“And leaving with your V card. Don't tell me you're going to give him your virginity, Cadence?” Sadie asks and my mouth drops open at that. I shake my head.
“I can tell you from experience that’s not who you want to give that to. Seen it in movies, about waiting for the right person. Always thought that was a crock of shit. But now I wish I had. Roman waited for me, he gave me all his firsts. I had nothing left to give him in return, and I wish I did.
“But Emerson… he’s a fuck boy. If the rumours are true, he’s good at what he gives. But that’s it. He fucks and leaves. I don’t want that for you. I want you to have better than that for your first time.”
“Back up, Roman waited for you? And you have no firsts? None at all? Like as in you've done anal,” Sadie whispers the last part, and I cough and laugh at the same time.
“Okay, that's the first I've got left, but Roman’s cock is not going anywhere near there. He's huge.”
They both try to hold in the giggles, but it doesn't work and we all end up laughing together.
“Mila, thanks. And I get it. My mom tells me to wait for the right boy. Only sometimes… I think Emerson is the right boy.”
I nod. It's up to her if she wants to lose her virginity to him. If she does, I will make sure that he treats her very well or I will kill him. And I will support her in that as best I can as her friend.
The bell rings and we all groan.
“Okay, I will see you tonight Cadence. Sadie, say hi to your mom for me.”
I quickly text Hunter to let him know Sadie can't make it anymore. Who can we ask at late notice to come play laser tag with us?
* * *
When Walker said that he hired the arcade, I assumed he meant that part of the venue with the laser tag and seated area. But he hired the whole venue, including all the gaming machines and a ball pit. I haven't been to this place in years. Hell, since we were kids. We would come here and all jump in the ball pit and throw the balls at each other’s heads.
Yeah, we weren’t very mature. But those balls hurt when they hit your face. I always played up I was injured and when they stopped, I would hurl a ball right at their nose. Lucky for them, I wasn’t the best aim. But we would get kicked out more often than not. I smile at the memory. I loved those days.
There’s pizza and ribs, and Walker smuggled beer for everyone to celebrate. I turn my nose up at it. I don't really like beer. It's not my thing, but I grab a bottle just to join in with everyone.
Emerson’s talking to Cadence. I love the way she twirls her hair as she flirts back with him. They’d make a cute couple if Emerson wasn't such a player. They're both great people, different from each other, but I think that works. She's level-headed and smart. She's confident in her own way, she's happy in her own skin. Okay, normally she is, but right now she seems a little insecure talking to him.
But the thing about Emerson is, I might not know him super well now. But he’s just as insecure as she is. Aren’t we all? He was this cute nerdy kid in elementary school. So, he knows what that feels like, to not be the most popular, or the strongest, or even the best football player.
I can see him flirting with her, but his usual pickup lines aren’t working. He actually has to work to get Cadence. She isn’t the usual cheerleader throwing herself at him.
“What time did you say our special friend is arriving, Mila?” Walker asks from beside me, I almost jump. I’d been so focused on the two lovebirds over there. I didn't even see him approach me. I put my hand to my chest. I’d almost forgot Alessandro’s coming.
“Ah, seven. Why?” I look at my phone and it's almost that time now.
“Just I saw a car pull up front and I think he’s waiting for you.”
I look to the front doors of the building and sure enough there’s Alessandro. He tips his head up in greeting and points to the locked door.
I see then he has three men with him in suits. He’s wearing dark jeans and a black polo. He must really like polos? reminds me of my dad and his love of polos.
I walk over with Walker. Roman sees where I’m going and jogs over. Walker opens the door to let Alessandro in. One man in a suit steps inside with him and I take a step back. The other two stand guard at the door as the one inside locks it and stands behind Alessandro.
At least they don't look like Johnny and Carlos, and I'm glad. But why’s he here? To tell us they are now dead? I don’t think I want to know that part. As much as I love my true crime, I don’t want to be an episode of it.
“Hello firecracker, breakdown any gates lately?” I roll my eyes at him, and he chuckles.
“Happy birthday Roman.” Alessandro holds out a small green box to Roman and Roman hesitates before taking it from him. I didn't expect him to bring Roman a gift, and from the look on his face, neither did Roman.
“Thanks for letting me intrude on your special day.”
Roman says nothing. He just stares at the now open box and I peer in. There’s a watch in there, a silver band and the face of its green. It's pretty, not very Roman. But maybe he will wear it somewhere fancy. Oh, like graduation?
“Is that a real Rolex?” Walker asks casually.It’s a Rolex?
