Inevitable

Chapter 63

We left the barber shop and started walking down the street past all the shops and restaurants that were normally so busy during the school year. Especially on the weekends. We went in a few stores and looked around but didn't buy anything. Henry seemed bored and I got the impression that shopping wasn't really his thing.

"So if I wasn't here this weekend, what would you be doing today?"

"Huh, why are you asking that?"

"You seemed bored. There's not much going on around here. I'm just wondering how you've been occupying yourself."

"First of all, I'm not bored. I'm enjoying spending time with you. Secondly, I'm usually rehearsing or writing music with Pete. We've actually written a lot of new songs this summer. I've also been going to the gym a lot."

"I can tell. So when is the next time you have rehearsal? Maybe I'll tag along."

"You would want to go? I told the guys that I could maybe do one on Tuesday but only if you were cool with it."

"You know I love watching you play. Plus, I'm still waiting to hear some of your original stuff."

There was a flash of something in his eyes. Worry? Fear? I couldn't tell because it was so quick. Maybe he was self conscious of his song writing?

"Okay, I'll let the guys know I can make it. Let's grab some lunch."

We decided on the diner where Henry had first called me his girlfriend. Memories of that night came flooding back to me. What a crazy night! Fighting with Jess and Liam, taking things to the next level with Henry, and having our first sleepover. And then everything that happened the next day with finding out that Henry pursued me at first to hurt Jess. It felt like a lifetime ago but I could still feel the pain that all of it caused. Looking back on everything, it felt like we were different people now. I think that what we went through forced both of us to grow up. We both knew what was important now.
    After we were seated in a booth, our waitress brought over our waters. I looked up at her to say thank you and she looked so familiar but I couldn't place her. She looked at Henry and a huge grin spread on her face.

"Omigod, Henry! I can't believe it's you. Why didn't you ever call me? I thought we had a really good time."

Henry's face jerked up from his menu and a look of pure panic overtook his features when he looked up at our waitress. He glanced at me with the most guilty look I have ever seen. It suddenly occurred to me why she was familiar. It was the girl in the Instagram posts with Henry when we were fighting. The high that I had been on since last night came crashing down. The last thing we needed was a reminder of that night. Henry finally got over his initial shock and found his voice to respond.

"Sophia, I didn't know you worked here. I'm sorry I never called you. This is my girlfriend, Emily."

Emphasis on the word girlfriend. I forced a small smile out of politeness. I couldn't really be mad at Sophia. She didn't do anything wrong. But I couldn't help but be annoyed at the situation. To be honest, we never really discussed what happened. And I would have been fine to keep going on like that. It was such a low point in my life and I wanted to forget about it. But the universe had other ideas.

"Girlfriend.....interesting. Anyway, can I get you two started with something to drink?"

We both ordered iced teas and Sophia scurried away to get them for us. I was tempted to get up and leave this super awkward situation but before I could do anything, Henry grabbed my hands.

"I'm so sorry. I swear I didn't know she worked here. And everything was going so great."

"It's fine Henry."