Page 37 of Fatality

I absentmindedly stir my straw through the milkshake.

Once everyone starts heading their own way, Liam follows me.

I don't say anything, I'm exhausted, my back hurts, I just want to lie down and sleep until death comes.

Without warning, he takes my hand and starts pulling me forward.

“Wh-What are you doing?” I ask, stumbling slightly as I try to keep up. “Where are you taking me?”

His grip doesn't loosen.

“I want to show you a new restaurant.”

“Liam, I'm tired.” I gently try to pull my hand free. “I'm not even hungry—”

“Come on.” He cuts me off, glancing over his shoulder with a warm smile. “It'll make you feel better.”

His grip tightens, just shy of painful.

He looks so happy about it that I already know saying no will make me feel like shit.

When Liam wants to do something, he never really listens.

Usually, I'd be pissed but I'm too tired to fight.

And I don't want to be the monster in the story when my boyfriend is trying to organize a date.

What kind of girlfriend would that make me?

We're probably going to some expensive place with synthetic steaks or actual meat priced like someone had to sell an organ just to serve it.

I sigh and let him drag me along.

“Okay...” I force a smile. “Let's go then.”

We arrive at a restaurant called White Heaven. Its pearl-white façade practically glowing, reflecting the city's neon like it wants everyone to know just how expensive it is.

It’s definitely going to cost one of us a month's salary.

We step inside, and we don't even have time to cross the threshold before we're immediately swarmed by waiters.

Not by humans, by fucking robots with human faces.

My eyes widen, my grip on Liam tightens instinctively.

It's creepy as hell.

It gives me the heebie-jeebies, I'm definitely not eating with that in the same room.

I instinctively take a step back, but Liam is already following the creepy waiter-robot.

“Liam... I can't.” I keep my voice low, just loud enough for him to hear. “This place creeps me out.”

“Really?” Liam stops immediately. “You can't just suck it up and eat with me? I had to pull strings to get us a table here.”

“I'm sorry, but I'm not going to suck it up.” I take another step back. “If you want to eat here, that's fine. But I won't.”

“So...” He gently places his hands on my shoulders. “What are we going to do then?”