Our Way

My blood boils.

Samuel’s eyes come to me. “How do you know Nathan Mercer?”

“We’re friends. There’s a group of us that all hang out together on the weekends.”

“I see.” He smiles. “And this Tiny girl—the meat eater—is in your group, too?”

“Yeah.” My furious eyes flick over to Nathan at the counter. “I’ll introduce you to her really soon.”

* * *

It’s Friday night and we are on our way to Brooke’s birthday dinner, we are walking down the street toward the restaurant. Nathan has been giving me the silent treatment since he saw me at lunch with Samuel yesterday. He read in bed last night, while I watched television, and he was conveniently asleep when I went to bed. Tonight, he picked me up and hasn’t said a word.

“Are you going to talk to me?” I ask.

“I am talking to you.” He keeps his gaze straight ahead.

“No, you’re not. It was just lunch, Nathan.” I sigh. “Stop being a baby. I told you I was ready to date and so I met someone in the cafeteria. I don’t understand what your problem is.”

He stops on the spot and glares at me. “You’re seriously pissing me off.”

“Because I dare to go on a date?” I unlink my arm from his. “I told you the other night I wanted to start dating.”

“You told me you were horny.”

“Same thing.”

“They are not the same.”

“So, what do you do when you’re horny?” I bark.

“I fuck someone, Eliza. I most definitely don’t have lunch with someone I work with in a professional environment.”

We arrive at the restaurant, and he opens the door with attitude. We walk in and see our friends sitting at the back table.

“For your information,” I whisper as we weave through the tables. “I don’t have sex with strangers. I’m not a fucking sleazebag.”

“And I am?” He growls.

“Shut up, Nathan. I don’t have to explain my dating life to you. You’re not my boyfriend.”

“Shut up?” He gasps as he pulls me to a stop. “Shut up?” His eyes look like they are about to pop out of his head. “Don’t tell me to fucking shut up, Eliza.” He growls. “Do it again and see what happens.”

I roll my eyes at his dramatics. “Where am I, Nathan?” I ask him. He glares at me. “I am at dinner with you.” I prod my finger in his chest, hard. “I will be going home with you tonight, and I told Samuel I was busy all weekend because I wanted to see you instead. Although, if you keep being a dickhead, I may reconsider.” I storm to the table. “Hello.” I smile to everyone as I fall into my happy go lucky role.

“Finally.” Brooke smiles and stands. I pull her into a hug.

“Happy birthday, baby.”

Nathan hugs her, too. “Happy Birthday, Brookey.”

“Sorry we’re late.” I kiss Jolie and the two boys.

Nathan and I fall into our seats opposite each other. He smiles and greets everyone, and then they all fall into chatter between themselves. Then, his attention comes back to me, and his face drops.

“Stop it.” I kick him hard in the shin and he jumps.

He winces in pain.