Strings of Destiny

Chapter Thirteen

Nate was mad. Tawny was extra needy and Ellie wouldn't answer his calls. His mother was upset with him and Solomon was loudly quiet. Timothy was just loud...

Even worse, Coach Carson was trying to get closer to him in his fumbling attempt at bonding.

Nate tapped his fingers against his desk in class when Tommy had enough. "Dude? What's wrong?"

Nate snapped his furious gaze in his best friend's direction.

"Did I do something?" Tommy blinked.

Nate almost told him he had but he softened. Tommy had been his best friend since they'd moved to America. "No. I'm just pissed off."

"Why?" Tommy relaxed.

"Coach-"

"Ew. He's still dating Ms. Ming?"

"Thank you!" Nate hushed himself. "I wish he'd just go away."

Tommy thought about it. "Ellie and I are going out Saturday night to this cooking class. You and Tawny want to double? It'll get your mind off this."

Nate blinked at him before a sinister smile crawled over his face. "Thanks, man."

Tommy smiled and turned to face front.

Nate smirked.

<<<

Ellie was glad Nate stopped popping up in the library but she was even gladder to have less secrets from her friends. She was able to gush about her baby now.

They were at lunch, eating, working and talking about Lene and her experiences when Ellie heard someone coming.

"Library's popular these days."

Brenda frowned. "Huh?"

Ellie pointed her pen.

Brenda and Brian turned just as Miranda came around the bend. The redhead broke into a wide smile. "Hi."

"Hi, Miranda Hawke." Brenda fawned.

Brian whipped around with wide eyes.

"Hey, Miranda." Ellie blew out a low breath for Brian to emulate.

He did.

Miranda waved. "I- You said I could join you one day. Tawny's at the dentist today and Trevor's out so- Seems perfect."

"They're both out at the same time?" Ellie felt suspicious over that.

"Yeah." Miranda shifted nervously. "So can I? Join you guys?"

"Of course!" Brenda leapt at the chance.

"You can sit by me." Ellie moved her belongings so Miranda would have space.

"Thank you." Miranda went around the table to sit next to Ellie but across from Brian.

"What do you have for lunch?" Brenda asked in the dead silence.

"Oh my dad makes my lunch everyday."

"He does?" Brenda loved that.

"Yeah. He packs it with inspirational notes."

Ellie smiled. "That's kind of him."

Miranda beamed. "Thanks. Some people think it's silly."

"Why?"

"Tawny thinks it's weird. But my dad is a chef. He owns a restaurant downtown."

"That's cool though. Is cooking his dream?"