Remembering Raimondo (Complete)

Not A Fake

 He took me to the restaurant I worked at! Out of all places. As if it were the only one in town. When he realized that I wasn't getting out of the car he asked me what was wrong.

“I work here.” I explained.

“I know,” he laughed and got out the car.

I followed him frustrated.

“Look on the bright side, you won't need a ride to work this way.” He offered.

He paused and turned to face me before he opened the door. “Plus I was hoping you could get me a discount.”

I rolled my eyes. He grinned and opened the door for me to go in.

“Ladies first,” he bowed.

“Lets say you were to choose between a day at the prom and a day at a carnival in the outskirts of town, what would you choose?” he asked enthusiastically.

“Work,” I smiled.

“That wasn't an option,” he groaned taking a seat across from me.

He shrugged off his coat, and folded his sleeves up. I chuckled, he looked like he was getting ready to have a mighty feast. When I arched my eyebrows he realized that I was internally mocking his behavior.

“Hey, this is an expensive shirt!” He justified. Our waitress took our orders and left with Jeff's eyes glued to her back.

“You want to take a picture? It'll last longer.” I mimicked him from last night.

“Wha-?” he was about to ask but suddenly flushed laughing, “oh. Sorry about that, I came off a bit rude last night didn't I?”

“Yes. Yes, you did,” I lifted my chin up.

“I don't regret it one bit,” he assured me. I had the urge to slap him in the stomach again. “You should see how red you've turned, you match with your trench coat now.” he joked.

Well duh! Because your pissing me off. I gave him the angriest expression I could muster. This only made him laugh harder. I thought about kicking him in the knee or something but I was afraid that doing that may ruin my chances of having him take me to prom. I needed a date and I wasn't in a mood to take anyone from school.

“What I meant to say was, I don't regret it because if I were nice to you we wouldn't be sitting here making each other laugh and waiting for our delicious meals. Speaking of which... here they come.”

“Making each other laugh? Your the only one doing any laughing.”

“Baby that's because me and you are one.” He placed my hand in between his.

“Awe that is the sweetest thing I've ever heard any man say.” The waitress made a really ugly adored face and quickly placed our plates down. “I'll give you some privacy.”

“Do you think I could get her number now?” Jeff whispered as she left.

“You jerk!” I smacked his hand laughing.

“See, we're both laughing,” he started eating pleased with his smart ass remark.

“So tell me, what's up with Raimondo. I don't get it.”

“He has a memory problem, I'm guessing that you already know that part. We don't know exactly how it started or even when it started but by the time we realized it he was so brainwashed that he didn't even know his own father.” Jeff explained.

“What if he's faking it?” I took a sip from my sprite.

He shook his head and swallowed. “I thought the same thing, but he's not. You'll see, I invited him here.”

My eyes widened, “you what?”

“I know you dig the man, so I was thinking... maybe you should take him to prom instead.” He suggested taking another bite from his sandwich.

I snorted sending my drink up my nose. Oh God the pain! I coughed for my life.

“You okay?” Jeff looked skeptical.

I raised my hands up and nodded.

“You think I should what?” I asked trying to make sure I heard him correctly. I can't ask Raimondo to prom. He probably hasn't realized it yet but even despite his 0 gb memory, he doesn't seem to like me very much.

“You don't even have to ask him,” he answered my silent excuse. “All you have to do is add it on his to do list and he'll be there.”

Jeff smiled. What a devious idea. I got the sudden impression that Jeff was used to taking advantage of Raimondo's disability. I frowned at the thought of that.

“How often do you do that?” I asked.

“Do what... Hey close the subject, here he comes.” I turned towards the main entrance. My breath got caught in my throat at the mere sight of him. He looked even more handsome than the last time I saw him, and he was shirtless the last time I saw him! Raimondo stopped at the edge of our table.

“Hey,” he nodded at Jeff as he made room for Raimondo.

“Hey whatsup bro? This is … my friend,” Jeff ended clearly not even knowing my name. “And friend this is my other friend.” He introduced me as if I didn't know who Raimondo was.

“Hi,” Raimondo extended his hand for me to shake. I shook it. “I'm Raimondo, and you are?” He asked but I couldn't reply because of the intense jolt shaking his hand sent through my nervous system.

“Um..” my voice cracked as I snatched my hand away from his grip, “Drie, Audrie.” I added.

He frowned and whispered my name twice.

And that's when I realized that he wasn't faking it.