"Can I be excused?" I asked, pushing aside my nearly empty plate of grilled chicken and vegetables. My mother looked up from her phone and nodded, allowing me to leave. I didn't know why she'd asked me to come out to eat if she was going to be texting clients and collegues the entire time. Although, I shouldn't be too cynical, it did take the pressure off me for at least a little while. I weaved in between the tables in the dining room, tonight was busy at the country club and nearly all the tables were filled.
I quickly made my way to the bathroom, but before I reached the door my body collided with another, knocking me into the wall. Damn my clumsiness. The profanities inside my head continued as I looked up to see who I'd bumped into. Dylan. My eyes widened and I turned to leave, not bothering to apololgize. I knew there was a good chance I'd see him here. I should've made an excuse to stay home.
Before I could flee, though, I heard his voice call from behind me, "Bel!" I considered ignoring him, but I knew we would have to face eachother eventually. Wishing to get this over as quickly and painlessly as possible, I turned. "Sorry." He said, giving a slight shrug. I was confused, and my face was a clear indication. "I didn't see you there." He clarified.
"Me neither." I choked out quickly, turning away and booking it to my destination. I couldn't believe I had actually thought he would apologize for last night's behavior. He didn't have the alcohol to blame it on, and I couldn't picture him owning up to it. I splashed a bit of water on my face and gazed into the mirror. Pull yourself together. But I couldn't. I could feel the tears start to come and I mentally cursed myself for letting him get to me.
I hopped up to sit on the counter and rested my head against the cool mirror. Pulling my phone out of my purse, I composed a message to Chad:
SOS. At the country club. Dylan is here.
Almost instantly, my phone dinged with Chad's response:
He isn't trying to fuck with you is he?
Then seconds later:
I'm on my way.
I locked my phone and jumped to the floor, fixing my makeup and making myself appear as though I hadn't been crying. Once I looked acceptable, I walked back to the dining room. My plan was simple. I still had my project to do with Chad. I would tell her he's picking me up so we can go work on it. I repeated the story in my mind the entire way to our table, but when I got there my mother was not there. I glanced around the dining room in search of her. Then, my eyes landed on her shock of dark hair, sitting next to Dylan's mom. At their table. With Dylan.
I took a deep breath and made my way over to them. When I arrived, they were deep in coversation and did not acknowledge my existence. Wanting to get this over as soon as possible, I cleared my throat and disregarded the annoyed look my mother shot me. "Hey mom, I have to go."
"No, sit down and join us." She said, brushing me off and motioning toward an empty chair.
"No, I really have to go. We have this group project in English and I have to meet with my partner." My mother's patience was running thin, and I could tell she was annoyed for me defying her in public.
"And this can't wait, honey?" She asked, her tone clipped.
"No it can't, sorry. This is one of the only times we're able to get together for it and it's due soon." I explained quickly, wishing more than anything to leave.
"Well, alright. But don't be gone late." She said sternly. Her message was clear, if you don't come home again tonight, your ass is grass.
"I won't.." I trailed off as I saw Chad in the doorway of the dining room. Clad in a plaid flannel shirt and skinny jeans, he looked amusingly out of place in the sea of polos and khaki pants. I restrained the giggle that threatened, but because I was dying to see Dylan's reaction, I added. "There he is!" I exclaimed, nodding in Chad's direction. "Bye, mom." I sent her a small wave and quickly walked over to join Chad.
