Love in a Cup

Chapter Three

Lexi

Kelly and Parker were already waiting inside at a large table near the back of the restaurant. The permeating smell of hot wings caused my mouth to water as we made our way toward them. When she saw us, Kelly jumped up and practically bounced into Talon's arms. They kissed, Parker rolled his eyes, and Sawyer laughed.

Sawyer grabbed the seat directly in front of Parker at the end of the table. Kelly and Talon sat on the same side as him, which left me in the middle of Robby and Sawyer.

Our waiter came and took drink orders before hurrying off to the kitchen. I'd barely opened my menu when Sawyer grabbed it out of my hand. "Don't even think about it! We're all together now, so you have to tell us if you're having a boy or a girl!"

Kelly's eyes lit up at the reminder.

I started smiling. "So," I said a bit dramatically. "It's a girl!"

Kelly and Sawyer threw their arms up in the air and screamed, drawing attention from the tables around us. Talon and Parker offered their congratulations eight before the waiter arrived at the table with everyone's waters and pops.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw as Robby moved closer, throwing his arm over the back of the chair. "Congratulations," he said quietly. I turned to thank him and stopped short when our faces almost touched. I pulled back immediately, feeling my face heat with embarrassment.

"Thank you," I said as I looked back at the table. Talon gave Robby a strange look, and Kelly's lips quirked up on the side in a half-smile. I would have tried to read more into whatever she was thinking, but I couldn't concentrate.

Robby's arm was still on my chair.

I wasn't quite sure what to do. I don't think he intended to make a show of dominance by any means, but he was in my personal space. So, I scooted forward enough to turn, pick his arm up with my hand, and place it in his lap. I was worried the group would try to defend him, but everyone started laughing.

"Watch it," Talon chuckled at his friend. "You're starting to remind me of someone."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Robby muttered.

"I dunno, brother. That conversation we had a week ago says otherwise." My face flamed again at the idea that Robby had talked about me a week ago.

"Okay, enough of that," Sawyer said, still smiling at Robby's expense. "I have something serious that I wanted to discuss with you guys. I've been thinking. Christmas is only a week away, and I think we should celebrate together. I'm not going back home this year, and neither is Lexi. You four will only be home for two days, so that leaves December twenty-seventh. What do you guys think?"

"That sounds like a plan to me!" Talon exclaimed. Everyone agreed, and Parker offered to host the dinner at his and Kelly's home.

"Are we going to do a gift exchange?" I asked.

"We should!" Kelly said, then continued. "We can do a secret Santa-type of thing. That way, we're not spending too much."

"I like that," Sawyer bubbled.

After everyone had eaten, we were ready to head home. Everyone pulled their coats on but stopped in the entryway of the restaurant to stare outside.

"I guess Ohio decided to give us snow in December after all," Talon joked.

Talon, Robby, and Sawyer dashed to the car.

"Parker," I said, stopping him from leaving. Kelly hugged me and whispered another congratulation before running out to her car.