Partners

5.

As Corey guided me inside, I was hit by a delicious smell. Corey clapped his hands in delight and went to what I assumed was kitchen. I went after him to see what was happening in there.

When I entered the kitchen, all eyes were on me. "Oh, guys we have a special guest with us, today. Meet the legend of the week-Olivia." Corey did this overly dramatic introduction as people around the table looked at me.

There were 3 people there. Someone was cooking near the stove while 2 boys who were Corey's peers were playing something in their phones.

"And Olivia, meet our wonderful cook Maxine. Their food is the best. And also, this dummies who come together- Camron and Mateo."

Maxine was tall with their messy gray hair pulled up in a bun. Mateo was short with the goofy smile while Camron was of average height and without any evident expression in his face. But they had the same features which led me to believe that they were twins.

"Hey," I said and sat near the Corey. As I sat Mateo offered me his hand to shake and I took it with hesitation. "It is good to meet the girl who kicked the ass of Damien. I have always hated him." Mateo said and Maxine agreed with a nod.

So, the name of the guy I nearly murdered is Damien. "He was always a killjoy even in old days. " Maxine said as they turned off the stove and looked at us.

They signaled something to Camron and he nodded and got up. "In old days?" I asked and it seemed to grab even Camron's attention. He was taking out plates and helping Maxine to serve the dishes.

"The old times meaning before we became rivals' with them. Before they fucked up." Maxine said angrily and Camren tapped their shoulder to calm them down.

I wanted to ask more but also didn't want to be persuasive. After all, they are part of the criminal organization. The less I know the safer I am.

Maxine indeed was a great cook. The smell of the pasta and turkey made my mouth water. Thinking back, I don't remember the last time when I sat around the table with other people to have a dinner.

It was always me with my own company or just eating over at Casey's in her room. Even back in my old home, we didn't have time for simple family dinners. If we were dining together it was a matter of business.

While I was walking down my memory lane, Maxine and Camron have served the food. "Bon Appetit," Camron said and sat down and everyone started to dig in their meals.

"Olivia, I am interested, how did you knock him down?" Mateo asked me when it was getting too quiet. Maxine nodded with agreement while Camron remained silent through this exchange. Corey already knowing the story encouraged me to speak with a smile.

"Well, it wasn't something that special. I was just passing from there and when he came towards me I just punched him back." Maxine chuckled at me.

"Passing near the abandoned street? At 4 in the morning?" They said. I smiled and shrugged. "I am a weirdo. I like taking walks in the middle of the night." After eating I helped Maxine with plates.

"So how long I will stay here? I have life you know?" After a while, I asked in a joking manner. Which resulted with them looking at each other.

Corey coughed and looked at Camron. They exchanged looks for a few seconds when he sighed with defeat. "Fine, I will go and ask them. " Camron stood up with the defeated look and bumped into me as he went out from the kitchen.

"Don't mind him he always gets moody when he has to do some work for the people on a higher level than him. " Maxine said and offered me a half smile. I nodded but didn't smile back.