Jefferson Lake (MBBF Spin-Off)

Chap. 45

"Truth or dare?" McKenna asked Emily, with her eyebrows raised.

"Truth," Emily said, with a smile.

"Boring," Parker complained.

"I did dare last time," Emily pointed out. "Let me have this one."

"Tell us about your most awkward date," McKenna said.

Parker raised his eyebrows at Emily, clearly interested in this answer.

"Okay," Emily agreed, with a laugh. "I was in the 11th grade, and I was living in London. And I met this guy, his name was Derryl."

Parker growled.

"Oh tone down the jealousy big guy," Emily said, patting his arm. "Super nice, seemed legit. So we went on a stroll together, which doesn't sound romantic but in my situation, it was pretty much like freedom. And so I was trying to strike up a conversation with him, anything to keep it going you know? And I happened to mention that my best friend Michelle owned a cat named Jasmine. And holy shit, it was like I opened the dam. He starts talking about his pet cats back home, which is cool. I'm all about talking about your pets. But then he goes on to talk about how he wishes he could form a rock band with his cats. Like an actual rock band, because that would be cool. So I just kind of nod and smile, because what the fuck am I supposed to say to that? And then this silence stretches between us, a good 30 seconds or so, and then he meows. Like an actual meow. In the middle of the streets of London. And I didn't know what to say to that, so I just pretended like I didn't hear it and tried to make more conversation. And he talked about his cats some more. And then when we got back, I went on my merry way and never made contact again."

At this point we were all doubled over in laughter, imagining this scenario in our heads.

"So there you go, my most awkward date," she finished.

"I'm just glad it wasn't with me," Parker said, flashing her a smile.

"As long as you don't meow at me in the middle of the street, or talk about starting a rock band with your pet cats, I think we're okay," Emily said, laughing.

"Pick your victim," I said, smiling at Emily. "Will it be Parker or me?"

She glanced between the two of us, knitting her eyebrows together.

"Parker my love," she said, a smile dancing on her lips.

"Dammit," he muttered.

"Truth or dare?"

He let out a long sigh, studying her face.

"Dare."

"I hoped you'd choose that."

"Great."

She chuckled. "I dare you to sing a song."

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Any song?"

"A song that reminds you of me."

I couldn't help but laugh, leaning back in my chair.

This should be interesting.

"You want me to sing a song that reminds me of you?" Parker reiterated.

Emily nodded, tilting her head to the side with that ever present smile.

Parker nodded, his eyes narrowing.

"That was a risky move," McKenna commented.

"I'm intrigued," Emily said, with a shrug.

And then Parker jumped to his feet, extending his arms out.

"I can show you the world! Shining, shimmering splendid. Tell me princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?"