It was really strange in a way, seeing those two together. Candice was just listening to music on her Walkman and Alan was reading something politics in the newspaper, but the moment they saw Elizabeth and Carla entering, Candice started saying something and laughed a lot and Alan had this look of amusement that seemed almost fake. It must be some attempt to make us jealous, thought Elizabeth. Alan Collins was a little good-looking, but it was his supposed "charm" that won women over. However, in reality, he was self-absorbed and even a little ignorant. He liked seeming as if he were well-informed on current events and read a lot (mainly because his father was a retired business professor), but he was more likely to be found making out with women while watching some bad movie in his messy living room.
"Why, hello there, Lizzie and Carla. It's quite a coincidence that we should all be here at the same time, don't you think?" Alan said in that voice of his that was meant to make women start blushing and respond in some flirty manner, but Elizabeth and Carla knew better. The fact that he was with Candice Bingley only made it worse. "I ran into Candice a while ago, and before we knew it, it's as if we'd been friends all along."
"He paid for everything. Even after I told him about my family's wealth, he said, 'A fine young lady like you shouldn't have to pay for a simple meal.' Isn't that so sweet?" said Candice with a small smirk which Alan couldn't see.
"So what? You should see all the charming guys I've gone out with," said Carla.
"And what about you, Elizabeth? Do you have a lot of luck with men yourself, or is it just your sister that's good at winning men over?" Candice was now giving her a dirty look, and Elizabeth knew she was talking about her brother and Jane. Younger sisters were always jealous when their older brothers found girlfriends, which she knew from Carla's reactions to her brother Juan dating some aspiring fashion designer a few years ago, but Candice Bingley was not your typical younger sister. She came from a wealthy and well-known family, and her brother listened to her every command.
"Hola, ladies! What can I get you today?" It was Mrs. Luis, who was plump and mainly wore slacks. She was good at keeping costumers satisfied, as was her husband. Carla herself wasn't very pretty, being short with unruly hair and a slightly large figure, but she was very outgoing, although she often talked about not wanting to be exactly like her parents. With Carla now talking to her mother, Elizabeth was left alone in dealing with Alan and Candice.
"Look. Whoever my sister wants to be with, it's completely her business. Just because your brother was flirting with her dosen't mean they're going to end up becoming a couple."
"Whatever. Just know that when Charlie really falls for someone, it's serious. He gets really upset if they don't like him back, so tell your sister that she better watch out." Then she turned back to Alan. "So, how does Friday night sound?"
"That would be perfect, Candy," Alan answered flirtatiously. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and walked away. Even though she didn't like William Darcy, she absolutely couldn't stand these two.