Celebrity Status (currently being revised to 1st person) Walk of Fame-- Book 1

Chapter Four

"I should be where he stands,  

But you're too blind to see,  

You and I cannot deny,  

We were meant to be."                                                                    - Bach's Revenge debut album, track 9

OP's or the Oriental Phoenix was the place to be for Asian cuisine. Rumor had it, the  head chef was a Michelin star decorated master in the culinary kingdom. When they  entered, Charlie gave herself the once over, deciding maybe jeans and her well used  American Eagle tee wasn't the best choice. She could practically hear Devin smirking.  

Sawyer, Lane and Robbie were all there along with Robbie's parents and the  newest addition to their family, six month old baby Ethan. Rosa walked with purpose  to the table and gestured for them to sit down.  

"Hey Ma Russo," Sawyer said.  

She smiled and gave him a "Hi, sweetheart," before looking at Lane. "Where are  your parents?"  

Lane shrugged. "Saving the dolphins or something. Some fundraiser."  

Rosa's jaw tensed but Lane recovered. "No worries. They bought the tickets four  months ago. My mom offered to sell them to be here instead, but," he waved his hand,  "It's not that big a deal. It's her thing, you know?" 

Rosa remained unconvinced and shook her head as she sat. Charlie's parents  followed suit. Charlie slid into the booth with Sebastian right beside her. Devin situated  herself on his other side, probably wishing she could sit on his lap instead. She didn't  even try to hide her crush on Sebastian, but he was good about it, often giving her a  playful tease.  

The waitress was quick to bring glasses of water, and Charlie's father wasted no  time in holding his up. "I propose a toast. Sawyer, Lane, Robert--" 

Robbie crinkled his nose as if the sound of his full name smelled disgusting.  

Ethan put the napkin ring he was chewing on down and giggled at his brother.  

"And of course, Sebastian," Charlie's father continued. "You boys have worked  so hard to reach this goal. You are all exceptionally talented young men with such a  bright future. Sebastian, I have two girls who I adore, but you, you are the son I never  had," his voice began to crack. "And I've never been more proud of you." His finger  wiped at moisture collecting in his eyes. "Cheers!"  

Glasses chimed together, everyone was smiling, even though Charlie's was  forced.  

God was trying to punish her. That had to be it. This entire thing was some sort  of sick torture. Had Sebastian not kissed her, not said those five words to her "I wrote it  for you," chances were, she'd be faring a lot better than she was. But he had, and now she  found herself picking his words apart and trying to piece them back together again. To  bury the recollection of the softness of his mouth on hers. To tell herself she didn't like  it.  

The table exploded with excitement and laughter at the same time she felt like  she might implode on herself. How long had they been here? As if the waitress had  some sort of telepathic ability, she delivered the food.  

Charlie glanced down in horror. There were only chopsticks, a tool she'd never  fully mastered. She stared at her plate. Shakily, she picked the chopsticks up, mouth  watering in anticipation, she moved to retrieve a piece of ginger beef, but the  chopsticks fumbled and it fell. She groaned.