Not the Same

Dinner with the Enemy

Ricky’s POV

            As time went by at work, Connor kept his word and stayed away from me the whole time we was there. When it was close to closing, Kian asked, “Is something wrong with Connor? He’s been avoiding us all day.”

            “He’s just got a lot on his mind. Connor has been known to become a loner when it comes to sorting things out,” I say. “He tends to be secluded and very quiet.”

            Even though parts of what I was saying was true, I was flat out lying to Kian. I knew exactly why he was avoiding us. Every time we crossed paths during work, I could see the pain, frustration and sadness in his expression. However, when Kian would come around, he put on a happy face. I never realized how good he was at faking. This makes me wonder whether or not he put on a face when I was around him back then. I mean, even I believed his fake smile.

            “Well, I hope he gets whatever it is sorted out,” Kian says. “I hate watching someone mope around.”

            “He’ll be fine,” I say.

            LIES!

            Kian walked away followed by Cam approaching me. “Hey, I don’t know LA all that well,” Cam says. “Any chance you could choose where we could have that dinner.”

            “Wait, you was serious,” I say slightly took back. “I thought you was messing with me.”

            “Ricky, I know we had a past,” Cam says. “But I’m trying to put that behind us. I really do want to be your friend and Kian’s.”

            “Fine,” I say. “I’ll have to talk it over with my friends on where we want to go. As soon I find out, I’ll text you and we’ll meet you here at the marketplace. Deal?”

            “Deal,” Cam says with a smile and walks away.

            Time seemed to drag slower and slower. From the constant questions from Kian, Connor’s avoidance, and Cam’s happiness, time seemed to stand still. Finally, after what felt like a millennium, work was over. When we left the marketplace, Joey and Cat were waiting in Satsuki for us. Connor must’ve told them to come pick us up.

            “Hey guys,” Cat says.

            “Hey,” Connor says with a big smile.

            Damn he was good.

            “Hey, Cat,” Kian and I say in unison.

            We all pile into Satsuki and head back to Cat and Joey’s apartment.  I texted Shelby and Andrea and told them to meet us at Joey and Cat’s place. When we got to the apartment, Andrea and Shelby were waiting for us. “Hey,” Shelby and Andrea said.