Hang out

After Ridger parked the car in a parking lot at the back of the mall, Lianey immediately left the car with Maxene. She seemed so excited that she didn't bother waiting for her brother.

She grabbed Maxene's arm and clung to her tightly, yelling, "Let us go, Max!" with excitement.

Looking back at the two who had just exited the car together, Maxene questioned, "What about your brother and Dave?" They could see them from a few meters away.

Without turning around, Lianey retorted, "Do not worry, they will catch up," and she was right because the two guys were able to catch up to them thanks to their long legs.

"Nathan said he's in the bathroom, and he's asking where we're headed," Dave told them the moment they entered the mall.

Ridger looked at Lianey and said, "Where are we going, Lian?"

"Let's go to the coffee shop!" she answered, pointing her fingers to the second floor.

"Shouldn't we eat a meal first? Didn't you say you were hungry earlier?" Ridger replied.

Lianey turned to Maxene and asked, "How about you, Max? Do you want to eat a meal too?"

Maxene thought for a moment before responding, "It is still too early for me. Maybe I will just have a snack and a coffee."

Ridger said, casting a glance around, "Let us just pick a place that offers both."

On the other side, Dave pouted and said, "Are you not going to ask me, bro?" while acting irate that his opinion had been disregarded.

Lianey mocked him, saying, "You literally eat anything, Dave."

Meanwhile, Ridger tapped Dave's shoulder and said, "Alright, sorry. Where do you want to eat?" Dave has sensitive feelings despite being the naughty friend who causes trouble, which is why Ridger sees him as a child. For this reason, he tries to be more gentle and patient with him.

Dave heard what his friend said and responded, "McDonald's!" with an enormous grin.

As she sighed, Lianey turned to face Maxene. "Dave always acts this way because my brother and Nathan spoil him so much," she whispered.

Maxene grins and mumbles, "You seemed spoiled by him as well."

"Huh? What did you say?" Lianey asked, confusedly.

While pointing at Dave, who was already running in the direction of McDonald's, Maxene shook her head.

Lianey muttered, "Geez, he is like a kid," as she noticed Dave fixating on the McDonald's toy counter. She continued, "He would probably purchase a Happy Meal again."

"Do you want to grab your food somewhere else, Lian?" Ridger asked her sister.

Lian replied, "Not really. I am fine with McDonald's. I like it here too." She then turned to face Maxene. "What about you, Max?"

"McDonald's would do. I think they have coffee here too," she replied while looking at the inside of McDonald's because they haven't entered yet. Being the children of a conglomerate, Maxene is honestly surprised that they enjoy fast food. She was expecting they would choose a restaurant or a fine dining establishment.

"Let's find an empty table then," Ridger told them, and they walked inside to look for an empty table.

They were fortunate to find open tables despite the place being packed with students from various schools. Given that Nathan would soon arrive, they combined the two empty tables for four to save him a seat.

Ridger ordered their food with Dave, so Lianey and Maxene were left at their table. In addition to having more privacy, because they were seated in the corner, they also had a good view of the sunset from the glass wall outside, making their position perfect.

"Wow, the sky looks so nice! It makes me want to paint them," Lianey uttered, her eyes shining in admiration.

"Is it?" Maxene unconsciously mumbled, but Lianey heard it. Maxene could sense nothing but mediocrity as she regarded the sky, as she stopped finding anything in life beautiful because of her tragic life.

Lianey looked at her and smiled. "Everything in this world is beautiful," she responded.

"Of course, in rose-colored glasses," Maxene replied, looking at the sky again.

Lianey didn't seem to take much notice of what she said as she realized she needed to go to the bathroom. "I need to pee," she whispered to Maxene.

"Can you go alone?" she asked her.

"Yeah. Stay here at our table. Besides, they have a bathroom here," Lianey responded, pointing at the comfort room of McDonald's a few meters away from them.

"Alright, go on."

Maxene was left alone to watch the table and their bags on the table. However, due to the large number of people placing their orders, Ridger and Dave were taking their time. Nathan did, however, eventually arrive after a short while.

Nathan walked over to Maxene after Dave directed him to their table. She grinned at him as soon as she saw him coming, and he reciprocated by nodding. He sat in the corner seat and put his bag and helmet on the table. Aside from his school bag, he was carrying a paper bag that seemed new.

The fact that nobody wanted to strike up a conversation made it uncomfortable for them both. He did not seem to be in the mood, so Maxene chose to stay away. Furthermore, Maxene was aware that Nathan and Ridger shared a deeper bond. She is aware that Nathan would undoubtedly assist Ridger in his investigation, so he is probably wary of her.

The entire time they were together, Maxene was contemplating whether she should converse with him or not. But then, it all stopped when Lianey finally came back.

She smiled and greeted him, "Nathan! You are already here!" But all he did was nod. Maxene noticed that and realized he was like that with everyone except Dave and Nathan. Even though his trust would aid her mission to approach the Falcons, she does not actually need to get close to him.

"Why are you guys so quiet?" Lianey asked the moment she took her seat beside Maxene. She looked at Nathan and said, "Did you ask them to take your order?"

Nathan nodded and replied, "Yeah."

"Gosh, Nathan, you never change. You're still as quiet as ever when you are around other people. You only get loud when you are around my brother and Dave."

Maxene looked at Nathan and uttered, "I know someone who's just like him. Except he doesn't have any friends." She was reminded of Crow, who barely speaks a word.

The two turned to her with curious faces. Lianey said, "He? A guy?"

Maxene nodded her head and said, "Yep."

"You know him personally?" Lianey queried.

"Hmm, not much. I barely knew anything about him, which is why I can't even call him a friend," she uttered. She took a quick glance at Nathan, and he seemed to be listening despite his attention being on something else. Maxene found this a good thing because they were bonding together. This is her chance to finally get closer.

"But... is he handsome?" Lianey questioned with excitement, causing Maxene to chuckle.

She thought about it and replied monotonously, "He is."

Lianey was about to respond when Dave and Ridger finally arrived, each with one tray in both hands. To assist them in setting the food trays on the table, Nathan got to his feet. Maxene was prepared to assist as well, but Ridger said it was okay and they could handle it.

Dave wondered aloud, "So, what are you guys talking about?" the moment he sat on his chair in front of Maxene. It seems like he picked up on the last thing Maxene said.

Lianey giggled and responded, "Maxene said she knew someone handsome." She turned to Maxene and asked, "Does he have a girlfriend?"

"Lian," Ridger reprimanded her with a stern expression when he was already sitting on his chair in front of Lianey. Beside him, at the corner of the table, was Nathan, who was quietly preparing his food.

She responded with vigor, "What? Why? I am not asking for me. I am asking for Maxene. Who knows, he might be her future boyfriend!" Due to the fact that she was not permitted to date until after she graduated from college, Lianey has never been in a committed relationship.

Indulging in her ice cream coffee, Maxene grinned. "I do not have time for that sort of thing." It's true. In her current predicament, how can she possibly enter a relationship? After saying that, she saw Nathan's emotion change as if he were disappointed, just like Lianey.

"What is with him?" Maxene pondered as she saw Nathan cast a glance at Ridger, who was occupied with his meal.

Lianey expressed disappointment and questioned, "Why not?"

"Just eat Lian and stop making her uncomfortable," Ridger said, taking a bite of his food.

"Hmp, killjoy," Lian mumbled.

Meanwhile, Maxene was about to eat her burger when she saw someone walking towards them from the wall reflection.

"Guys? You're all here!" they heard someone say from behind which caught their attention.

—

End of Chapter 14