its a deal
bobby POV
I don't know why I agreed to it. What she wanted was the exact opposite of my plan. I knew it was selfish, but I wanted to become Essa's friend so I could be close to her now, and later ask her out or something. Though everything I said to her I really meant - I had changed, I did want to be friends instead of enemies, I was willing to do anything - it seemed wrong of me to agree to this just for my own benefit.
Still, maybe I could gain her trust by getting her this date. It's not like I have a choice; I have to get them together or she'll never talk to me. I don't even know why she's suddenly so important to me either. She's just a girl, right? There'll be others, so why is she sticking in my mind so much? When she came into my room this morning, I was surprised but delighted because I thought she was there just to see me. Even when I found out she was only there to work, I was thrilled just to be around her. What's wrong with me? When did I turn into this?
When Essa leaves to go help her sister clean up last night's mess, I quickly dress and run downstairs to meet my mom. Coming down the winding staircase, I find her sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee, Dad sitting across from her. The silence is awkward and full off tension, and I'm almost too afraid to say anything as I walk alertly to the table and sit down. One of the servers pours me a cup of coffee and I accept it gratefully.
The silence drags out as I sip from my mug, nearly burning my tongue. Finally, I find the confidence to say something. "So, um, good morning," I say slowly. Mom only nods and gazes into her mug. Another few seconds of awkwardness. I try again. "It looks nice out, huh?" Again, she only nods. Finally I decide to cut right to it. "So, Mom, remember that guy that was at the party last night? You said his name was Draven?"
She looks up and says, "Yes, of course. He's the Berlins' son," she says. "I'm sure I don't know what Melissa was thinking when she named her son Draven. Such a demonic sounding name." I roll my eyes, thinking to myself that at least his name wasn't Robert - like me - such a drab, boring name. Bobby is only slightly better. And anyway, if Mom's supposed to be friends with these people, why does she insult them like they're lower class?
Nodding, I continue, "Yeah, him. Do you think you could give me their phone number? I need to talk to him."
Mom looks surprised. "About what?" She holds her empty mug out, and one of the servers rushes forward to refill it.
"I just, uh, need his help with something. It's really important," I say, giving her pleading eyes.
She shrugs. "Of course I can get you their number, though I think this is kind of odd," she tells me. "Ryan!" she yells and the butler comes over, looking annoyed at being disturbed. "Get me my address book, please." He nods formally and walk off, making sure to take his time. A few minutes later he returns with the little black book. "Ah, thank you," she says, giving him a false smile. She opens the cover and scans the pages of her "friends" until she finds the Berlins. "Here, that's their home phone number," she says, pointing to a row of numbers. She slides the book across the table to me.
"Thanks," I say gratefully, taking the book and standing. "This helps a lot." I start to run back upstairs before pausing. "Oh, and I'm probably going to be out most of the day. I know I just got back, but there's something I really need to do." I say this only because I hope she's protest, look crestfallen, say she had plans for us, something, but she only shrugs.
"That's fine, dear. Have fun," she says dismissively, and it's me who's crestfallen instead. She didn't seem interested at all. She's probably glad I'll be out of the house so she won't have to bother talking to me.
Subdued, I drag myself up the stairs much more slowly and lock myself in my bedroom. Shaking off my disappointment, I pick up my phone and dial the number on the page. After two rings a maid picks up and I ask for Draven. About a minute later he picks up and says, "Hello? Who is this?"
Clearing my throat I ask, "Is this Draven?"
Sounding perplexed he says, "Yeah. Who is this?"
"Draven, my name is Bobby, and I have a weird favor to ask you."
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An hour later I'm in a coffee shop, holding another mug of coffee in my hands. I'm sitting in a window seat, looking out at the sunny weather, so I can see Draven coming up. In fact, I see him now, coming up the sidewalk and entering the shop. He scans the room and I raise my hand to wave him over. He sees me and with a look of confusion sits down across from me. "So what's this about?" he asks, skipping any formalities.
I flash him what I hope is a reassuring smile. "Well, it's a long story," I begin. "But to make it short, let's just say I need your help getting holding up my end of a deal I made with... a friend of mine." Draven nods silently and I continue. "Basically, she has a crush on you. You talked to her last night or something and she wants me to get you guys set up on a date."
Draven looks both surprised and delighted. "You mean Essa? That maid's daughter?" He smiled smugly out the window. "Yeah, she's pretty cute. I don't have a problem with that."
For some reason I want to punch him for the way he's acting. Like he doesn't really care for her, but if he had to go out with her he wouldn't mind. She's only good enough in looks. It makes me furious, but I bury those feelings and remain civil. "The date's all yours then. That's all I need. Nothing else."
"So should I pick her up Friday night? Seven o'clock?" Draven asks, grinning.
"Actually, yes, that's perfect," I say tensely.
"Where should I take her? Dinner and a movie?" he asked.
I nod. "Yes, and be a gentleman. She's not gone on many dates, so don't expect her to be slutty."
Draven rolls his eyes, though I'm not sure why. Once again, the whole "be a gentleman" was also selfish. It may have sounded just protective of a friend or something, but it was only because I didn't want him feeling her up. I hate to say it, but it's an almost possessive feeling. Since when am I so territorial? I don't have the slightest bit of claim over her, especially since she has no interest in me at all, so why?
He sighs. "Alright, it's a deal."