Alright, guys, this is quite the eventful chapter but at the same time there are only four left. I repeat there are only four chapters left and that's kind of sad but also super exciting. I'm so ready for you guys to know how this story ends. I hope you guys have enjoyed it so far and I'd really appreciate some feedback. This chapter is unedited as well. I'd like to get this story fully written before I go through and do some major editing. I appreciate all the support I've had up to this point and I'm really excited to hear what you guys think about this chapter and the coming chapters. 

- Brittani

"You find true love from a mother" - unknown

"Can I get the chicken tenders and french fries please, with a side salad," I asked the cute waitress who was anxious. I wondered if this was her first job. She smiled awkwardly like she had to remind herself. She was working through all the steps I'm sure they tell you when they are training you. I felt bad for the girl. Just breathe and relax. I was thinking to myself. She nodded and then turned to the next person. My mother then ordered her own meal as did Clara. I was growing tired of always eating out. It's what people in New York did though. I wanted to learn to cook. Maybe I'll take a cooking class and prepare some more of my own food.

The restaurant was busy, but not busier than expected. It was lunchtime on the average Friday. Many were out on their lunch breaks. Some were on dates, but everyone was doing something. Living their own lives, not at all concerned with what was going on at my table.

I looked at the people I was with... Clara, My mother, and unusually Carter had shown up as well. He didn't have much to do, so hanging out at the shop like the good ole days was his plan. I didn't mind. I'd always enjoyed having him around.

"Clara you sure haven't changed." Carter's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I wasn't in the conversation, my mind was drifting away dancing in the thoughts of last night.

I was now Andrew's girlfriend. I don't even know how to be a girlfriend. Am I supposed to feed him? Take care of him? How does all of that work? My phone buzzed slightly in my pocket. I jumped a little at the sudden movement. The screen on my phone flashed with a notification of a text message.

'Good morning beautiful, I hope you're having a wonderful day.'

I couldn't help but smile at the text. I had gone back and forth on my feelings towards Andrew, he knew he excited me in a way no one else has in a while. He was intriguing and someone I could really see myself falling madly in love with. I quickly type a response.

'Hello handsome, much better now that you've texted me. Xo'

I felt so awkward sending that message. I had no clue how to flirt and I wasn't sure if I was doing it correctly at all. It had been so long. Glancing up I caught a weird look from Clara. She was staring me down. Her eyes switching between me and my phone. I could almost guess what she was thinking. It wasn't good. I shoved my phone into the leather boots I was wearing while placing both my hands on the table.

"Who are you texting..." Clara couldn't help herself and I knew it. I was kicking myself for allowing her to see me. I wasn't ready to tell them about Andrew. I didn't want to tell them in front of Carter. I also didn't want to tell them without them meeting Andrew first but here we were. Clara was pushing for answers and I wasn't sure I could give them to her.

"It was just stuff for business." She didn't believe me.

"Uh-huh hand it over." The smirk on her face made me want to jump out of my seat. How did she know? I was panicking but I knew I had to play it cool.

"It was seriously just for work, why would you think it was any different?" Fingers crossed that worked. My phone buzzed again. Another text. Clara leaned forward in her seat. She was trying to read me.

"What's going on here?" Carter leaned over to ask my mother. This caught my attention, allowing me to calm down a little. She was still staring though.

"Clara believe Erin is lying about something for some reason or another. She is going to stare at her until she admits it." She didn't even have to look up from her phone. The screen reflecting on her glasses made her look more like a mother to me.

"I'm going to crack you." Clara mouthed. This situation had turned from an awkward flirty text to something much scarier.

I realized I was holding my breath. The awaiting text was driving me all sorts of crazy and Clara was driving me the other way.

"You are no---" my phone buzzed again. "Okay fine!"

I gave up yanking my phone out of my boot to read the text messages. Clara dove across the table trying to grab it out of my hand. This was ridiculous. I yelped, drawing everyone's attention to our direction. My mother still never left her phone. Carter's eyes burned with fear. He looked like he was witnessing a lion leaping from a tree to devour a tiny little field mouse. In one way, he kind of was. Clara was shouting and creating an entire scene as I tried to pull myself even further away from her. There was no way I was going to read the text messages here. I needed to go somewhere private. Like the bathroom. It took me only a few seconds to realize that was a terrible idea, as there was no way Clara couldn't just also go to the restroom. Her hands flew violently through the air.

"Stop." I found myself softly mumbling. I wasn't too aware of what was actually happen. Everything was a blur as Clara finally removed herself from her chair getting ready to place one knee on the table. Oh dear god she was going to climb over the table. "Stop!" I yelled much louder. She did as she was told sitting back down. Many couples were staring at us as if they also just witnessed a lion field mouse massacre. My face was on fire with embarrassment. I needed to get new friends.

"Wow, you're dramatic." Clara chuckled to herself. I wanted to kill her.

"Andrew." That was all I said before pulling my phone to where I could see it. "I am texting Andrew."

