Impractical (1)

3

"Where are you taking her, exactly?"

"Pizaria's," Brian answered, shaking the young man's hand professionally.

"As long as she's comfortable, I'm comfortable," Her little brother said sternly, telling him, "Don't let anything happen to her because, I promise, I will find you."

"Trust me," He began with a light chuckle, saying, "I won't let anything happen to her."

Murr and Joe were lingering in the lobby when they arrived, standing awkwardly against the wall with their arms tucked into their pockets, "Hey, Olivia," Murr said as if he had expected her. He looked casual, but Joe had a confused look on his brow, "Now that you two are here, we can get our table."

"Hey neighbor!" Joe teased, taking a seat directly across from her, "Long time, no see." He said with wide eyes, testing her.

She rolled her eyes, flipping her bangs back to the right, "I see you haven't changed a bit," She said, forcing a grin on her lips as she slightly tilted her head.

"I'm still as pushy and annoying as I once was," He laughed, turning to watch Q take a seat beside her, "Where's Sal?" Joe asked a moment later, saying, "This has to be the first time he's ever been late." Joe chuckled, asking, "Should I call him?"

"No, I'm right here." Sal answered with a sigh from behind them, moving quickly to toward the table. His heart dropped when he saw the woman sitting between Q and Murr and he took a deep breath as he wiped his palms on the front of his pants. The anxiety was prevalent in his features as he fidgeted with his keys before placing them down on the table in front of him, "Sorry, I'm late." He muttered almost inaudibly, shifting uncomfortably in his seat as he positioned himself beside Joe.

"Where were you?" Murr asked with a laugh, purposely putting him on the spot.

Sal's features dropped and he glared at his friend as he tapped his foot against the floor, saying through clenched teeth, "Parking spot," He looked down and around the table nervously, avoiding Olivia's eyes as his breathing became unsteady, "I couldn't find a parking spot."

"We're practically the only people here, Sal!" Q said, letting out a laugh as the waitress moved around the table to pass menus to each person.

"Maybe I parked in the wrong parking lot, I don't know," He said a bit forcefully, wanting the conversation to end, telling the waitress, "I'll take a water with lemon, thank you."

"I'll have a strawberry margarita," He heard Olivia's voice and looked up at her in almost a daze.

"You alright buddy?" Murr asked a moment later, tapping the table to catch his attention, "You seem distracted."

Sal glared at him, moving the menu in front of his face to block Olivia from his view, "Sal, buddy, I just remembered I left my keys in the men's room," Joe said awkwardly, patting down the front of his pants, "Come help me look for them." Sal rolled his eyes, but stood and followed him toward the front of the restaurant, "Dude, what are you doing?" Joe muttered the moment they were out of sight, "You look like an idiot out there!"

"What's new?" He asked in an angry whisper, taking a deep breath, "No one told me she would be here!"

"No one told me either!" Joe said in a forced whisper, motioning back toward the direction of the table, "Those bozos must have invited her."

"I don't understand," Sal said, placing his hand on his forehead as he began to pace, "The punishment ended, why would they do this to me?"

"I mean, look, this gives you the chance to talk to her again, so do it!" Joe said seriously, slapping his shoulder. Sal pulled back and Joe stepped toward him, saying, "Take advantage of this and stop acting like a loser."