***Disclaimer: I do not own Sonny With a Chance***
James held the large glass door to Arcadia open for Sonny, and she strode into the game room with a huge smile on her face. Perhaps James really had changed.
"Care for an air hockey rematch?" James challenged.
"Loser still buys burgers?" Sonny asked.
"Like old times," James beamed.
If it wasn't for Sonny's flawless air hockey record, she would have thought James was actually letting her win. Therefore, instead of finding the game sweet and chivalrous, she found it annoying and clumsy. Chad would never think of being chivalrous; he was much too famous for that.
Sonny cursed herself for thinking of Chad and refocused on the pathetic game of air hockey.
BEEEEEP!!!!! The goal buzzer sounds once again, finally letting the pair leave. 7-0. A perfect game at any other time besides a date.
"You're as good as I remembered," James laughed. "How about we go eat?"
Sonny nodded and they started their way towards the tables. James put his arm around her, a warm smile spreading across his face. His arm felt nice, but not like when Chad put his arm around her. Something felt awkward. Distant.
"So," James said, breaking the silence, "what have you been up to since I've been gone?"
"Well, the other day I was walking to the-"
"Sorry I'm late, AGAIN. Geez, history seems to be repeating itself a lot lately. Don't you think? Anyway, what did I miss?"
"Dude, are you seriously doing this again? I really like Sonny, and I would like to actually have some time alone with her."
"Really?" Sonny smiled her best artificial smile. She felt completely awkward over what James had just said, but it seemed to make Chad angry, so why not keep up the charade.
"Really," James replied with his deep, serious voice.
"Wow," Sonny could here the honesty in his voice. Chad would never be able to talk to her like that. "Hey, I'm going to go to the bathroom real quick. Don't get any less adorable while I'm gone!" she winked and left the boys alone in the booth.
"So, uh, things seem to be working out for you and Sonny this time, eh?" Chad said carefully, struggling to hide the emotions fighting to burst out of him.
"She's great, but if it doesn't work out, I've got others. You know what I mean?"
"I'm sorry, do you mean other girlfriends?!" So much for keeping it cool. Anyone could hear the stress behind his voice. Another girl besides Sonny? Chad could not even imagine it.
"Yeah, dude. I've got three more dates lined up tonight. Speaking of which, Sonny better get back here quick. Girl number two is up in ten minutes."
"Does Sonny know about this?"
"Of course not. I'm a changed man this time, remember? Anyway, let's just keep this between us, ok?"
Chad just nodded in silence, still shocked from the news. Not that he expected anything different from a jerk like James.
"Ready to go?" Sonny floated back to the table, looking more beautiful than before, if that was possible.
"Only if you are. I'm in no rush," James gave a knowing wink towards Chad and stood up from the table.
"Oh James, you are so sweet," Sonny smiled, taking his hand in hers. She told herself she was moving on, and this was definitely a good way to start. Their eyes were locked on each other, staring as if there was no one else in the room.
Including Chad.
He sat silently in the booth, watching the couple look at each other with lust in their eyes. James was a better actor than Chad gave him credit for. Sonny wasn't acting though, he noted sadly.
"Before we go…" James said, cradling Sonny's face in his hands. He slowly moved his face closer, his eyes never leaving her face.
Chad couldn't watch this. He had to do something. His eyes scanned the table, looking for something that could help him.
"Soda!" he whispered as he grabbed the full glass next to him. "Whoops!" he exclaimed as he spilled the drink across the table, right onto James's dark black jeans.
Chad sighed with relief as James turned away from Sonny to see what had happened.
"Why don't you just get out of here, Chad," James snarled angrily. Chad took the hint and got up from the table.
See you Sonny," Chad grinned, proud of his work.
"Bye Ch-" Sonny was cut short by James's lips crushing onto her face.