"Who's Andrew?" Carter was the first to ask any questions. I couldn't remember if Clara had remembered the name or not from when she facebook stalked him. I pulled my attention to Carter. I wasn't sure how to answer his question. I didn't want to hurt him, but I wasn't sure how he felt for me. He had kissed me and that had left me so confused. It's been killing me inside, but we still hadn't talked about it.

"Well, he is..." I fumbled for the words. Come on Erin think. You've got this.

"It's a guy she met on Tinder and they went on a date, last I knew he hadn't texted her back. Apparently, that has changed." Clara seemed slightly angry with me. I felt like a terrible friend. There were things I should have told her. She shared with me everything and she was only trying to help me out. I've been hiding so many things from her, like Carter hanging out at my house and sleeping over, or the fact that Andrew and I have been on a few dates now. Worst of all is the fact that he was my boyfriend.

"Well..." I looked down at the empty table in front of me. This was going to be an eventful lunch if all of this happened before our food even got here. "... Andrew and I are actually boyfriend and girlfriend now." The words felt so weird coming out of my mouth. My phone buzzed again.

'Well sweetheart, what are you up to right now?'

'Are you there? I really want to see you soon.'

'Erin?'

The three text messages read. I knew right now was not the best time to respond. Too many people were relying on me for information right now that I wasn't sure they would allow me the few seconds to text him. I went for it anyways.

'I'm sorry. Just taking care of damage control with my family. I will call you later hun. Can't wait to see you next.' My fingers flew across the keyboard. Clara glared at me while I typed away. I knew she wanted her answers and to her, that's what was important.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she sounded a little hurt. I felt bad, I shouldn't have but I did. It literally happened less than twelve hours ago.

"In my defense, it happened last night." I couldn't make any eye contact with the people around me. I felt too bad that I had lied to them. On the other hand, I felt I was allowed to have my own life for at least twelve hours. I shouldn't have to live by immediately calling Clara when something happened. I was exhausted. I hadn't slept a wink last night due to the excitement of a new relationship. Honestly my first relationship.

"Ever heard of a call?" Clara held up her iPhone holding it in my face.

"Was I supposed to call you at 4 in the morning? Because that's when I finally went home." The waitress brought our food to us, and it was the only thing that was heated on the table. I couldn't understand why Clara was getting so angry with me about this.

"Alright, I think you girls have some things to figure out so I'll just leave you guys to it," Carter whispered, pulling out enough cash to cover his food. He grabbed the plate heading over to the hostess asking if he could get a box for his food. My heart sank. I didn't want Carter to leave. Clara slowly began eating her food. My mother already pleasantly through her first portion.

"Mom will you please tell her that I didn't do anything wrong." She looked up from her plate.

"You didn't..." Slowly taking another bite. I shot over to Clara sticking my tongue out in her direction. "But, I'm not happy either."

"What?!" I shouted towards my mom a little more dramatic than I had anticipated. "Why? All I did was find a relationship like you guys were trying to force me to do! Now that I have one neither of you is happy? I don't get it. I was growing noticeably angrier by the second.

*~* Evelyn's Point of View *~*

I felt bad with how confused Erin had become. It wasn't meant to happen this way. Carter was supposed to come back, they were supposed to start hanging out and she was supposed to forget about the bet. I was supposed to be the one to pick who she went on a date with. That date was supposed to be Carter. He loved her. He has always loved her. My mind was racing as the two girls banter in front of me. I had consumed all I could possibly consume. I needed to get to Carter. I had to apologize. I'd gotten his hopes up and I needed to fix this somehow.

"I have to go...uhh business meeting with my book club." That was such a terrible lie but the damage was done. I just hoped the two girls didn't kill each other. I didn't think bringing Carter around again would make Clara so defensive.

"Mother!" I heard Erin shout towards me as I left the restaurant. We weren't ever going to be allowed back in this building after the scene we had made today. I shook my head in embarrassment. quickly pulling out my phone I dialed the needed number. "I need to explain."

*~* Erin point of view *~*

"Okay Clara, look I'm sorry I was excited to tell you guys I just didn't know how with Carter around. She looked at me quizzically. I was surprised she was looking at me at all.

"Why, what does he have to do with this?" Clara was correct. Why was I so worried about telling them in front of him?

"He kissed me." The words were quiet. They were fragile and honestly, I'm surprised they came out at all.

"Of course he did, you can't tell that he is into you?" What was she talking about?

"What?"

"Tell me, Erin, why do you like Andrew?" Well, that was easy, he was attractive and he made me feel special. He was kind and interesting.

"He is so kind to me, he is interesting, he takes care of me, he likes me." The words flowed and they made me proud that I had come up with them.

"So does Carter." Clara stood from her seat. Also leaving a wad of cash on the table to pay for her portion. "I'll see you back at the shop, I have an appointment I don't want to be late for."

They all had left. I was alone in the large seating booth. Money on the table around everyone half consumed plates. How did things go so bad so quickly? I pulled out my phone. The well-known ring echoed in my ear until his voice was on the other end.

"Can I come over, I really need to talk."