Death Wish

Chapter 25: But Whatever. He's a Boy.

When I return to the table, Lorenzo can tell something's wrong.

"What's up?" He whispers as I sit down.

"Kyliane left with his dad."

"Yeah, he came here to retrieve his dad, but he didn't say anything. I thought they were going to talk, not leave."

"He said something about the fact that he liked me? And he was angry that I was here with you acting all chummy. He was going to ask me out and apparently I had figured it out and couldn't say no so I used you to reject him?" I say, my explanation turning into a question due to my confusion.

When I see Lorenzo's face turn angry, I explain, "I couldn't tell him we were just friends, he was too angry and stalked off after that. But I didn't use you. I didn't even know Kyliane liked me."

Lorenzo calms down and relaxes. The food comes quickly with appetizers of cheese and crackers, fruits, rolls, and meatballs with sauce. They place platters of the various foods all over the table, family style.

"Wow, your dad went all out."

"Actually, mom planned the party and did everything. Dad just took credit."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, ask him who catered, he doesn't know."

"He's busy talking. Isn't she busy with the cafe, though?"

"That's my point. He doesn't care what other people want. He expects them to drop everything and do what he wants. What irritates me the most is that everyone obeys. No one can say no to him because he's so intimidating."

"But you do it all the time!"

"No, I don't. I may talk badly about him, but I have more common sense than to disobey him. He could cut me off, hurt me, mom, or you."

"Why would he hurt me?"

"He knows how I feel about you."

"Oh. That's right. You're my best friend. I wouldn't let anything happen to you like you won't let anything happen to me. Right."

Lorenzo doesn't say anything after this and grabs the plate of cheese and crackers next to him. After piling on a bunch of crackers on both his and my plate, he passes the half empty platter around the table.

I gape at him and he asks, "What?"

"Consider what other people want! Maybe they wanted some crackers, but they didn't get any because you took it all!"

Lorenzo groans and says, "Fine, I'll give it back."

He grabs the crackers with his hands and reaches for the plate.

I look in horror and exclaim, "No! Lorenzo, you touched already. No one wants your germs."

He looks at me, annoyed and asks, "When did you become so proper?"

"I've always been like that. I just ignored it for you. But here, the worse you act, the higher chance these people won't strike deals with your father. They think that's how he raises his son. Without a care and if they think that about his company, no one will want to hand their company over to someone who doesn't care."

"So? I want him to fail."

"Really? If he fails, all his money goes away. No more Lamborghinis, no more renting out ranches, no more fancy restaurants."

Lorenzo looks horrified at this prospect and starts to act considerably better. He eats slower and takes less food, although it's double what I take. But whatever. He's a boy.