Kristina POV
I walk into this little book café to see my sister Molly sitting at a table with a plastic cup filled with pink liquid.
"Hey, Molly. Whatcha up to?" I ask as I sit down across from her.
Then I take in her strapless white dress with the bright yellow roses printed all over it and the brown belt at her waist. Looking underneath the table I see she has pretty braided brown flats on.
"Am I interrupting a date?" I ask knowing Molly's still seeing TJ.
Molly shakes her head, "No, TJ's not here yet. I'm just sitting here drinking bubble tea and reading a novel," she answers in her bubbly little voice.
"I just stopped by to grab a smoothie. Strawberry banana raspberry is my favorite and only this café makes them the best," I gush and I catch a glimpse of Johnny out of the corner of my eye, and I know my dimples are showing as I smile.
"Who are you smiling at?" Molly asks trying to see if she can follow my gaze.
"No one!" I say getting up to go order my smoothie. My phone vibrates and I know it's a text from Johnny.
"Catch you later, Molly," I say as I head up to the counter and place my order.
After getting my smoothie I head out of the shop just as TJ walks in for Molly. I see him greet my little sister with a kiss. Why is my baby sister getting more action than me?
Johnny is around the corner waiting for me. He's leaning up against the side of a building smirking as usual.
"Hey," I call out waving.
"I thought I'd walk you back to your apartment, even though it's only two blocks." He says.
"Um, thank you," I say as I try not to smile too hard.
"No books?" Johnny asks as we start walking.
I shake my head. "No. I just went in for the smoothie. I love smoothies but I don't have any fruits at home to make my own and I didn't feel like running to the grocery store. Then I saw my little sister inside. But she was waiting on her boyfriend."
"Molly has a boyfriend? Isn't she like 12?" he asks in disbelief.
"She's almost 16 now. I think it's cute. I never imaged her as the girlfriend type because her head is always in books but she's like a whole new Molly lately," I note.
"So your little sister is dating but you aren't?" he questions.
"What can I say; I haven't found a man worthy of my affection yet. And I do mean man, I don't want any boys," I say conceitedly.
"I bet you get a lot of offers though," he says.
"Guys go crazy for me now. I mean the attention is flattering but the guys usually aren't worth my attention," I state.
"A little arrogant are we?" he jokes.
"I have standards and interests. If that makes me vain then so be it," I declare and realize we've reached my apartment.
"Do you want to come in?" I invite him knowing he'll say yes.
"Sure, why not?" he answers nonchalantly.
A few minutes later we are walking into my penthouse.
"Would you like something to drink?" I ask before taking a slow sip of my smoothie.
"Sure, got any beer?" he asks smiling again.
"I have my secret stash," I say heading to the kitchen where I pull out a beer from one of the drawers in the fridge.
"Nice and cold," I say handing it to him.
"I have a gift for you." Johnny says pulling a jewelry box out of a bag. By the saize of the box I assume it's a necklace.
"Oh but I don't have anything for you," I say.
"Yes you do," he tells me then opens the box to reveal a beautiful pearl necklace sparkling.
I've never seen real pearls before though expensive jewelry is not new to me.
"Oh, Johnny, it's gorgeous!" I put my hand on my chest.
"There is a big gala tomorrow night at the Metrocourt. I want you to go with me as my date," he tells me.
"So is that what the pearl necklace is for?" I ask.
Instead of answering he comes up behind me and places the pearls around my neck.
"These pearls would looks amazing up against a red evening gown," he suggested.
"I happen to be a fan of royal purple," I tease even thought I was already thinking red in my mine from the moment he uttered the word gala.
"Purple's alright but I think you looked best in reds and pinks," he tells me.
"When did you become such a fashion expert?" I ask teasing him.
"What you've never noticed my designer style?" he jokes back.
"I'm hungry," I say. "Do you wanna order in?" I ask.
"I have a better idea. Why don't we go out and get a bite to eat?" he suggests.
"Where did you have in mind?" I ask breathing heavily.
"How about Possulos?" he suggests.
Ugh, my father's restaurant. Not an ideal place for a dinner date.
"No one actually goes to Possulos to eat," I tell him.
"I eat there sometimes," he's quick to retort.
"You don't count. You eat there to piss my father off," I remind him.
"But they actually do have good food," he assures me. "The baked parm spaghetti is amazing."
"I could go for some mozzarella sticks. Why not?" I agree grabbing my purse.
Johnny puts his hand over mine. "You don't need that. I'll pay," he tells me.
"Thanks but it's not about money. I could get a meal from their for free courtesy of my father. A woman just always needs to carry her purse," I explain.
He takes my hand in his and guides me out my apartment door.