Chapter 16 - Malia (3)

I notice that they're careful around me though because when I'm not close, they're talking to each other, but once I'm in their section, none of them speaks. I don't know who these people are, and the club music does not help my situation. The only person I'm familiar with is Gael, Rick, and the boy who seems to be my age whose name is Jay, I think. I've seen him around a few times and the others tell me he's like Gael's foster son or something.

I stand several feet from their table with my hands behind my back. I face them diagonally, my eyes roaming their faces as though waiting for someone to call me. They're so busy with their discussion that they don't call for a second order. I'm at a distance that's too far for me to hear anything, but far enough to look like I'm giving them privacy. I can't move closer.