I was in a bit of a pickle. Corey had called five minutes ago and asked me if I would like to go on a blind date at the café. I wasn't dumb. I knew he was trying to set me up with an unknowing Lenny. That's part of the problem.
Shortly after my last conversation with Lenny, I knew he wanted me to leave him alone. He was infuriated at my actions. It was best to let him cool off before I even began to talk with him.
So I told Corey no.
Now I was sitting on the carpeted floor of my two best friend's house, watching a Harry Potter movie, and trying to stay attentive. It wasn't that the movie was boring. I just couldn't keep my thoughts on it. My mind kept wondering to all I had missed out on.
Imagine this. You left your family for a while, and when you came back everything had changed. Your friends had gotten married, had kids, or just plain grew up. The old flame you left? They pretty much hate you.
I couldn't stop thinking about a certain red head, and it wasn't Ron Weasley.
"Girls, I have a problem." Kim paused the movie.
"Hermione and Ron just kissed and you didn't squeal. We know you have a problem," Konnie said, popping some candy in her mouth. I rolled my eyes.
"I already told you I like Harry and Hermione better," I reminded them. They gasped dramatically, acting as if I had just said something highly offensive. I guess I had in their world.
"However, that isn't the problem."
Kim snorted, "Speak for yourself."
"I can't stop think about Lenny," I said, ignoring her. The twins shifted into a serious mood, and gestured to go on. I bit my lip as I thought of how to put my thoughts into words.
"He wants me to leave him be, but I want to help him."
The twins simultaneously raised one brow in a "Is that really it?" look.
"Fine, I want Lenny back," I said to avoid any embarrassing interrogation. They looked satisfied.
Kim grabbed the candy from her sister and settle back into the couch, reaching for the remote.
"Wait, what am I suppose to do?" I asked desperately. Konnie glanced at me. She examined the worried look that must've been on my face and tilted her head.
"You really don't know?" Kim questioned. I shook my head. The twins face palmed. Konnie picked up the home phone, and dialed a number. A quick conversation followed. After she hung up, she smiled slyly at me.
"Okay, you have a date with Declan."
"What?" I said incredulously. Konnie just patted my head.
"Go get ready for your date," she ordered.
"Trust us, we are the love experts," Kim said, with a tone that declared the conversation over. She turned back to the movie.
"Oh, by the way, it's at the diner in ten," Konnie relayed hurriedly. I was in shock at the twins, but I slowly realized the genius plan. Either it was to make Lenny jealous, or to get my mind off of him.
I got up from my seat on the floor, shuffling to the upstairs room that was temporarily mine. Just for now, mind you. I will not take advantage of my friends.
Light flooded the room, revealing its semi-empty state. A few unpacked boxes of my belongings sat in the middle of the floor. The bed was positioned horizontally next to the window, giving a perfect view of the seemingly quite neighborhood. A nice dresser along the right wall held most of my clothes, and an oak desk that smelled faintly like cigarettes sat alone in the corner. I'd placed my journal, cell phone, and bag there.
I had originally come up to get my shoes. When the journal caught my eye, I seated myself at the desk and opened it to a blank page. It was a habit I'd gotten into while in the music profession. Keeping a diary had helped me write songs. I tapped my pen absently as I stared at the paper.
I jotted down my thoughts before I realized I was wasting valuable time. Jumping up and grabbing my sneakers, I sprinted downstairs. I said a rushed goodbye to the twins as I left.
I arrived at the diner five minutes later. The sign read open in flashing, neon letters, but the place was practically deserted. Most people were just drinking coffee or hot chocolate to ward off the cold. In the back booth, there was a couple that were actually eating.
Though I didn't recognize the brunette girl, I was sure the man was Lenny. Through the window, I could tell they were laughing. Half of my brain said to storm in there, grab the girl by the collar, give her a piece of my mind, and declare that Lenny was mine. The other half said it wasn't the best choice to make and I might be arrested. Besides, I had a date.
He caught my eye as I went to turn away. I saw him grin sheepishly to the girl and stand. Lenny quick walked to the door. If the glass door didn't have a resistor on it, it probably would have shattered for he slammed it behind him.
"So…who's the girl?" I spoke casually, trying to mask my annoyance. He ran his finger through his hair as he sighed.
"Did you happen upon us or did you mean to come here?" Lenny asked. I was really glad I had a reason.
"Actually, I'm here to meet my date. He should be along any moment now."
As if on cue, a young blonde guy strode up to me. He was wearing a faded shirt with a cartoon badger, jeans, and sneakers with videogame characters. His attire said "gamer dude", but he looked more like a swimsuit model than anything.
"Hi, are you Carrie?" he said. I nodded, grinning brightly.
Lenny was fuming and his face was bright red. Whether he was angry because he had been hoping to catch me spying on him, or he was simply jealous, was somewhat undecided. In any case, he was ticked off.
"I'm Declan, it's nice to meet you," the swimsuit model guy said. I politely replied, but I was mainly containing my laughter. Lenny looked outraged. It was definitely jealousy. I knew he wanted to kick Declan into unconsciousness right then, and you know what? It kind of felt good to know he still cared.
"I was just catching up with an old friend. We can go whenever you like, Declan," I said. He smiles and offers his hand, which I take without hesitation.
As we walk away, I relish the hardly audible curses words Lenny casts on Declan.
A/N: It's short and crappy, but screw it. I'm tired.
Thanks for the encouraging reviews, awesome favs, and the amazing follows on the last chappie!
Yep. Carrie's enjoyment with Lenny's jealousy is strange. At least he still cares, right?
Swimsuit model guy and Lenny's date based off a dream. Don't worry, they won't be around long. I know everyone hates a Mary Sue, but they have a purpose!
What do you guys think will happen: Declan the polite and understanding or Declan the heartbreaker (think Hans from Frozen)?
