Viridescent Flares

22

"Babe, are you ready?" I heard Lauren ask from the door.

"Almost done!" I yelled, slipping on my red combat boots that matched my black tight pants with my white long sleeved crop top under my gray coat.

Tonight's our dinner with Dad and I'd be lying if I'll say that I'm not excited. I actually missed Dad and after the things he went through, I want him to be happy tonight because he only deserves it.

After spraying some perfume, I got out of the door and was welcomed by Lauren wearing her animal printed coat over a black dress which lengths few inches above her knees that was paired with simple black heels, and of course, she was gorgeous nonetheless.

"Wow," we both breathed out while looking at each other.

"Don't you look pretty tonight?" I complimented, smirking at her.

"Only tonight?" She teased, linking our arms together and leading me to the staircase.

"Always."

➳

The restaurant's name was Randal & Aubin. We let Dad order foods for us since he knew what's best in here. Daniel came with us, too, knowing that he already is a family to us.

"Are there any paparazzi here right now?" Dad aksed, dropping his voice and causing Lauren and I to laugh. "What? You're famous and it's possible."

"It is, Dad," I said, feeling Lauren's hand rest on my thigh. "But we don't know if they're around somehow. We haven't seen any since the last few hours."

"Maybe they're that good in their job," Daniel inquired as he shrugged. "They're the best in hiding."

"Apparently, our band is," Lauren said, referring to the way we hide our relationship to each other.

"It's sad that you don't get to interact in front of the public," Dad stated, giving me a sympathetic look.

"That was before. We're being natural to ourselves now because of the agreement. Not that we didn't want to do it though. We wouldn't have to make a deal with Halsey if we didn't," I told him, earning a squeeze on my leg from Lauren.

"How are your siblings in New York?" Dad asked, grabbing his glass of water and drinking on it.

"I assume they're fine," I answered, landing my hand above Lauren's. "When they moved in, I haven't really gotten some time with them since we have our tour but when it ended, I made sure to catch up on what's happening. They told me a lot about Mom." As I expected, Dad's face fell at the mention of Mom and I cleared my throat, not wanting to ruin the night for him. "How about you? How's work?"

"Uh, it had been fine," he replied, reassuring me with a smile. "Fortunately there weren't much patients as much as it means income but what I am concerned is that the lesser the patients that comes to the hospital, the lesser the lives that are getting at risk."