I Can't Own You? (BOOK 1)

53 (NEW)

PLAY MUSIC

At last, I'm back in the restaurant I gorged on and got fat from. A diner made of dark wood, which resembles a tavern. It's THE statehouse of the south. So fancy, expensive, with an elegant atmosphere that made you feel like splurging. I wear a casual outfit, a black and white crop top with short sleeves, which stops before my belly button, and high waisted, dark skinny jeans. Sam wears dark red shorts, which he looks unconfident in, and a gray short sleeve. Mom and dad have on their casino outfits, dad in black slacks and a white dress shirt, and mom in a dark purple gown.

A charming country song flows through the restaurant, setting a mellow mood. Helga, a very tall and wide-set woman, hurries over and bear hugs me, raising my body from the floor with ease. Her hair orange, and her eyes brown. "ChrissyPoo!" I get embarrassed by the embarrassing nickname being said in front of Sam. Blushing.

"She hulk, I think you got stronger!" I groan as she places me down.

Helga makes a bulging arm, showing off buff muscles. "Every day, same diet, same parkour workout."

"Damn..."

A customer waves frantically from a table, catching Helga's attention. "We gotta catch up sometime."

"Dolly's throwing a get together later tonight; there's gonna be music and lights." My mom informs her, nudging me eagerly. "How about a night out?"

Helga rushes away as she responds. "Sure, I'll be there."

We take seats at a reserved, double booth in the back of the crowded, booming restaurant. Two reserved signs are set in front of two seats at this table. This catches my attention. Where is Naka and his date? I'm dying to meet her. "I have no clue what to order..." Sam helplessly eyes me as he opens one of the many menus on our table.

"You're a man child."

"Stake never goes wrong unless you're a vegan." My dad shrugs.

Sam shares a grotesque look in response. "I could never do that."

"I don't get how they function fully with all the nutrition and bone strength that meat and dairy gives us. It's strange if you ask me." My mom pinches her lips tightly together. Then she looks ahead at something.

I follow her stare, finding Nakamo and a fierce, long-faced, black-eyed, tan-skinned woman. She looks like an oil painting, as if she hopped out and was here in the flesh. She wears a yellow, off the shoulder dress, a white feather with brown tips as a hair accessory within her jet black, thick hair that flows to her chest, spiky yet soft. Nakamo wears all black, around his collar and across his shirt, are wind symbols in white and gold.

My mom waves them over.

I somewhat greet the guests with a Mona Lisa smile...not sure what expression to choose. Whatever the look is, it makes Sam grab my hand, beneath the table, in support. It's not jealousy...or is it? Am I doing that thing where I can't let go of my past lover? If so, I need to stop. It could be saltiness from not knowing about his boo. A little feeling I couldn't detect seeks in, shaking my heart.

Hurt...it's hurt. Over what?

"Her name is Waynoka." My dad says quickly, just before the two join us.

I stare down at my hands, recollecting myself. Stop being ridiculous. "Hey, everyone." Naka pulls out the seat beside me.

"Oh, I wanted to sit there," Waynoka says, stopping his action and changing chairs.

I look to Naka, who obeys her without complaint. Nothing? Really? That's not like him at all. I glance away fast, catching my father and mother share a strange look. "I'm Waynoka." She says as she sits beside me. I smile and face her. Hmm...she's ready to dig around, I can tell. judgment and dislike stings at me, barely hidden in her black eyes.