-Star of my Sea-
Stella’s POV
When the door slams behind me, Liana and Roger look up from their chat.
“Oh, hi, guys,” Roger grins and comes over to hug us.
Liana observes, giving us an amused look.
Steven’s eyes almost pop. “Is this your cousin?!” he mutters to me.
“Yes.” I say with gritted teeth.
“She is hot.”
I glare at him.
Liana totters over, and Kara and Clare flank me for support.
“Mind if I join?” she stares at Steven. He stares back.
“No! Not at all, let’s get the window seat shall we, I mean, we don’t have to but it’s a great seat and everything…” he babbles.
She grins coyly, takes his arm and seats herself by him.
Alicia grabs Roger quickly. “Sit by Stella, by Stella, by Stella…!” he looks confused, and looks from me, to the seat, to Alicia. He may be handsome but he sure is dumb.
I take my seat as a grouchy brunette comes to take our order. Steven seems to be in a world of his own with Liana, and she is observing me and Roger.
“So, my folks are out tonight. Bonfire?” Steven suggests, looking straight at Liana.
“I—“--I take a deep breath—“we have to be home for dinner.”
“So? Sneak out.” Steven looks determined.
“No. I have to go sail tomorrow…and…”
“I wanna,” Liana says, looking at me. “What’s up, Stella? Chicken?”
I blush at her infantile remark. “No, why would I be? God!”
“Do it then,” she dares me, holding my gaze.
“But…why?” I say, slurping at my smoothie.
“Why not?” her daring look continues, and it’s almost frightening.
I sigh. Everyone is staring at us. Gah! Will I? Or will I be a sad loner, at home when my friends have fun?
“I’ll do it,” she has a satisfied look on her screwed up face. “It’s no biggie, anyway.”
“Right,” she says. Her devilish eyes hold mine.
Everyone is decidedly awkward.
“So, uhm, beers…?” Steven is trying to look macho in front of Liana. It’s so obvious.
“Sure!” Alicia pipes up. “My brother bought a six-pack, today.”
“And you think he won’t notice?” Kara raises her eyebrows.
“Meh, he’s out for the count most of the time!”
Everyone chortles.
“Half ten, mine. Okay?” Steven says, as we depart. Now for the walk home with Liana.