Out of the Storm - COMPLETE

Chapter 33

Theo

MARCO AND I have been eating at Sapphire Bistro, this Chinese place where we're meeting, since it opened ten years ago. We used to always go to the diner across the street after events in high school—football games, dances, prom. The diner's a cool place to hang out for teens. The food's always been really great if you're in the mood to clog your arteries. Their shakes are to die for. Literally. So. Sweet.

When this place opened, we couldn't wait to check it out, always looking for new favorite eateries, new hangouts. It's not like typical Chinese places. It's got a sleek, sapphire looking bar that overlooks the kitchen. You can see them cooking and preparing everything. The dim lighting gives off a chill vibe, and looking around, even all these years later, the décor is urban.

We didn't come here when we wanted to be rowdy, but when we were either hoping to take our dates on a romantic date or when we needed a quiet place to talk.

And that's why I'm thinking we're here. The thing is, I have no clue what he wants to talk about. Especially since he's avoided talking to me so much since all this shit started.

The hostess, Biyu, takes us to our favorite booth in the back corner. "Lei will be right with you."

Biyu dated Marco a few years back. But he fucked around on her because he can't ever keep his dick in his pants. Needless to say, that didn't end well, so she doesn't stick around for small talk.

"Thanks," I say.

Marco looks out the window, completely ignoring her, like she's not even here.

She bows her head slightly. "Theo. Always good to see you." She glares at Marco before walking away.

Shit, that was awkward. "I know we love to eat here, but damn, man."

He jerks his head around to me with a smirk on his face. "I do miss eating her."

"Fuck, Marco. TMI. Again." Shaking my head, I glance back over my shoulder at Biyu. She's gorgeous. Her hair isn't jet black like so many Asian women. It's more of a caramel brown. Her almond eyes are what really draw you in, though. She could easily pass for the girl next door when she's not made up, but when she has her hair pulled back like it is today with those flowers in the back of it with her makeup spot-on, she could easily be a model or a beauty queen. She's the epitome of exotic beauty. But I've never felt anything toward her more than deep friendship. I wink at her and shrug, and she shrugs at me while rolling her eyes. "You shouldn't have fucked that up, though. You can't land a girl any better than Biyu."

His grin goes away, and I think I can see a morsel of regret in his eyes. "She hates me. Rightfully so. There's no way to fix that, so it is what it is."

Lei brings us a couple glasses of water. They always do that here. "Marco. Theo. Long time no see."

Marco just nods and says, "Sup."

I smile at Lei. "Can we get a couple of beers? Whatever's on tap is fine. We're not eating today."

"Yep. I'll be right back with those drinks."

"Thank you." Turning my attention back to Marco, I stretch my arm over the length of the booth and cross my knee over my leg. "Now, what's so urgent?"

"What's up with the glasses? I haven't seen you wear those in public since you got contacts in middle school."

I shrug. How sad is it that Jules already has me doing shit for her that I don't usually do. That I want to turn her on, play her games, see her smile, and surprise her? "It was a late night. My eyes are dry. But don't divert my question with small talk. I don't have all day to hang out."