BEING HALSEY

CHAPTER 6

Dave and I are sitted in a restaurant a few blocks from his house. It has plastic green lights and pictures of peacocks hanging on the walls.

The waiter brings us salty chips and burgers. We spend the hours talking about school and how we're so over it. I suggest we head to the zoo and Dave being sweet and cute, throws me off his shoulder and we snap loads of beautiful pictures.

"Couples day"

Later, he drops me at work and promise to pick me up when my shift is over. It's another slow evening and Gabby is writing orders in a left-handed notebook while Ken helps me serve the customers.

" I know you like him." Ken says when we finally get some few minutes to rest.

" Who?"

" The guy you were telling us about. Dave?"

Oh.

" So, what has Dave done?"

" It's just that-" He touches the back of his neck.

" He's not good for you Hal."

I burst into laughter.

" Ken, what's up with you?"

I laugh harder.

" Why doesn't he come in here? He only drops you few steps from here."

" It's because we never find a parking space." I defend my boyfriend.

" I'm just saying that if it were Gabby, I'd want to meet her coworkers. See where she's spending her time."

I stare at him....Hard. "Obviously."

"Obviously." He grins.

I scowl back. "Get a job."

" Don't be surprised to see me here with a red apron."

Gabby finally looks up.

" Would you two stop that."

I shout, " He started it."

Ken smiles and walks over to Gabby where he whispers something in her ear and she laughs. They behave as if they don't see each other enough as it is. He stays in her apartment on weekdays and she stays in his on weekends. Though I do admire their love for each other. I just hope Dave and I share something like it someday.

Actually, I hope Dave and I share one place someday.....

"Hey!" Ken is talking to me again.

"I met your friend today."

" Polly?" I sit up straighter.

"No. Tray."

TRAY? Who said he was my friend?

" He's not my friend."

Ken shrugs. "He told me."

I stare at him.

"And?"

" That you are neighbours."

" What else?"

"He lives on my floor in my dorm. We were talking in the hall and I mentioned that I was on my way to meet Gabby, and where she works-"

His girlfriend beams and I'm struck by a small bit of jealousy.

Does Dave tell people about me?

" And he said he knew someone who worked here. You."

How does he know where I work? Did I mention the café? No. I'm positive that I didn't.