A/N: last upload for today. I hope you loved it.~S.K.
Step 7: Introduce Them to your loved ones
As Tori and Beck arrived at Trina's house, the evening's excitement from the date still buzzed in Tori's mind, making her a little oblivious to the nuances at the dinner table. They exchanged warm greetings, and soon everyone was seated, preparing for the family dinner.
The atmosphere shifted when Beck monopolized the conversation from the get-go, talking animatedly about his acting gigs and his appearances on various local shows. He seemed entirely absorbed in his own stories, leaving little space for anyone else to interject.
Jade shot Trina a knowing glance, their eyes communicating volumes without a word spoken. Trina stifled a sigh, her frustration was palpable. "So, Beck," she chimed in, trying to redirect the conversation, "have you always been in the acting business?"
Beck barely acknowledged the attempt to involve others, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah, pretty much. I've been hustling for years, you know? Got my big break a while back and never looked back."
Meanwhile, Tori, slightly enamored and caught in the whirlwind of the previous night, seemed to bask in Beck's energy, unaware of his overbearing nature at the table. She smiled and listened, occasionally nodding in agreement, seemingly engrossed in his stories.
Trina glanced at Jade, her eyes conveying both irritation and amusement. "So much for 'the one,' huh?" she muttered under her breath, trying to lighten the mood.
Jade stifled a chuckle, shooting back with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, absolutely. He's certainly captivating everyone here. Especially the salt and pepper shakers."
Trina couldn't help but giggle quietly at the comment. "Maybe we should offer him a spotlight."
As Beck continued to dominate the conversation, Trina couldn't shake off the feeling that he wasn't the right fit for her sister. Tori, however, seemed unfazed by Beck's overpowering nature, her attention anchored by his anecdotes and bravado, unaware of the subtle discomfort brewing among the rest of the dinner guests.
As Beck excused himself to the bathroom, Jade seized the opportunity to help clear the table. As she passed by the bathroom, she unintentionally overheard Beck's conversation on the phone. His words rang in her ears, painting a different picture of his intentions. "You know I had to take the opportunity! It's Victoria Vega. She's been single forever, but if I get her, imagine how I am going to be seen by producers. It might be my big break."
Jade sighed, contemplating whether she should share this revelation with Tori. The decision was made for her when Tori excused herself to walk Beck to the door. Sensing an opportunity to talk, Jade followed them discreetly.
"So, you seemed to like the dinner," Tori remarked.
Beck shrugged. "Yeah, it was okay. I'm not much of a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. And the beef was braised, but it was a little overcooked."
You could have fooled me, Tori thought with a frown but chose not to comment on the critique. Instead, she gracefully invited him to the upcoming Holly's Sweets Gala. "I just wanted to know if you were interested in attending the Holly's Sweets Gala with me," she asked.
Beck smiled. "It would be my pleasure," he replied, sealing it with a kiss before departing in what Jade affectionately referred to as a "douche-mobile."
Returning to the house, Tori found Trina waiting for her. The concern was evident in Trina's eyes as she spoke, "Do you have time to find another date?"
"No," Tori stated emphatically, brushing off the concern. "He's fine, and he is cute."
"And obnoxious," Trina added.
"He's not that bad," Tori insisted, passing by Jade in the hallway.
"What if he's using you?" Jade questioned, her worry for her friend evident in her eyes.
Tori's initial shock transformed into a defensive stance. The idea that Beck might be using her clashed with the positive impressions she had from their date. She glanced at Jade, her expression turning into a mix of skepticism and defiance.
"Are you sure you're not just... I don't know, jealous or something?" Tori questioned, a note of defensiveness creeping into her voice.
Jade met Tori's gaze with a steady, serious look. "Tori, this is not about jealousy. I'm genuinely looking out for you. I've seen enough of the fake and manipulative side of people in this city, and I don't want you to get hurt."
Tori sighed, the tension in the air palpable. "Look, I appreciate your concern, Jade. But I trust my judgment, and I really don't think Beck is using me. He seemed sincere."
Jade's expression softened, a hint of worry still lingering. "Just be careful, okay? I've seen too many people get hurt, and I don't want you to be one of them."
Tori nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate you looking out for me, Jade. But I've got this."
As Tori walked away, Jade couldn't shake the feeling that she was in for a bumpy ride. She hoped that Tori's trust in Beck wouldn't blind her to potential red flags. The upcoming Gala would be a crucial moment, and Jade silently vowed to keep a watchful eye on her friend.