Falling For The Smiths

17.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | FEELINGS
***

The moment we entered the cafe, I felt like running back out. A couple sat at a table in the corner of the room. It was August and Lauren.

From the angle at which I could see them, Lauren looked like a nice person. And, god, was she pretty. Her brown curls were splayed around her shoulders. The tips were dipped in emerald, matching her eyes.

"Earth to Tessa?"

I snapped my eyes away from Lauren and frowned at Aaron. "Yeah?"

"I said," he rolled his eyes, "should we get a table?"

"Uh...sure."

Mom smiled at me and led us to the table next to August and Lauren's - how perfect. I sat at the stool furthest away from them and glanced at the menu stuck on the table.

"What would you like, dear?" Dad asked.

"I think I'll just have a green tea," I muttered. "Maybe a brownie? I'm really not that hungry."

"But, sweetie, isn't that a little too less?" Mom scanned the menu. "I'll order for us all, then."

She looked around and a waitress hurried to our table. She pulled out a notepad from her apron and smiled nervously.

"What can I get for you, ma'am?" she asked.

As Mom rambled on, I snuck a glance at the table next to us. Lauren was frowning.

"What do you mean?" I could hear her ask. "Are you being serious?"

August reached over and played with a lock of her hair. "I don't know, Ren."

Her eyes narrowed further and she slapped his hand away.

"How can you not know?" she demanded. "It was your decision. You must have had a reason - a valid reason."

"I told you," he sighed, "I don't know."

Their table fell silent and I felt guilty for eavesdropping. I quickly turned to Mom, but not before I heard Lauren laugh coldly.

"Oh, well, that's settled, then. I really thought this meant more to you, but I guess not." She sighed. "I wish you luck as you move on - though, I know, you won't ever forget me."

I couldn't help but turn back to them. What is happening? August whistled.

"Damn, no wonder they gave you that part," he said, laughing. "You are such an amazing actor."

Lauren grinned. "I told you so. And, hey, you're not so bad yourself."

"Thanks."

She glanced down at the table, and for the first time I noticed a script laid out between them. Her hands reached to turn the page.

"Okay, next scene," she said. "I'm crying in my room. Play my dad."

August nodded and they continued their session. I turned to Aaron, relief flooding through me. I thought for a second something had happened.