Spin the Bottle

Chapter 7

Peter pulls up in front of a small diner.

"I just wanted to eat cereal for breakfast," I grumble.

Peter chuckles. "Don't be silly, Zurey. There's no point in eating cereal for breakfast if we have the time for going out to eat."

"I can't believe I let you drag me here..."

Peter makes a 'tsk tsk' sound as he backs into a parking space. "'Drag' is very strong word choice. I'd prefer you not make it seem like you're my prisoner."

"But it's exactly like that," I say.

Peter heaves a sigh. "Let's just go in." He holds the door into the diner open for me.

I don't bother to say thank you.

The lady at the front smiles when she sees Peter. "It's been so long," she says. "How have you been?"

Peter smiles back. "I've been good."

The lady gives him a hug. She turns to me. "And who might this be?"

"Oh uh, that's Azure."

The lady raises an eyebrow. "Do your parents know you're dating someone?"

My eyes widen. Butterflies start to fly rapidly in my stomach at the idea of dating Peter.

"We're not dating," Peter says quickly. "We're just friends."

The lady smiles. "Well, knowing you, Peter, it won't take long for that to change."

Peter's face reddens just the slightest bit. "A–anyway, Zurey, this is my aunt Elma."

Elma sticks her hand out for me to shake. "Nice to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you to," I say.

Elma leads us to our table. "I'll have Rachel be your waitress," she says. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see you, Peter."

A few minutes later, a girl with bright green eyes and brown hair walks up to our table. She grins. "Long time no see."

"Hey Rachel," Peter says. "I guess you decided to take a year off?"

Rachel nods. "I like working here. It's more fun than I thought it'd be. But more importantly, aren't you going to introduce me?"

Peter sighs. "Rachel, this is Azure. Zurey, this is my cousin Rachel."

"Hi," I say.

"She's too pretty to not be your girlfriend," Rachel states. She winks at me. "He'll make a move soon enough. For now, what can I get you to drink?"

"Water's fine for me," I reply.

Rachel looks at Peter. "How about a coffee and some painkillers?" she asks flatly.

Peter nods. "That sounds good."

I frown. "You still have a headache?"

"I assume you went to a party last night," Rachel says to Peter.

He nods. "It wasn't a very good decision."

Rachel opens her mouth to speak, but Peter continues.

"Now hurry up with our drinks or I won't give you a tip."

Rachel sticks her tongue out at him then walks away.

"This doesn't classify as a date, does it?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

Peter smirks. "It depends."

I blush. "No wonder your family talks about you the way they do."

Peter grins. "I have a reputation to uphold."

"You know, you could have told me where we're going before dragging me back into your truck," I grumble.

"Again with the strong word choice," Peter sighs. "I told you I don't like that."

I smile. "That's the point."

Peter facepalms.

"Anyway," I say, "I have to be back home by three. Clarity said she wants to do my hair or something."

"Mhmm," Peter grumbles. "I'm sure you just want to get away from me."

I giggle. "That too."

"You won't want that soon," Peter mumbles.

My face reddens. "W–What?" I yelp.

Peter smirks. "Nothing."

"I can't believe you," I huff. "How could you even think it's okay to say something like that?"

Peter's smirk turns into a grin. "Oh look. We're here."

"Where exactly is here?" I ask.

"You'll see." Peter leads me through a wooded path.

"Peter," I say impatiently, "where are you taking me? You better not be—woah." We emerge through a clearing in the woods. Blue water glistens in the sunlight.

Peter smiles.

"It's beautiful," I breathe. I turn to him, my face reddening when I realize that he's holding my hand.

"I knew you'd like it," Peter says softly in my ear. "I've never brought anyone here before..."

I stare out at the lake again. A feeling that I can't describe washes over me. I wonder...have I felt this before?