Pumped-Up Kicks 2

5.8

Telly (oh I missed her actually)
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It was really loud at the Hard Rock that Tuesday night. It was so big too. Maybe because everything in New York is hella big but I was so surprised. I tried my hardest to step over people in my super high heels as Riley gripped my hand tightly as we shimmied past all the other people. We finally got through to the doors and it was even louder inside. "Reservations for Black." He semi yelled at the host. He looked down to the sheet and highlighted something before picking up two menus and smiling.

"Please follow me." So we did and Riley looked down at me before following the guy to the very back of the restaurant away from the chaos going on. We were seated in a very secluded booth. The room was dimly lit by the overhead chandeliers illuminating an array of colours.

"I didn't know Hard Rock took reservations." I said as we were seated and opened my menu scanning the choices. He smiled and shrugged off his jacket before taking a seat.

"Yeah well, neither did I until I did it."

"You didn't have to. I'm not that important." I rolled my eyes.

"Well, I would usually disagree with you but it's not like your going to listen. Their supposed to be really packed tonight so that's why I reserved our table."

"Packed for what?"

"Bruno Mars is performing on the rooftop tonight." Riley whispered and finally opened his menu. "That's why there was that huge crowd. Also, Apple is releasing its new phone tonight and people are camping out for that."

"Why here of all places?" I furrowed my eyebrows, finally looking him in the eye.

"Two reasons. Food and location." Riley wiggled his fingers as if it were obvious. "So Telly Allegria. How is New York treating you?"

"Um, good I guess. I haven't been out in the city other then today so for my first time, I'm doing pretty well." I shrugged and twisted my tangled bracelets around and around my tiny wrists. "If everyday were like today, I would definitely get out of the house more." I nodded and smiled while looking back down to my menu, not exactly sure what I was in the mood for. "Tell me what college is like, how's NYU?"

Riley smiled and placed his menu down before folding his hands professionally. "It's not like the movies."

"What's your major?"

"I'm going to be a music teacher and work with high schoolers. High school was one of the best times of my life and I really can't stay away for too long." He winked at me. "Anyway, what are your plans? I'm sure you've picked a college yes?"

"Oh um. No not yet actually. I mean UCLA offered me a full scholarship already."

"That's amazing! You must be so thrilled."

"Yeah I am, but I don't really know what I want right now." I shrugged and looked up when our waiter cleared his throat.

"Hi my name is Brendon and I'll be serving you guys tonight. Can I start you off with any drinks?" He locked eyes with Riley and then smiled at me with his slender fingers wrapped around a pen.

"Oh uh, I'll take a pink lemonade."

"And you?"

"Water." Riley said without looking up. The Brendon guy scribbled on his notebook thingy before smiling and walking away.
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Riley was right. It was hella packed for Bruno Mars. I wasn't exactly sure why but apparently he was an advocate for live music. So currently, there was a half full plastic cup sweating in my hand and I stood there awkwardly in the outskirts of the mosh put in front of me, sipping happily and watching Riley bang on the drums uncontrollably. I just hoped he didn't play too hard and start to sweat because he wore a really nice outfit for Jimmy tonight.