The Bad Boys Game

Chapter 20- Dinner

It has been a week since Ryder and I have spoken. We officially moved seats away from each other and every class. He doesn't even sit with us anymore at lunch. He sits with the same girl everyday with all of her popular friends. Ive recently come to learn that her name is Olivia, only because Madison insists on updating me on their every movement.

I've given up on me and Ryder at this point. Yeah, I am attracted to him and I thought we had something going on for a little, but I guess I was wrong. But whatever. I need to work on myself. Midterms are coming up anyways and I need to focus on passing them.

Its Saturday morning and I just got back from my morning run. I have nothing planned for today so I might just read all weekend to just waste time. I would hang out with Zach, but he has started spending a lot of time with Mia the sophomore. I'm really happy for him but I miss hanging out with him.

I shower and change into a pair of leggings and a quarter zip. I head downstairs to see my mom putting something in the oven. I immediately  recognize it as her famous sugar cookies. Those are literally like crack to me. After my parents split up, my mom cooked them everyday because it was her "therapy." The cookies were also therapy to me when I was fitting them by the handful in my mouth. Those cookies are the reason for my phase in the 5th grade that I progressively git heavier. The thought of those days makes me shiver.

"Hey mom, are those cookies for me?" I say with excitement. Even though they are really bad for me, I can't resist them when someone offers.

"No Taylor. We have been invited to my coworkers home tonight. Dr. Harvey. He has a son your age that goes to your school."

"Really? What's his name?"

"His name is Nathan Harvey. Have you heard of him?"

"Yeah I know Nathan. I have Trig with him. He's like really smart."

"Well I'm glad you two know each other. We have dinner with them at six so be ready by 5:30. I really don't want to be late. And wear something nice, I don't want them getting the wrong impression." My mother says sternly.

"Why do we care about what your coworker thinks of us?" I ask confused.

"Because he is a very nice man and I want you to meet him." She says not meeting my eye.

"OMFG YOU LIKE HIM? IS THIS A 'MEETING THE FAMILY DINNER???" I say getting off my feet. "Because if so I need to give a through investigation of this man tonight." I say with a smirk.

"You're not mad? I know you have never seen me with anyone besides your father before..." My mom says nervously.

"Honestly, I'm happy for you mom. I know you always had a dream of having a family and taking off work to go to places like Disney World on a random Tuesday just because. I noticed how after the divorce you started to spend a lot of time at work. I get it. I just want you to be happy."

My mom started tearing up at my words. I walk over towards her and give her a hug. I really miss how happy she used to be. After the divorce, she changed. Always at work and never home.

Towards 4:45 I started getting dressed and putting on my makeup for dinner. I did light makeup and put on plain jeans with a white shirt with gray stripes on it. I put on brown ankle boots to finish off the outfit.

I walk downstairs to see my mom putting on her earrings. She looked absolutely beautiful. She wore black pants with a light purple sweater and black ankle boots. She looks so nervous. I don't even know why if she's spoken to this man before why she's nervous now.

"You look amazing mom." I say smiling at her.

"So do you baby." She says giving me a hug.

We head out and get into my black Range Rover. Fun fact, my mom and I switched cars the other day because she hated the range and wanted my Wrangler. I think I got the better end of the deal but whatever. I decided to drive because my mother hated driving the Range because its apparently "too big."