Our Story So Far

Chapter 7

"Can we get Chinese?" Luke said from the back seat.

"No way you always get to pick!" I saw Will elbow him in my peripheral vision. "Italian?"

"I second that! I'm really craving some Chicken Parmesan." I agreed patting my stomach. I was seriously hungry.

Luke started whining and I heard my dad chuckle. "Well I can't say that I've missed your arguing." He said shaking his head. He turned around to face all of us in the back of the town car. "Drake, you could have the deciding vote here."

Drake clapped his hands together and smirked- he liked being the one in charge. "Well, since I decide where we get to go, I choose... Italian." He grinned in Luke's direction while my older brother rested his head against the window.

"Unbelievable!" He complained. I ruffled his hair.

"Oh please Luke, you always get to pick." I teased.

"Whatever, it's still food, so I'm happy." He perked up a little.

"Thanks for taking us to dinner daddy." I hugged my dad from behind.

"Anytime kiddo, when do I ever turn down the opportunity for a Merrick family outing?" He smiled. I grinned back at him. I could always count on my dad. After we pulled out of the stadium parking lot my dad gave the driver directions to the restaurant. When we finally pulled up to the curb, Will extened me his arm to help me out of the car.

"Why thank you sir." I said in a fake snobby accent.

"It is my pleasure, madam." He said back in a similar voice. I laughed and let him walk me into the restaurant. Curse these stupid heels that Miranda forced me into. And curse Anthony for making me keep them on after hearing about the party.

Immediately there was something about the restaurant that made me smile. The walls were varnished with a dark chestnut finish and the air smelled of freshly baked bread and marinara sauce. It felt so... homey. I took a deep breath in and grinned. Ugh, it just smelled so good in here.

"Merrick, table for five." Luke said drumming his fingers on the hostess stand. A tall redheaded woman with long, glossy locks whipped around to face us- menus in hand.

"Right this way." She said before giving Luke a short once over. Luke gave her his signature smirk in return. I had to try super hard to keep my eyes from rolling back in my head. I love my brother to death, but he's such a man-slut. It's ridiculous.

I sat between my dad and Drake, thanking the hostess when she handed me my menu. I flipped it open and scanned the choices.

"Why are you even looking through that? I thought you wanted chicken parm." Will stuck out his tongue at me. I squinted at him but laughed a few seconds later.

"Ha, you're right. I don't even know." I said closing the menu.

* * * * *

 "Ugh I'm so full. Someone carry me to the car." I groaned to myself. I didn't feel like walking because my stomach was just so full. But don't get me wrong, I totally don't regret eating all that food.

"Well someone shouldn't have eaten both pieces of chicken then." Luke said in an 'I told you so' tone. But he scooped me up and put me on his back any way.

"It was soooo good. I regret nothing." I grumbled as I rested my head against his shoulder blade. He laughed and I felt his bone move under my cheek. I shut my eyes for a few seconds but they were jolted open up by a bunch of camera flashes.

"Confession! Over here!" A guy with a video camera pointed his lens in our direction.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Drake smiled at the camera and we all crowded around for a short interview.