Breaking the Grid

Double date

The cozy atmosphere of the small Italian restaurant hit me the moment we stepped inside. The warm lighting, the smell of fresh bread baking in the kitchen, and the soft hum of conversation gave the place a welcoming vibe. I held the door open, gesturing for the others to walk in.

"Ladies," I said with a playful grin, bowing slightly as Kyra, Katie, and Caitlin walked past me.

Kyra rolled her eyes but smirked, giving me a quick peck on the cheek as she passed. "Such a gentleman."

"Always," I replied, letting the door swing shut behind us.

The hostess led us to a quiet corner of the restaurant, where a booth sat waiting. It had been supposed to be just me and Kyra—a nice, intimate dinner date—but somehow, Katie and Caitlin had invited themselves along. Not that I minded too much. Watching Katie and Caitlin together was always entertaining, especially when Katie was being her usual loud self.

We slid into the booth, Kyra sitting beside me while Katie and Caitlin took the opposite side. Kyra's hand instinctively found mine under the table, her fingers lacing with mine as she leaned back comfortably.

Katie looked around, grabbing a menu. "This place better be good, Becks," she teased.

"It's amazing," I said confidently. "You'll probably leave begging for a second invite."

"I'll hold you to that," Caitlin said with a smile, her eyes scanning the menu.

Kyra leaned in close, her lips brushing against my ear. "You really brought them along, huh?" she whispered, her tone playful.

"Like I had a choice," I whispered back, grinning.

The evening went on smoothly, filled with laughter and easy conversation. Katie, as expected, was in her usual form—loud, opinionated, and endlessly teasing Kyra whenever the opportunity arose.

At one point, Kyra excused herself to go to the bathroom, sliding out of the booth with an exaggerated stretch. I watched her go, my gaze following her as she passed Caitlin.

But Kyra being Kyra, she couldn't just walk to the bathroom. As she passed Caitlin, she suddenly leaned down and threw her arms around her, planting playful kisses on Caitlin's cheek.

Caitlin burst into laughter, trying to wiggle out of Kyra's grasp. "Kyra! Stop! You're such a pest!"

Katie, however, was not amused. She crossed her arms, her expression flat as she looked at me. "Becks, take your girl."

I couldn't help but laugh, leaning back in my seat as Kyra continued to mess with Caitlin, who was laughing so hard she was nearly in tears.

"Not my problem," I said with a shrug, smirking at Katie.

"You're useless," Katie muttered, though a smile was tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Kyra finally let Caitlin go, straightening up with a triumphant grin. "Just spreading the love," she said innocently before sauntering off to the bathroom.

Caitlin shook her head, wiping her cheek. "She's insane."

"Yeah," Katie said, her tone dry. "And you're the one dating her, Becks."

I grinned, leaning forward slightly. "You're just jealous you're not getting Kyra's attention."

Katie rolled her eyes, but Caitlin was laughing too hard to respond.

I leaned back in my seat with a soft laugh. She was always the life of the party, even in the simplest of moments.

Katie watched Kyra leave, shaking her head. "She's a menace," she said with a grin. "How do you deal with that every day?"