I sit alone at a table in Tiana's Palace waiting for Chad to arrive. I keep looking down at my phone to check the time. He knows I have a super important appointment with Ben in an hour to discuss plans for Mal's birthday party. I am almost convinced that Chad tricked me yesterday and start to get up from the table . Before I am able to even gather my handbag from the chair next to me, a sweaty, agitated looking Chad sits across from me.
" I'm sorry I'm late. Audrey kept giving me excuses to stay with her. She thought we were going on a date and it took me like 20 minutes to convince her otherwise." Chad explained as he composed himself." Besides I actually find your relationship with Carlos adorable."
I blush a little. " that Audrey can be a handful." I laugh as we order our drinks. I order a raspberry tea and Chad gets a Strawberry Acai juice cocktail. I never would have thought that I would be able to actually have a pleasant meal with Chad around but ever since I stood up to him yesterday I have felt a new confidence about me. Even Evie could tell something had happened as I was actually vocal about my dress design.
" I have been thinking about what you told me yesterday, about how your mother was the reason I was born and you're right. I had no excuse to treat you the way I did, you were just being like your mother , following the goodness in your heart, " Chad confesses as the drinks reach the table and we place our orders, both getting a summer salad with extra strawberries.
" I am so happy that you understand everything now. I don't want you to be my enemy, I want you as a friend. Honestly we are much stronger together than apart." I say to him smiling.
" I see it now, Jane and Chad the mastermind's behind next year's senior prank." Chad replies laughing. I start to laugh myself and realize that this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship with Chad. Before either of us knew it lunch arrived at the table and we started to dig in. This salad is so good, the crunchy lettuce, sweet strawberries, and the freshness of the vegetables make for an awesome meal. I can tell Chad enjoys the food as much as I do as he goes silent. By the time the waitress brings our checks to the table both of our salad bowls are empty and we have huge smiles on our faces. I start to pull my wallet out to pay for my meal before Chad interrupts me.
" put that wallet away. I've got this." He says placing money with both checks.
" are you sure?" I ask as I reluctantly put my wallet away,
" I'm positive. It's the chivalrous thing to do and it's also what people do for their friends." Chad says. I look at the table shocked. I must have really given Chad some perspective during our argument yesterday.
" thank you so much. Let's meet for lunch again soon. I had fun. I have a meeting with Ben soon. Bye!" I tell Chad happily as I gather my belongings and give him a friendly huge before heading outside to my pumpkin car to get to my meeting. I never would have thought that Chad would be my friend and now I am able to see what a cool dude he is. I am definitely looking forward to our next lunch together, I am even going to invite Carlos to join us next time.