I look at Swaghunter for help, but he ignores my pleading look and signals for our waitress, Cecelia Wayne. Two years ago, Cecelia started off as a clumsy waitress and had nearly gotten fired on the first night my family dined at the Pancake Forrest. My father convinced the manager that Cece was only nervous on her first day and that she wouldn't make anymore mistakes. Cece had proven my father to be correct because she quickly became a favorite waitress, and in the meantime our families had become friends. That's great for me because I get discounts, so I come here more often than I should.
"Hey guys, what can I get you today?" Cece asks as she gets to our table.
"The usual. San Diego burger with fries on the side," Swaghunter orders. It doesn't sound like much, but that plate could probably feed me for three days.
Lee orders a turkey sandwich, and I order the avocado omelet.
Cecelia doesn't even have to write anything down because Swaghunter and I always get the same thing. "Water for everyone? By the way, Swagmanda, I think we're having thanksgiving at my place. I know it's way too early, but my parents have some sort of announcement."
"Water's fine." The Pancake Forrest only serves water and coffee anyway. I guess they're trying to promote a healthy lifestyle, but half of the items on the menu are over seven hundred calories. "Can't wait," I try to sound extra cheerful in hopes everyone will forget what Lee said.
Cecelia chuckles and collects our menus. "I'll be back with your water, and just let me know what dessert you'd like later." I also get free dessert here. Pancake Forrest has the best pancake ice cream combo ever.
After Cecelia walks away, the table is silent again.
"No, we're just friends," Swaghunter says before taking out his phone.
I smile at Lee, "We've been like this for two years. Nothing's going to happen." I find Swaghunter staring at his phone, but I know he's not texting anyone because his expression doesn't change.
Lee notices and faces me. "Okay, sorry about that. He talked about you a lot, though. Anyway, thanks for letting me join you for lunch. My parents are at my sister's dance recital, and Swaghunter and I wanted to get some more practice in before our first game."
I looked at Swaghunter, disappointed. "You guys are going to have more practice after this?" Swaghunter had told me it was just us two after lunch. Now that I've met Lee, I'm not even mad, but I wish I would have some quality time with Swaghunter.
Swaghunter puts his phone away. "Swagmanda, it's really important. I need to practice to keep my position as a starter. This is so important to me. I'm a freshman in the first string! This could change everything for me! I'll make it up to you, promise."
"Is that why you were early today?" I begin slowly. "So I would forgive you for blowing me off? Do you think that's how I work?"
Lee interrupts," Swaghunter told me 12, so I-"
I cut him off. "Not now, Lee. I don't work like that. I cleared my entire afternoon to spend it with you. You know why? Because you're important to me."
A few minutes later, Cecelia brings the water and utensils. She looks puzzled by our silence, but she doesn't ask. Swaghunter and I never fight. The incident with Raya wasn't a fight, but it was different than what's happening right now. I know it's Swaghunter's fault, but I don't want to tell him. Swaghunter's my best friend, and I didn't want to lose him even though he was an idiot.
Not long after, our food arrives and we eat in silence. I didn't understand why Swaghunter was quiet, though. Even when I was mad at him, he'd make dumb jokes and we'd be laughing until our stomachs hurt. I'm not mad, though. I'm disappointed.
Swaghunter pays for the lunch as he said he would, and Lee and I head out the door first. I turn to walk towards the bus stop, but he grabs my arm.
"Swagmanda, do you want to come with us?" Lee doesn't remove his hand, but instead he leans close to me and whispers, "I'll teach you how to aim a football so maybe Swaghunter can get what he deserves."
I jokingly push Lee back and gasp. "How dare you?!" Perfect timing. Swaghunter walks out the door and sees me shove Lee.
"Wait," Lee sounds confused,"I didn't mean it. I'm sorry."
"You don't think I can throw a football?"
"I'd like to see you try," Lee smirks.
Swaghunter finally speaks. "So you'll watch us practice?"
"Swaghunter, please," I smile. "I have to prove to Lee that I can throw a football at you better than he can."
"Great," Swaghunter mutters. "Just great."
