You are not going

Ever since Ric showed up at my place last week Saturday, we've been seeing each other almost everyday day. Sometimes he even comes to drop me off at work even though I have my own car. We've been going on our morning run together too. Everything went back to normal as if last week never existed. His work at the resort is going smoothly so he seems to have alot more free time too.

I on the other hand have been trying as much as to possible to forget about last week and I seem to be doing a good job at it. I have also pushed everybody's opinions about my relationship with Ric behind me. We define that not them. I chose to not let that affect our friendship at all and this week has shown me just how right I have been about us. We are just friends and nothing more. If there's anything more then it's that we are super cool friends. ( Haha)

Today we are meeting up with the others at Swift; a restaurant we frequent. It's Henry's birthday and he wanted something small this year. It actually is surprising given that Henry loves to party but I guess people change.

I left work early today so I could catch a little sleep before going out, only to come home to Ric and Lay seemingly discussing in the living room, and I just knew I had to say goodbye to that sleep.

"Why are you here Ric. Don't you have work to do?" I ask grudgingly. There's still a good three hours before we meet up with the others at Swift.

"Are you not happy to see me?" he asks instead of answering me. A wide grin on his face.

"How can I be happy when you are in the way of my sleep ."

"Ouch, that hurts" he says clutching his chest dramatically.

"That's great then." I say laughing as I practically fall on the sofa closing my eyes for a bit.

"Are you that tired. Do you need me to go?" He asked concerned.

"Not really, as long as you let me rest a little. You can stay"

"That will not be a problem. I actually had something to discuss with Lay that's why I came, I decided to just hang around until it's time ." He says and that piques my interest. I remember they where talking when I came in but I didn't pay attention to catch anything.

"And what did you discuss with Lay?" I ask curiously

"It's a secret" Lay replies standing to her feet probably going to her room. I even forgot she was there. I wait for her to leave and ask again silently, hoping he'll tell me.

"As she said, it's a secret" he just says

" You guys are not fun at all. Just tell me"

" No am not telling you."

" So you're choosing Lay over me right?" I ask sounding petty even to myself.

"Something like that" he says laughing and I throw a pillow at him raising my feet to place on the couch I'm sitting on. I close my eyes again hoping to get a bit of rest.

We arrived Swift a little after eight. I drop from the car as i wait for Ric to park the car before we headed inside. We located the guys sitting at a long table that's by a large window in a corner. It looks like it was only recently added there. Nat, Ash and Ace where already seated but Henry's no where in sight.

"I can't believe I came earlier than you both. I just made history " Ace started

"That's nothing to be proud of Ace. Am sure you just came in too" I say as Ash laughs making Ace turn back to her.

"It still counts as something" she huffs

"Whatever makes you sleep at night" Ric says and I laugh. No one wants to argue with Ace except Ric of course.

"Where's the birthday boy?" I asked immediately, in time to stop Ace from responding to him. I don't want their drama. It doesn't end. I'm really hungry and it looks like they haven't ordered yet.

"He went to make a phone call. Oo there he is" Ash points behind us and we turn to see him heading toward us. Henry looking all posh. I haven't seen him in a while. Almost forgot how much of a charmer he is. He's one of the nicest guys I know, though he can get a bit overwhelming sometimes. He has an outgoing personality that rivals that of Ace ( haha).

"Is that Bee I see" he says, smiling widely at me as he reaches me enveloping me in a hug. I hug him back.

" Happy birthday Henry" I say as we break apart and he responds with a huge smile. ( Oh, did I tell you I love his smiles.)

"Happy birthday man" I hear Ric say as he gives him a manly hug with a pat on the back. We take our seats and order, talking about alot of things while we all give Henry the gifts we got for him. We had to stop at the mall before we came. I almost forgot I was supposed to bring one. I have Ric to thank for reminding me.

Our orders arrive minutes later and we start with a toast to the birthday boy before eating.

Halfway through the meal a familiar voice sounds from behind us catching me off guard.

"Hey Bee" I hear and I turn to see Paul standing behind me. ( Ughh, of all times he chose this one.)

"Hi Paul. What are you doing here?" I ask trying to appear cheerful.

"Am here with my colleagues. It's Friday you know" he says as if I don't know what day it is.

"Oo, that's gud" I say while he says hi to the rest of the group to which they all respond excluding Ric. Ace engages Paul in a chat and I quickly pinch Ric from under the table but he gives no reaction at all, still doesn't say a word to Paul. Paul doesn't look like he minds, he's probably used to Ric's attitude.

"I'd go back to my table then. See you on Sunday Bee" he says walking away and I turn to see everybody's eyes on me. I cough lightly reaching for my water but still feel their gazes on me. I really forgot about sunday. Is it two weeks already?

"Uhmm, I didn't even remember that. I agreed to another dinner with him since I had to leave early last time" I say softly without looking at them. Praying that it's enough to shut them up but luck is unfortunately not on my side today.

"You didn't tell me that" Ric says slowly, his head down as if looking at something on the table. I think of what to say but nothing comes to my mind. So I just pretend I didn't hear him.

"You didn't tell me Bee" he says again and I quickly look at the curious stares of the others on the table hoping he drops this but he's looking at me, obviously expecting an answer.

"I didn't think it was important" i say and that's the truth. I really didn't think it's that important. I would have even forgotten if not for Paul's reminder.

"You are not going" he says suddenly, dropping his spoon on the plate.

" Ehhmm, I haven't really decided that" I say

"I'm helping you decide then." He says sounding serious and I wonder what his problem is this time. I really do not want to argue with him here but he's leaving me with no choice.

"You can't decide that" I say looking him in the eye. Like what's with him and getting on my nerves lately, but I decide to be calm, not wanting to make a scene. I turn to Nat signaling him to do something but Ric talks again.

"I can" he says in response and Nat clears his throat trying to get his attention but he ignores him. Nat gets up and practically drags Ric with him as they head outside. I look at their backs as they disappear from the restaurant while I heave a sigh of relief, grateful to Nat for that.

"Now that was something" Ace says all of a sudden and I see Ash giving her a reproachful look.

"Not now Ace" Ash says and I try not to look at them. I didn't want any questions, not that I can answer them anyway. They should be asking Ric because I also have alot to ask him and this time I am not backing down. He will answer them whether he wants to or not.