Smile Like You Mean It (One)

Chapter Twenty Four

Two weeks had passed since the night that Sal and Bryony had decided to take a break from one another. Sal had been staying with Brian and his family, seemingly handling the sudden split well. He hadn't mentioned the girl, but word got around the group somehow.

He was sat at their typical canteen table alone, reading through his exam notes, when he saw a shadow cast over him. The unidentified figure took a seat, as Sal glanced up, coming to find Joe sat opposite him.

"Hey," Joe greeted, rather quiet for his usual self, as Sal looked at him suspiciously.

"Hi...?" Sal responded, his eyebrows furrowing. Joe cleared his throat, leaning his head on his hand that rested atop of the table, as he watched over Sal. "Joey, you mind? I'm trying to study here."

"Oh, yeah...of course. Sorry." Joe responded. He went to stand, coming to a stop, as he looked at Sal. "I just wanted to invite you to Brian's birthday meal on Saturday. Kenny's at 6. You'll be there, won't you?"

"Of course." Sal smiled small, his eyes remaining fixated on Joe, watching him leave.

He sighed to himself, turning his attention back to his schoolwork. As he turned the page, his gaze fell on a small message written on the corner of the page. His heart fell in his chest, as he studied the handwriting. He wanted to smile, but the thought of her pained him immensely. Slamming his book closed, Sal shook his head, sighing to himself. He needed to distract himself from her.

**

Bryony sat on her bed, writing out her History essay, as a knock came at the front door. She placed her books to her side, standing from the bed, as she walked through the apartment, pulling the door open, being met by Bessy at her front door.

"Hey, Bes..." She greeted, as the girl pulled her into a short embrace.

"I need to get back home, but I just wanted to quickly ask you if you would join me and the girls for a meal on Saturday? It'll be at Kenny's." Bessy explained, as Bryony thought the idea over. It felt like forever since she had last spent time with her friends, and with the added stress between herself and Sal, she felt as though she needed them more than ever.

"Sure, I'll join you." She smiled.

"Great! Be there by 6!" Bessy exclaimed, before bidding Bryony goodbye, and making her way towards the elevator.

Bryony closed her front door, a small smile playing on her lips. She was excited to finally get out of the apartment, and to be able to spend some time with just her friends, with no worries about coming face to face with him. She was still fragile over the whole thing.

Bessy ran her way out of the apartment block, seeing Joe parked up outside, keeping the engine running, as she clambered into the passenger's seat. He greeted her with a quick kiss to the cheek, as he smiled at her.

"Did she accept?" He asked, as Bessy nodded her head.

"Yep." She answered.

"I hope this plan works..."

"James isn't a fool, he said that he's worked it all out. Let's just hope that they don't cancel." Bessy sighed.

**

Sal parked his car up in a space, grabbing his wallet, before exiting the vehicle. He strolled up to the entrance of the restaurant, seeing the bright red neon sign light up the evening sky. Looking around, he couldn't see that any of his friends had arrived yet, and so, he made his way through the door. After having saved a booth, he sat, reading through the menu, when he heard a loud commotion come from the front of the restaurant. He looked up, seeing Brian, Joe, and James make their way up to the table.