California Dreaming // keaton stromberg

Chapter 22

Keaton's POV

"So how's it going? You know, having Caroline around?" I looked down at Gabby who was currently playing with the fraying bottoms of my jeans.

"I have to admit, it's pretty weird." And it was. I wasn't really used to having a girl in the house. Brooke and Brianna had both moved out so long ago- I forgot what it felt like. My mom was ecstatic, though. I mean, she was ready to have Car move in forever.

"Is it stupid to say that I'm actually jealous?" I heard Gabby laugh, but her tone was slightly bitter.

"Jealous?" I bit the insides of my cheeks to keep from grinning. She was cute when she was jealous.

"Stop it!" She giggled, taking the liberty to slap my leg. Not gonna lie, it stung a bit but I laughed through the pain. "Is it really so unbelievable that I'm jealous?" When I continued to look at her for an explanation, she seemed to cave in. "I know there's no chance of Caroline making a pass at you," she rolled her eyes playfully. "But she gets to spend all this time with you. You guys sleep in the same house, you have meals together, you shower together-" I raised an eyebrow at that last one.

"Uh..."

"You know what I meant, perv." She laughed. I too cracked a smile and climbed off my bed.

"Haha, yeah I did. I just like seeing you squirm." I admitted, still chuckling. "But really Gabs, you've got no reason to be jealous." I tried to assure her.

"Yeah, but it's just hard, you know. I know nothing's going on." She said, sounding sad now. I couldn't help but frown a little bit. Gabby shouldn't have to feel this way. I really cared about her, and I wanted her to know that.

"Get up." I nudged her excitedly.

"Huh?"

"You heard me, get up! Go home and get dressed, we're going out."

"Where?" She asked, looking seriously confused.

"Food." 

"But I'm poor." She pouted.

"It's called a fucking date: I pay for you, now go get ready." I grinned. For a minute Gabby sat there, stunned. But then she started smiling. 

"What kind of restaurant are we going to?" She asked. I wanted it to stay as much of a surprise as possible, but she probably was just wondering what to wear. Girls cared about that sort of thing.

"It's fancy, so wear something nice." I kissed the top of her head.

Gabby's POV

"Oh my god, you look adorable." I said, taking in Keaton in his suit and tie.

"Well I was going for sexy or ridiculously hot, but I guess that works too." He grinned, hip bumping me. "You, on the other hand look ridiculously beautiful. But then again, you always do." I turned away to hide my blushing cheeks.

"So where are we headed?" I asked, slipping my hand into his. 

"The restaurant is actually right downtown, so I thought we'd walk. Is that okay?" I was wearing a pair of sandals so I didn't mind at all. It's a good thing that I decided not to go with the heels.

"Sounds perfect."

It took about ten minutes to walk to the restaurant: it was a cool upscale Mexican restuarant named Margaritas that just opened recently. I had passed by this place a few times on my way into town, but I haven't ever had the chance to go.

"So- I know you have an obsession with quesadillas, so I went out on a limb here and assumed that you like Mexican food?" He asked. I nodded my head immediately, excited that he remembered.

"Mexican's my favorite." I smiled. A look of relief seemed to wash over Keaton's face: he could breathe easily now. He picked the perfect place.

"Hello there, my name is Dylan and I will be your server this evening. Can I start you off with any drinks?" Our waiter had his eyes glued to his notepad, but I recognized his voice.

"Price? Is that you?" At the mention of his name, Dylan's eyes flicked up to meet mine.

"Gabby?" Dylan looked completely surprised to see me.

"Yeah! I didn't know you worked here!" I said, taking in his uniform of white jeans and a matching button down.

"Don't sound so surprised Gab. My family's from Argentina so I speak fluent Spanish." He wiggled n eyebrow at me. Now it was my turn to act shocked.

"Wow, I never knew that." I admitted. Keaton seemed to be shifting awkwardly in his seat. "Oh, wow sorry I'm rude. Dylan, this is Keaton; Keaton Stromberg, Dylan Price." I introduced them with last names purposely so the tension could settle a little bit.

"Hey man, Caroline's brother?" Keaton asked, and Dylan nodded.

"Wesley's brother?" Dylan asked, and this time it was Keaton's turn to nod. "How... how is she?" Dylan asked. His eyes looked so sad, I just wanted to give him a hug or something.

"She's good." Keaton nodded. "She's adjusting."

"My parents when they found out didn't really know how to take it. They think she's confused. That this whole thing is just a phase." He shook his head distatefully. "I really owe you guys one- especially your brother. Caroline kind of clarified everything for me, and I realized that I made a horrible mistake. I'd like to meet up with him and apologize..."

"For the whole 'face punching' thing?" Keaton joked.

"Yeah, that." Dylan cracked a smile. "Anyway, it's really good to see you guys. And your appetizer's on me." Dylan told us.

"Awesome, because Keaton would eat the entire menu if he had the choice, and we don't have all the money to pay for that." I teased. 

"Ha-ha. Can we get the guacamole, please? And for a drink I'll have a shirley temple." Keaton told Dylan.

"I'll have a shirley temple too."

"Cool. I'll get those right out for you guys."

"Thanks Dylan!" We said, waving as he left to go to another table.

"Just for that I'm keeping the guacamole to myself. And I here they make it right at the table, so you're missing out." He grinned slyly.

"What!? Oh my god, no I take it back!"

"Say the magic words..."

"Uh Keaton Stromberg is the sexiest man on the planet?"

"Yes I am."