Trying to live #Wattys2024

Chapter 12 (Edited)

"I'm searching for the salad thief," Rose declared with such determination that I was sure she was serious.

I grabbed both of her arms firmly. "Look, right now, we're going to sit down and eat. I don't want to sit here alone, and you don't want to be hungry, right?"

When she reluctantly nodded, I sighed in relief. "I'll buy you as many Chicken Caesar salads as you want."

I turned to walk away when Rose tugged at my hand. "And mochi."

"What?"

"You'll buy me Chicken Caesar salad and mochi."

I smiled at her. "Okay."

"And ramen," she added, and I nodded. Then she dropped the bombshell. "And you'll go karaoke-ing with me. We'll sing cute songs and wear cute outfits."

Rose smiled hopefully at me. That little... wench! She said that on purpose. My lips twitched as I considered telling her to forget it, but I knew she would just go back to her search for the salad thief.

"Fine," I said through clenched teeth.

She clapped her hands in delight. "Promise me and say everything again!"

I huffed. "I promise I'll buy as many chicken caesar salads, mochi, and ramen as you want. I also promise to go karaoke-ing with you in cute clothes, and we'll sing cute songs. Happy?"

She grinned at me, linked her arm with mine, and we went back to our table. We exchanged a look before our gazes fell on the table. My grin faltered when my eyes landed on a salad. No, not just one salad, but Rose's beloved chicken caesar salad.

Her salad was in front of none other than Henry. My eyes widened. Henry had her salad! I glanced at Rose and instantly knew she was plotting something.

"It's okay. Remember my promise, so forget this. Behave, okay?" I whispered to her.

She nodded automatically, and I guided her to her seat next to me. Too late, I realized that she was seated directly opposite Henry and I was next to Cam. I let my head fall into my hands. How was I going to prevent Rose from doing something rash when I had just led her straight to the thief?

"Careful or your hair might get dirty," Cam said, looking at me and holding my hair away from the pasta. I nodded and, somehow, my eyes met Henry's. He was staring at Cam and me with an unreadable expression while Juliette was talking to him.

I quickly averted my gaze and saw that Rose was also staring at Henry. I squeezed her hand, and she squeezed mine back. Then she cleared her throat. "So... Henry, do you like chicken caesar salad?"

Damn, that girl! She thought I was encouraging her! I screamed in my head, knowing I couldn't vocalize it or they might think I was crazy. Well, they already did.

Henry looked at Rose, and I was surprised he didn't see her as the beauty queen but rather as my friend, looking at her with disinterest and boredom. Or maybe he always looked like that. Yes, that must be it. "Yes," he replied, puzzled.

"Ah. Tell me, how did you suddenly decide to eat chicken caesar salad?" Rose asked, raising her eyebrows.

I laughed to lighten the mood, but it came out squeaky and loud. I tried to smooth my laughter, but it only got worse, sounding like a dying, wheezing crow and an annoying gull. Not that I had ever listened to their laughs. Wait, do they even laugh? Why was I even thinking about that?

I stopped when everyone stared at me as if I were a complete idiot. I cleared my throat. "Rose, you're so funny. She's just joking," I said, slapping her arm, while she gave me a blank look. "Don't mind her; she's just joking," I mostly directed at Henry.