The Queen Luna

Going Out

*Emry*

As we walked into The Liquid Meadow I was hit with a ton of emotions. Just the other day, I found my mate here, found him cheating on me and rejected him all while at this place. Tonight I don't want to think about any of it. Tonight I want to eat, drink, dance and have fun. As we walked in, the music was playing but softly. It really changed the vibe of the place. Thank Goddess for that. I don't know how we would have had a decent dinner shouting over music the whole time.

The bouncer that is normally there was replaced by a host. She sat us in the dining area and let us know that our waitress was Toni, and that she would be with us shortly. After she handed us our menus, she walked away.

Shortly after, this very pretty woman walked up.

"Good evening, my name is Toni, and I'll be your waitress tonight," greeted our server. "Can I start you off with some drinks?"

"I'll have an Old-Fashioned, please," I requested.

"Sure thing! And for you, honey?"

"I'll have a Manhattan, please," Chris replied.

Toni left the table to make the drinks, and we chatted about the menu.

"Is this your first time eating here?" Chris inquired.

"It is," I answered. "I think I'll have the steak and cheese sub with a side of fries. It's a simple enough dish that should be hard to mess up."

"In that case, I'll have a burger and fries," Chris decided.

When Toni returned to the table with our drinks, we were ready to order.

"Are you guys ready to order, or do you need more time?" she asked.

"No, we're ready," I answered.

After taking our order, Toni left us to put it in.

"Thanks for coming out with me tonight," I said to Chris.

"Little mama, I love being with you. Going to eat with you was just an added bonus," he replied with a smile.

Blushing slightly, I marveled at his ability to say just the right thing. He truly was an amazing guy, and I hoped that he would find his mate tonight, someone who would love and care for him as he deserved. Toni returned to our table with our food after only a brief wait. "Anything else I can get for you guys right now?" she inquired. "Yes, I'd like a Sprite with no ice," I requested. "And I'll have a Coke, no ice," Chris added. "Coming right up!" Toni replied before dashing off again. "You know what I love? The smell of french fries," I said to Chris. "No way, me too. There's just something about the aroma of freshly fried fries that makes my mouth water," he admitted. I couldn't help but burst out laughing at his response. "Who knew fries could have that effect on someone?" I quipped, and we both ended up laughing together.

*Quil*

As I gathered my belongings, I decided to change into black pants and a blood-red button-down dress shirt. As I gazed at myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy about who I've become over the years. But today marks the beginning of a new chapter. After brushing my teeth and applying my favorite cologne, I gave myself one last look in the mirror and headed out for the night's events.

As Tony pointed out that I was looking good, I reminded everyone that this was our final night of partying together. Bryce was skeptical, but I insisted that it was true. After getting ready, we all headed to Caleb's car. However, I decided to take my own car this time, not to flaunt it, but to have the option of leaving whenever I wanted. I didn't want to be a burden on anyone and preferred to be independent.

"I'm going to follow you guys there," I declared.

"Are you sure?" Lowell questioned.

"Very sure," I replied confidently.

Once Caleb pulled out of the driveway, I trailed behind his car. The ride to the party felt quick, and upon arrival, the guys quickly migrated over to my car.

"Ready to get this party started?" Ashton inquired.

"I'm not really feeling it, but I'll be right behind you," I responded.

Caleb offered to order drinks, "You want the usual, right?"

"Yeah, the usual is fine," I confirmed.

As they proceeded inside, I let out a big sigh of relief. After taking a minute or so, I finally mustered the courage to exit my car and join the guys inside.

*Emry*

"I can't believe how delicious the food was," I said to Chris.

"I know, right? Despite being simple meals, that burger was the best I've ever tasted," Chris replied with a smile.

"Once we're back, I'm definitely giving this place a 5-star rating," I chuckled.

Chris laughed and said, "Count me in!"

I gave Malia a quick call to ask when they would arrive.

"Malia said they'd be here in 20 minutes. I informed her that we'd be at the bar, so they could find us there."

“Alright”, Chris answered.

Chris waves Toni over and requests the check.

"No way, I'm treating you this time," I protested, feigning disappointment at his intention to pay.

"You made an incredible dinner for us yesterday, so let me repay the favor today." Chris conceded, and we headed over to the bar after settling the bill and leaving a tip for Toni. Since the bar is nearly empty, we sit wherever we like, and the bartender, Marc, approaches us. "Hey there, I'm Marc. What can I get for you two?" he greets.

"I'll have vodka on the rocks," Chris orders.

"And I'll take a rum and coke," I responded.

"Coming right up," Marc said with a bright smile on his face.

As Malia said, the gang arrived about 20 minutes later and I introduced everyone to Chris. However, things quickly took an unexpected turn. Chris suddenly leaped from his chair and embraced Elle. I followed suit, getting out of my chair, but soon realized what was happening. To everyone's surprise, Elle and Chris simultaneously declared that they were mates. Even though Chris and I did what we did, I knew that he and Elle were meant to be together. I made a conscious decision to keep what happened between us to myself, so as not to jeopardize our friendships. We all congratulated the newly-mated couple before settling in for a round of drinks. However, my brief moment of peace was shattered when I noticed that Quil's friends had arrived, but he was nowhere in sight.

*Quil*

Walking into the venue, my mind was preoccupied with a million thoughts, and I was eager for the night to be over. My friends were already at a table on the dance floor, but as I made my way towards them, I suddenly realized that she was there too. I frantically searched the area, scanning from side to side, until Vilks pointed me toward a group by the bar where she was said to be. And then, as if by fate, the couple in front of me moved, and there she was – Emry. She wasn't looking my way, so I had the pleasure of admiring her from afar. It was hard to believe that we were both wearing the same color shirt. She looked absolutely stunning.

*Emry*

Trying not to make it look like I was looking for him amongst his friends, I focused on my friends. Suddenly, Moon broke the silence. "Emry, he is right over there heading towards his friends." I knew he would be here but again didn't want to appear obvious. "I know, that's what I figured would happen. What should I do? What's my first move?" I asked. "Just look in his direction and let him know you see him," she advised. "Then what?" I asked. "Nothing, we'll see what happens and go from there," she replied. "Alright," I said nervously. Slowly, I turned my head and caught Quil's gaze. His expression showed remorse for what he had done, yet I wasn't ready to forgive him just yet. He would have to prove himself to me. We locked eyes for a minute or so before I turned my attention back to my friends. I had a feeling this night was going to be unforgettable.

*Quil*

I find her very attractive. I dont know why I hadn't seen her like this before. I regret not staring at her like this the other night. She turned her attention back towards her friends. I need her attention and I will try my best.

I needed to stay focused as she would be monitoring me tonight. It was important to make sure that the group of eight did not make any foolish decisions.