The Unknown

I said no

Julie's pov

Mike, at least I think it was Mike, decided it would be a good idea for the six of us to have dinner with Tristan so we could get to know him better. Why he thought this after witnessing what happened when Shane tried this with Kimberly is definitely an unsolved mystery.

So here we are sitting in uncomfortable silence at the restaurant until I get the conversation started.

"Suzanne and I and some of our friends were hoping to go to her Uncle's lakehouse next weekend.  Can I go?" I ask, hoping for a positive response as I stare at my plate while mindlessly pushing my green beans back and forth.

"Are you speaking to your green beans or one of us, Julie? I couldn't tell since you weren't making eye contact," Mike replied, rather snidely in my opinion.

"I was speaking to the adults at the table but I'm thinking now I have a better chance with the haricots verts." I knew this was a long shot from the beginning.

"Several teenagers unsupervised at a lakehouse?" Shane questioned. "I don't think any part of that scenario is a good idea, Julie, but your French is coming along nicely." Shane winked at me and smirked.

"Absolutely not, Julie. You're not going," Mike stated firmly.

"Thanks so much for giving it careful consideration," I unwisely replied quite sarcastically, earning a scowl from both my guardians.

"I'm sure the topic would be open for more discussion at home," Tristan chimed in, a breezy lilt to his voice.

Upon hearing this Mike immediately dropped his knife and fork. He wiped his mouth with his napkin, exhaled loudly, and placed his elbows on the table, folding his hands in front of him.

"I said no and that is final." Mike spoke sternly with unmistakable authority. He first looked to me then turned his attention to his fiance.

"Yes sir," I responded immediately. Challenging Mike when he was all alpha male was a grave mistake, one I wasn't about to repeat.

Mike narrowed his gaze and without taking his eyes off me, said, "Tristan, I'd like a word with you in private please."

I swallowed hard hearing Mike's harsh tone, feeling quite sorry for Tristan at this moment. Seemingly oblivious to his faux pas of contradicting Mike, Tristan smiled, stood up and said, "Sure."

Mike stood slowly, continuing to glare at me before he led Tristan out of the restaurant.

"I think your best bet with a legume would be to ask Mr. Peanut." Stacey is apparently unaware she's thinking out loud, or she's just unconcerned.

Recognizing the what Hell are you talking about look she's getting from everyone at the table, she tries to clarify her previous ramblings.

"You know, 'cause of the monocle and top hat. It makes him seem worldly and wise..." her voice trails off at the end as she notices all the blank stares from her table mates. "No? Nothing? Nevermind," Stacey says dejectedly, as she looks down at her plate and resumes eating.

Shane just shakes his head and chuckles. He's still amused by the ridiculous things we come up with at times.

Approximately five minutes later, Mike and Tristan return to our table taking their seats, Tristan looking quite embarrassed as his cheeks flush a telling red hue.

"I apologize for interrupting everyone's meal," he timidly speaks his clearly scripted apology.

Trying to alleviate the tension and lighten the mood at the table, Shane responds, "No worries, mate."