Flustered, she muttered under her breath.
-I… well… I'm coming too…
+In those clothes? Where do you think you're going? Put on something warm first.
Her pulse skipped.
-Oh…
She laughed nervously.
She tried to come up with an excuse, but Matthew cut her off.
+Put on a warm jacket, a hat or scarf too. And your legs…
He looked at them. It seemed he liked how she looked that way, but he didn't say more.
+Go. Don't keep me waiting.
-Alright, boss.
She darted off before she could see Matthew's eyes go wide at the word.
Quickly, she threw on a thick jacket and wrapped her red scarf, the one she'd knitted herself around her neck. Then she remembered her Polaroid camera. Where had she left it? She found it fast, then rushed out again.
Matthew was holding her violin case.
+Ready?
-Uh-huh! Just need to grab one thing from the kitchen.
She went ahead down the stairs, pulled out the cheesecake she'd prepared, and was set.
Jacob came clattering down the stairs.
_Wait for me too! No way you're going alone.
He smirked, headed to the bar, thought a moment, then grabbed two bottles of liquor along with some shot glasses and goblets.
_Let's go!
They all moved toward the elevator.
-So… where exactly are we going? Diana asked curiously.
+Follow me.
They headed out back. Passing through a cluster of trees, Diana's eyes widened another surprise?
There was a square pit dug into the ground with steps leading down. In the center was a fire holder, flames already lit for them. She glanced at the ceiling above, it was cleverly designed like a tent so they wouldn't get wet, with heaters built into the sides. The food she'd prepared was set up too.
She laughed with delight, stepping forward.
-This place is amazing! I wanna stay here forever.
Jacob smiled at her.
_We haven't been here in ages, little one. Nice to come back after so long…
Diana nodded.
-You must be hungry! By the time the food's ready, it'll be dinner.
Jacob corrected her.
_By the time we get it ready. You shouldn't wear yourself out.*
She narrowed her eyes, crossed her arms.
-Mm… yeah, you're right.
Then she frowned again, trying to look serious.
-Jacob, you handle the burgers and hot dogs. And you..boss!
Matthew raised a brow.
+Me? I'm not supposed to...
She cut him off.
-Oh yes you are. This is my celebration. Remember? You have to listen to me.
Matthew scowled, grumbling under his breath.
+Fine. What do you want me to do?
Both Jacob and Diana grinned.
She handed Matthew the veggies.
-Slice these tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles perfectly.
His scowl deepened, she was really getting under his skin.
+And what are you planning to do? Eat them all?
-Me? I'll enjoy the view… and then eat them, of course.
Matthew shot her a sharp look, muttering curses under his breath as he picked up the knife. He'd get her back later for this.
Meanwhile, Diana pulled out her phone and Polaroid, snapping pictures excitedly.
She propped her phone against a ledge to record and bounded over to Jacob.
-Hey, Jake…
She wrapped her left arm around his neck, pressed her face close to his, and pointed at the Polaroid.
-Smiileee!
Click.
It took a moment, then the photo slid out. She giggled at the result.
It was perfect, both of them with their eyes shut, grinning wide. She showed it to Jacob, her voice bubbling with excitement.
-Look how good it turned out! Ahh… I might cry.
Jacob put on his sunglasses and struck a few silly poses with sausages and the fire. Diana, laughing, snapped more before gesturing toward Matthew.
-Go stand by your buddy so I can get one of you two.
Jacob hurried to sit beside him.
_Matthew, Matthew… do one of your gangster poses.
-He already looks gangster with those pickles in his hand.
Diana laughed and it was true. No matter what he did, that aura of pride and power clung to him.
Both men folded their arms, frowning for the camera. Diana snapped the shot.
She thought to herself:
-Why are these two so hot?!
She showed them the photo.
_Hmm… you really do take great pictures, little one. Is there anything you're not good at?
Then Jacob tugged her down to sit between them.
_Let's take one together too!
He wrapped his arm casually around her shoulders, pulling her close.
She groaned.
-Hey… you're squishing me.
Matthew suddenly slid his arms around her waist, lifting her easily and settling her on his lap instead.
He raised her left hand, draped it around his neck, and stared coolly into the camera with a sly smirk, completely ignoring Diana's wide-eyed shock.
Jacob snapped the photo right then and turned back, pouting.
_Not fair. I want a partner too.
He shot Matthew a look.
_You're quite the opportunist, huh?
The photo came out great, in fact, Jacob already knew he'd make copies. All three of them looked incredible.
There was a strange closeness between them…
Matthew and Jacob stared into the lens while Diana's gaze was locked in shock on Matthew. Perfectly natural.