Roll For Initiative

11. Cassie

I t was almost entirely silent as we ate our dinner. The burgers were fantastic, though; I just wish I were in a better mood so I could enjoy it. I am so annoyed at Lucian right now. He embarrassed the fuck out of me in front of Alec. I hope he still texts me and Lucian hasn’t scared him off. Fucking caveman mentality, I swear. I hate this right now, though. I just got him back in my life and the first night he is here, we get into a fight. I’ve got to try to cut some of this tension.

"Did you meet new friends over there?" I ask him. I seem to have startled him out of some deep thought.

"Yeah, a few different people. Jayme was the main one. He is the boss’s son, so he has all the hookups over there. We would go out almost every weekend, mostly to the clubs.” He says, flagging the waitress down for another round of drinks.

"Ah! That explains why you were practically nonexistent on Saturdays and Sundays. Hanging out with your new best friend.” I joke.

"Yeah, sorry about that. Hopefully, you can meet him one day. You would like him." He actually looks down as if he is ashamed.

“It’s OK. You were just making the most of your time over there. It's confusing because you never used to like going to clubs, especially every weekend. Oh well, people change. So, what else did you guys do? Did you meet anyone special while you were out there?” I can’t help but notice the subtle tick of his jaw at that question.

“Just hung out, played video games. He showed me a lot of fun stuff while I was there. No, no one special. I went out on dates and other stuff, but nope, no one special. What about you, Cass? What have you been doing to occupy your time?” Damn, that was a quick change of focus. I study him for a moment. He has always been a shit liar, and right now, he can’t even look me in the eye. What secrets are you keeping, Lucian?

“Just our D it’s just a fling, I guess.”

*Crack*

The slight sound of the glass fracturing causes me to shoot my eyes at his hand. His jaw is tense, and the whisky glass is being crushed by his fist, threatening to shatter. Why does he look like he wants to choke someone?

“It’s nothing serious, though.” I have to try to backtrack and get him to calm down. “I just went on a few dates here and there to see what I might be interested in now. I was with Mark for, like, what, three years? And he destroyed my self-confidence when he broke up with me. So, I’ve been trying new things, dating outside my comfort zone.”

“Well, don’t go after someone like that guy at the bar. He is trouble and probably an asshole anyways. He seems like the type. You need a guy who will worship you like you deserve. Care for you, love you, and make you realize how perfect you are.” He looks down at his drink. “Someone who would burn the world for you.” I’m honestly stunned. Lucian has never talked to me like that.

“Welp, I guess I could try to find someone like you. You have always made me feel perfect and have always cared about me. And, of course, you aren’t an asshole.” I smirk and nudge my leg into his.

His eyes meet mine. He looks like I just punched him in the gut. He slides out of his seat and stands quickly, knocking over one of the empty glasses.

“I have to run to the restroom.” He says abruptly as he walks away. Leaving me questioning everything.

Our waitress comes over, and I take this opportunity to order another margarita and another shot of Patrón. One more won’t hurt.