DONTMAKEMEFALLINLOVE || Billy Hargrove, Stranger Things

LII.

Avery had every reason to go crazy over these burgers; they were mouthwatering and the milkshakes were a plus.

We sat at a table with high chairs, our feet dangling at the bottom. The couple had kept asking me questions and such to get to know me better and I'd answer back, not too in depth though because I did just meet them. Everything was going well until Avery asked a question that hit a nerve.

"Sooo how about you! Have you seen anyone in Los Angeles who's caught your eye?" She excitedly says, "or wait do you already have a boyfriend?"

My mind wanders to Billy. He should be here, sharing a strawberry milkshake with me, but he was killed.

Avery meant no harm. Of course she wouldn't have a clue as to what I've gone through.

"I uh–" there's no point in telling them. Then I'll be looked at differently if I do. "No. No one's caught my eye. I haven't had a boyfriend in a while."

"You must play hard to get if you don't have a boyfriend. You're hot!" Avery states as she steals some fries from Eric's plate.

I could only sheepishly smile. How could I even reply to that? Actually my boyfriend died in a freak accident and I can't verbally talk about him without breaking down so I usually remain to myself ever since it happened.

Suddenly a deep voice echoes throughout the restaurant, calling out Eric's name. Behind Eric, at table far ahead is a group of very obvious college students motioning him over. Eric waves at the group then tells me, "I'll be back, its my fellow actors!"

Yes. Eric is a theater major. He fits the perfect stereotype of aspiring actors in Los Angeles.

"Wait Cindy's there!" Avery calls out before turning to me as she rolls her eyes, "she owes me twenty bucks and always avoids me. I'll be back!"

That leaves me alone at the table. It doesn't bother me though, I don't expect to become friends with theater students. My head turns to overlook the window, which has a beautiful view of the ocean and its waves. The waves come and go, some harsher than others but nonetheless I would still simply float there and see where it takes me. Most likely back to the sand.

"Hi."

At first I didn't catch it. If anything I thought the voice was farther away at another table. But when I turned back it was a boy with sandy blond hair, sun kissed skin, and blue eyes smiling back at me. "I'm Jason."

He has the looks to get any girl he wants and I'm certain he knows it.

"Hi Jason."

"Mind if I sit?" Jason indicates towards the chair next to mine.

When Steve said to be nice to people I don't think he meant this.

"Sure," I reply, gulping down the feeling of wanting to decline him.

"What's your name, gorgeous? I've never seen you around before," Jason gives me a charming smile that I'm sure he knows works.

Fake name?

"I'm Diana," I go against my better judgement and reply. "I'm new here."

New. New. New. I am sick of that word.

"Well, welcome," this boy greets me with a smile, "what's a pretty girl like you doing here alone?"

"I'm actually with friends, but they'll be back soon." I nonchalantly reply as I stare ahead and find that Eric is laughing with his theater friends and Avery is still too busy arguing with who I assume to be is Cindy.