Chapter 8: Friends Forever? Pt2

Stephanie was driving down the road from her new apartment to the Breakfast and Bed restaurant. Tiffany rode with her in the front seat. 

"Come on, look alive!" Stephanie said, eyeing Tiffany from the corner of her eyes. "You always tell me to go out with Kane. Today I've decided we will all go out on a friendship date and you look gloomy as hell."

"I don't think he would appreciate me coming along," Tiffany said, not hiding her frustration. 

"Look at the bright side," Stephanie said, finally entering the street where the restaurant was situated. She could see its facade. "With you by my side I'll be more confident in playing along with his demands."

"Just accept his marriage proposal already," Tiffany groaned. "Shane is gone, you should live on."

"Honestly," Stephanie said, turning off the ignition as the car stood still in the parking lot. "I've considered doing that tonight."

"Really?" Stephanie shrieked. "That's awesome!"

As the duos walked into the restaurant, Stephanie made a comment about how filled the restaurant was on a Saturday night. They found Kane who had been seated in a corner of the restaurant for a couple of minutes earlier. 

"Hello darling," Stephanie said. 

"Hello love," Kane replied. "Hey Tiff, it's nice of you to join us."

"Yeah she practically dragged me here since I always spend most Saturdays in her living room," Tiffany said, taking her seat. 

Meanwhile, Simon and Simone had been seated adjacent to the trios of the Stephanie squad. "That's her right there! The dark girl, she's so gorgeous, but you see what I mean, why does she have to bring a friend on a date?" Simone said in hush whispers to Simon.

"How do you know they are on a date?" Simon said, watching the delighted trios place their orders. He had been thinking for a while now that Kane felt vaguely familiar. Stephanie, as he looked at her more intently also looked recognizable. 

"Simon I know when a man is wooing a woman," Simone said softly. "Look at how he is so fixated on her. He cant take his eyes off her for even a second. How rude, if I were the other lady I'd be offended!"

"You mean you aren't?" Simon asked, chiding.

"Stop it, you know I'm so jealous right now," Simone said. "Think I should go and remind him about me?"

"Simone hell not!" Simon said, looking horrified. "You have been sitting here and had like over ten minutes or so to make your move when he was alone."

"It's fun this way," Simone said, rising before Simon could stop her. "He will see he has a better choice."

Simon had wished his sister had not gone. However, this was Simone. She had all the experiences with this kind of stuff. Just when Simon had assumed the night could not get any more populated Peter Brooklyn walked in looking totally different from earlier. He spotted Simon and was walking happily towards him. 

"Simon!" Peter called, happily. "You're out here dining alone. I guess everywhere is filled. May I join you?"

"Peter, I'm not alone," Simon said tersely. "That's my sister's seat. The moment she gets back you go and occupy the one over there." 

"Wow lucky guy," Peter said looking in the direction of Simon's eyes. "Oh my gosh! Small world! That's Tiffany, my high school crush. We used to talk about astrology together back in the days."

"Lucky you," Simon said. "Simone will be back anytime soon."

Simone had occupied the seat next to Tiffany and across from Kane and Stephanie. "Thank you so much for your concern the other day Mr Kane! My brother's over there all fine now. Sorry ladies, hope I'm not intruding?"

"Not really," Kane said. "Congrats to your bro."

"Not at all," Stephanie said, smiling softly. "Glad to hear your brother has recovered."

"Wow! I do recognize your face. This isn't the first time you come in here with Kane is it?" Simone said, feigning being confused.

"No," Stephanie said. 

"Are the both of you a couple?" Simone asked, endearingly.

"No-"

"Yes!" Kane said, interrupting Stephanie. "I mean we are dating. We aren't married yet. Depends on what sense you mean by the word 'couple'."

Simone giggled and Tiffany felt mildly irritated so she said, "Do you mind please? We were having a private discussion. I'm sure you have a seat where your brother is." 

"Sure thing love," Simone said, slamming her palm on the table and rising. "Kane, I'm looking forward to hearing from you more."

Simone walked back to her table confidently. Peter had already gotten up but she blocked his way. "Are you leaving without introducing yourself to the twin sister?"

"I'm Peter!" he said, smiling. "I'm sure you remember me. I'm pretty sure I didn't have the wrong number."

"Oh my! Peter!" Simone said, stepping aside. "You look well dressed. I thought you'd be cladded in keffiyeh and long tunics."

Peter laughed, "You know your Arab wears but then you must be very assumptious. Hope you shot your shot nicely? Oh no your brother said nothing. I have keen eyes."

"I gave it a try," she said, liking Peter every second. However, Peter backed away slowly towards his high school crush. 

Peter Brooklyn spun around and said, "Hello Tiffany it's been a long time. Do you still remember me?"

"Oh my Goodness! Peter!" Tiffany said excitedly. 

"The one and only, hello everyone."

"This is Peter, my high school friend. We used to study astrology together," Tiffany said. 

"Nice to meet you Peter," Stephanie said. 

"Astrologist Peter, perhaps you could tell my fortune with this beautiful lady," Kane said. "Are we going to get married?"

Peter looked unsure then shrugged, "It will cost you five hundred dollars."

"Sure," Kane said. He counted out five, hundred dollar bills from his wallet. "Here it is." 

Peter grabbed the money and did not let go of Kane's hand. His eyes seemed to shoot skyward and he lowered his gaze down slowly. 

"How well do you take bad news?" Peter asked, pocketing the dollar bills. 

"Don't worry," Kane said. "You're a fraud."

"Really? Why don't you ask her right now?" Peter said, keeping his cool.

"Steph, you'll marry me right?"

"I'm still thinking about it dear," Stephanie said, wondering why Peter had a mischievous smile on his face. The man must have really been a fortune teller. She had planned on accepting Kane's proposal but she had instantly felt drawn to someone else in the room. Whether or not she wanted to admit it, Stephanie had felt what it was like to fall in love at first sight. Both Kane and Tiffany had been shocked by her response. Kane got up and left the restaurant in anger.