“Okay, we’re going to a party, you could at least pretend to be excited.” He said to his cousin as he drove them to the party, practically against their will. He didn’t need to look at them to know that they were rolling their eyes at him. Parties were never Athena’s scene, nor were they his, but he figured that he didn’t have a choice in attending, judging by the text he’d received earlier. When his parents found out he was going, his dama instead that he not go alone and managed to talk Athena’s dads into making them go with him. “Athena, watch the road for me for a sec.” He said before taking his hands off the wheel. “Xavier!” His cousin exclaimed, grabbing the wheel as he wrestled himself out of his jean jacket. After throwing the jacket into the back seat, he placed his hands back on the wheel.
“Xavier. Pestana. What the f-ck was that?” They demanded, staring him down. “What? The jacket was cute, but not ideal for driving.” He told them in an attempt to justify his actions. He could feel their stare intestify as he finished speaking. “And that’s a valid reason for you to get us killed?” They countered and he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Relax, Athens. I promised your dads that I’d get you home in one piece and I intend to keep that promise.” He reassured them, even though he knew they wouldn’t believe him. When they arrived, he parked his car and got out, retrieving his jacket from the back seat and putting it on. Once Athena got out, he locked the car and the two of them walked towards the house.
As they entered the party, Athena looked at him with a rare gaze of compassion, placing their hand on his shoulder. “Text me if you need me, okay?” They said to him, waiting for him to nod in response before leaving, probably to find a corner to hang around in. He made his way to the bar, trying to keep his nervousness at bay. He walked up to the bar and cleared his throat, willing his voice to work. “Um, excuse me, can I have a club soda with lime in it?” He asked the bartender, before stepping to the side and playing with the cuff of his shirt while he waited for his drink.
Approachable