“Okay,” he confirms with a nod. “So… I’ll just let the guys know what’s happen-"

“Yo, Jake. What the hell man? You’ve been in here for ages, I was about to-" Logan stops in his tracks when he sees us, how were sitting, and probably the state of my face.

“Give us a minute?” Jake says to Logan.

“Yeah man, sure, of course.” Logan starts backing away from us.

“So… I should probably go tell them what’s up. I mean, they won’t mind you coming along but they’ll probably want to know why. I can lie to them if you want, but I don’t think they’d care either way, so it’s up to you, what you want me to tell them.”

“It’s okay,” I smile at him. “You can tell them the truth. I’m just gonna go freshen up and then I’ll be right out, okay?”

“Sure.” But it comes out more like… shaw. It’s the accent.

***

Ten minutes in the restroom to freshen up and I’m almost back to normal. I hope ten minutes is enough time for all his friends to ask whatever they need to. I just don’t want to ruin their night, but I don’t want to down play what happened here either. I can’t believe I’m doing this, with a stranger, but right now, I think it’s what I need.

I check my phone, it’s been blowing up with calls and messages from James. None from Megan, not one. Two from my parents and a text from them asking if I’m okay, and that James has called there a few times. I text them back to tell them everything’s fine, and I’ll see them at home later tonight and explain everything then.

I tell them I love them, because I really do, and nothing has made me realize it more than the shit that’s just happened here.

A few seconds later I get a text from Mom,

‘We love you too, sweetheart. Have a good night. Emily is begging for ice cream. We’ll bring you back a big batch of cookies’n’cream. It will be waiting for you in the freezer, wake me if I’m asleep to share it.’

I’m actually really looking forward to it.

I walk out from the back of the restaurant and into the dining area. Jake and his friends are waiting for me at the entrance foyer. They turn towards me as I walk up. They all smile, but I don’t know them well enough to know if it’s genuine.

Jake puts his hand on the small of my back to lead the way. It’s skin on skin contact because of the way my dress is, and I don’t think he expected it. He tenses for a second next to me, before he asks, “Ready?”

I nod my head and smile up at him.

“Well, let’s go then.” he smiles back.

***

Once were all seated in the limo, Logan’s outside having a cigarette, so we wait for him while introductions are being made. I can tell by their builds that all the boys are jocks. The guy opposite me looks familiar, maybe he plays basketball and I’ve seen him play against our school. I did go to all of James’ games. He’s introduced to me as Dylan. Dylan does a quick head nod and then returns his eyes to the girl sitting on his lap. Obviously a man of many words.

“I’m Heidi,” the blond on his lap says. “Don’t mind him, he’s quiet. Likes to make me feel real special by not looking at other girls for more than a second. It’s sweet, but it can be awkward if you don’t know him,” she shrugs.

“‘Him’ is sitting right here, Heids,” Dylan says, rolling his eyes.

“It’s nice to know there are actually guys like that around,” I say flatly, looking out the window.

“Oh shit!” Heidi gasps. “I’m such a fucking idiot.” She pounds her palm to her forehead. “I’m sorry, Mikayla. I really didn’t mean anything by it.”

“It’s fine.” I smile at her. “Honestly.”

“I’m Cameron, or just Cam,” the guy next to them says. I think Heidi is relieved to move on. “That little lady,” he says, pointing to the girl on the other side of Jake where we share a bench seat, “her name’s Lucy.”

Lucy looks up from what looks to be an e-reader with a timid smile on her face. “Hi, Mikayla. It’s nice to meet you,” she says quietly, then resumes her reading. I look over at Cameron, he just shrugs. “She’s on the last few chapters of some book she’s been reading. She can’t stay away from it. We’re used to it now, we always find her reading at the oddest times. Don’t we, babe?” He says the last sentence a little louder to get her attention.

What! These two are dating?

“uh-huh,” Lucy says, not looking up from her book.

“I have the biggest dick you’ve ever seen, don’t I, babe?” Cam yells at her, trying to distract her.

The car erupts in laughter, me included. Jake shakes his head next to me.

“Yeah, babe. I know exactly what you said, and I’d deny it if it weren’t true, but your right, it’s true, it’s definitely the biggest I’ve ever seen,” Lucy says with a small smirk, eyes never leaving her book.

“Awwe, I love you, babe. Best. Answer. Ever.” He smiles a shit eating grin.

“But… Babe,” Lucy says, eyes still on the book, “yours is the only one I’ve ever seen so I have absolutely nothing at all to compare it to, it could be tiny and I wouldn’t have a clue. Now let me finish my book.”

Everyone laughs again and Heidi leans over to give Lucy a high five which she enthusiastically provides.