You Take My Cares Away

Chapter 4 - Unexpected Encounters and Hope for a Second Chance

(Courtney's Pov)

April-13th-2018

City streets, Los Angeles 📍

It's been a week since Ariana talked to us about Faith, and I just can't take how she's putting up this fake smile. Day after day going into the studio acting like everything is fine, but we can see through her and she's not okay. Part of me wants to tell her to let Faith go; she's just making things worse, and another part of me wants to go up to that girl and talk some sense into her. Because Ari is trying to mend her friendship with her, and by trying to and it's hurting her, that's what I hate.

Courtney's thought: "Only if I knew where she'd lived, I could go up to her and give her a piece of my mind, but Ariana won't tell me anything, not even a hint at all." I sigh.

Going around the city trying to find her would be near impossible. Like hoping to bump into her in a city like this? Nah, I'd be better off by Ariana's side instead, giving her the support and comfort she needs right now, but anything is possible; who knows, I might actually bump into her. The downside to that thought would be recognizing her again; it's been so many years I've most likely forgotten how she looks, especially now.

I stopped and walked into this cozy, cute outdoor plaza filled with people enjoying their day. I was hungry, and the scent of delicious food brought me in here and also to clear my mind and stop worrying so much about Ariana. We're both adults; we can handle shit on our own, but we still have to lean on each other from time to time.

Courtney: "Okay, where the fuck is that smell coming from? Shit that smells delicious as fuck." My stomach rumbles as I wander into the middle of the plaza. "God, I'm so hungry right now."

The strong aroma led me to a restaurant with outdoor seating and an outdoor food truck serving some of the most mouthwatering food. My eyes immediately settled on this delicious hamburger the cook was making, and the sound of the sizzling meat just made me want it more. The smoky scent wafts over me, and I can almost taste the juicy flavor. I must've been starving because my taste buds could already taste how good it was going to be just by looking at it.

My mind was focused on one thing and one thing only, and that was the hamburger I saw them serving. With no hesitation, I walked into the restaurant. It smelt even better than the outside, filled with people eating and enjoying the delicious food. It was a nice change from the drama that had been going on and a great thing to clear my mind from it.

Harvest Shack Grill, Los Angeles📍

Manager: "Hi, welcome to Harvest Shack Grill; how can I help you today?" He greeted me with a smile, his eyes darting from my face to the menu.

Courtney: "Oh hi there." I said nervously. "Yeah, I saw the food out there, and it smelled so good I had to try it." I smiled and chuckled.

Manager: "I have to tell you the food here is amazing, and I got to recommend to you today's special: smoked honey ribs with grilled corn and a side of fries; you won't regret it."

Courtney: "You're going to kill me of hunger just by talking about this." I giggle. "No, it's my first time here, and I already had my mind set on the burgers I saw cooking outside."

Manager: "Alright, well, if you change our mind or ever come back here again, you have to try it. So lovely waiting for anyone else before I take you to your table."

I looked around the restaurant, scanning the faces for any sign of someone familiar. Maybe one of my friends knew this place and didn't tell me about it. But the place was packed and bustling with families, friends, and couples, all lost in their own conversations and laughter.