The Boy Next Door

Chapter 29

➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳

『 Chapter 29: Dinner 』

➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳

**Previously**

"Jesus! Didn't think it was that big of a deal, calm down," then she laughed, "you and your father are bad influences on me, I guess." She said through laughter.

"Damn right," I remarked.

"Let's get this dinner over with. I'm tired." She sighed.

I rolled my eyes and stuck my tongue out at her.

I'm ready to talk to Slate about whatever's bothering him.

➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳➳

Dinner was going great. Smiles and laughter filled the air. I felt so comfortable around Amanda. It was, nice.

I glanced sideways at Slate who had a distant smile on his face. My gaze led to my mom who was staring at Layla with a light smile. She giggled while my dad made silly faces at her. Amanda made small talk, mainly with my mom.

I enjoyed my meal, silently. Keeping a stern eye on Slate.

He looked lost in thought. His eyes locked on his meal. Half eaten. His fork moved sufficiently around his food, picking at it.

"Slate?" I whispered.

"You look beautiful tonight, you know." He replied almost immediately.

I blushed and reached for his hand. I flinch at how cold it was.

"Are you okay?"

"Nah. We'll talk about it later. Just enjoy this, please." It was the first time since dinner started he looked at me in my eyes, his brown eyes boring into mine.

I nod, and he grips my hand in his, I gave it a light squeeze and kissed his cheek sending him a soft smile.

"So, Bella? Have you been thinking about Collages? I heard the scouts are coming after prom, to check you guys out for soccer."

"Stanford," I replied.

"Stanford?" Amanda choked on her food, sneaking a glance at Slate.

''I not sure what I want to do yet, maybe music," I said shrugging.

Amanda's eyes lit up. "Music." She muttered

I returned back to the meal, noticing Slate squeezing my hand harder, a hurt expression shared on his face. It pained me to look at him like that.

"Can we be excused?" I asked my mom, forcing Slate to stand up.

"Of course, any reason why?" my mom replied sipping her wine.

"We'll be outside." I answered ignoring her question. "Call us when you need us."

Slate followed behind me, as I dragged him towards the doors.