

George looked over at Violet who seemed to be lost in thought. He leaned in and whispered

George: He's just got to warm up to you. It's not you
Violet: I know...

She looked off in Lando's direction as he walked out of sight.
Suddenly her phone rang, she saw it was Asher and excused herself.

Violet: Hey Ash!
Asher: Vi! My sister how are you?
Violet: I'm actually doing really good thanks. What's up?
Asher: Are you able to talk?
Violet: Yeah, I excused myself. Is everything okay?
Asher:...Vi

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Meanwhile at the table
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Lewis: I must say she's even more stunning in person. Well done George, you actually got her here but how far can you get her to go is the real question
George: What do you mean?
Lewis: Well you still haven't proven you can get her. Yeah she's here but she's just an accessory right now. Make her yours then we'll believe you.
George: Well she's practically falling in love already so how hard can it be?
Alex: Seriously? Watch out George. Don't turn her into some game.
George: I won't, relax Alex. We're just messing around...

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Violet: Ash, talk to me.
Asher: It-it's the shop.
Violet: Oh...
Violet suddenly remembered that the deal was pushed three days. Today was the day decisions had to be in... she looked over her shoulder and the guys were still talking so she stepped outside the restaurant.
Violet: So?
Asher: Good news and bad news.
Violet: Okay?
Asher: Dad and I can still work there. He's still the manager. But-
Violet: -but the shop isn't his anymore...
Asher: Exactly. I didn't want to worry you with this while you're away but rather this than you coming back and finding out.
Violet: No no. It's okay. Thank you for telling me...
Asher: You okay?
Violet: Yeah. I gotta go though. See you soon.

Violet ended the call, took a step back and leaned against the wall. She let out a shaky breath unsure of what this meant for the future.

George: Are you okay?

She stood up and looked in the direction of the door.

Violet: Oh- uh- yeah. Yeah I'm all good. Just stuff at home. Are we going?
George: Are you sure you're okay?
Violet: Yes George. Thank you but it's nothing you'll be able to help with.
George: Okay. And to answer your question, yes. We're heading back to the hotel now
Violet: Great. Let's go

He took her hand and they walked in silence to the car. The way back to the hotel was dead quiet and only when Violet was at her door did she turn and say goodnight. George leant down and kissed her forehead before turning away towards his room. Even in these moments Violet couldn't let herself feel happy, she couldn't be selfish and enjoy herself while her dad just lost his shop. She needed to figure out how she could help her dad.