"What the heck Steven," I turned, looking at the entrance and locking eyes with Tia. She changed out of her uniform and wore a pair of black sweatpants and a plain white v-neck. Her braids were out of their high ponytail and into a messy bun. She was carrying her blue gym bag. She walked up to the counter and sat on the stool that Nina was just in, throwing her bag on the counter with a soft thud.

 

"Hey, Tia, how was practice?" Mr. Jones asked, placing a cup and a sandwich in from of Tia, and she smiled at him.

 

"It was good. One of the guys gave me a hard time because he thought he would hurt me. After all, I was a girl," Tia said, taking a bit out of her sandwich.

 

"And I expect to hear you say that you proved him wrong?" Mr. Jones asked.

 

"Well, after knocking him on his behind for the third time, he changed his thought of me," Tia said, and the older man smiled.

 

"That's my girl," He said, reaching over and patting Tia's head.

 

"Thanks, uncle," Tia said.

 

"So, what's plans for tonight, my favorite niece?" Mr. Jones asked.

 

"Well, tonight is movie night," Tia said.

 

"Oh yes, I forgot about that. I thought you were going to a party tonight?" Mr. Jones asked.

 

"No, that is tomorrow, and how do you know about that?" Tia asked.

 

"Who do you think?" Mr. Jones smirked at her, and Tia took another large bite of her sandwich.

 

"Well, I was hoping you would say no and tell me that I have stayed home," Tia grumbled.

 

"And that would make me a terrible uncle by not letting my niece go have fun, and she becomes anti-social," Mr. Jones said.

 

"Ugh, can you be strict for once?" Tia asked, pushing her empty plates away.

 

"No can do, kiddo," Mr. Jones said, picking up her plate and walking into the kitchen.

 

Mr. Jones had taken care of Tia since 5th grade when her dad passed away. Their relationship was reasonably straightforward. He didn't act like he was her father, just someone who cared for her and wanted the best for her. That made Tia feel safer around him because she didn't feel pressured to treat him like he was a replacement for her dad, which he wasn't. With that, Tia felt like she could confide in her uncle whenever and he would be there for her no matter what. Sometimes I wish my mom was like that, but I get why she is like that. Sometimes I wish things were different.

 

"So why did you leave?" Tia asked, and I sighed, pulling out my phone and placing it on the counter showing Tia my screen. "Damn, what happened?" Tia asked.

 

"Well, you want the short story or the full story?" I asked.

 

"Short now and full story later when we return to my house," Tia said, taking a sip from her drink.

 

"Okay, well, Nicole's boyfriend knocked into me, making me crack my phone, and he offered to fix it, and then he asked me out," I said, causing Tia to spit out her drink.

 

"W- what?" Tia Sputtered.

 

"Yup," I said, grabbing some napkins and handing them over to her.

 

"Wait, so you found out he was Nicole's boyfriend before or after he asked you out?" Tia asked, wiping her mouth.

 

"Before," I sighed.

 

"Damn, that's crazy," Tia said.

 

"Right, I told him he should tell her about her two-timing boyfriend," Nina chimed in, walking up to us and handing me a plate of fries.

 

"Hi, big mouth," Tia said, glaring at Nina.

 

"Hello, short stack," Nina said. Tia grimaced at her nickname.

 

"So what are you going to do?" Tia asked.

 

"Well, I am not going to do anything," I said, eating a fry.

 

"What? Why?" Nina and Tia said before looking at each other in confusion before looking back at me.

 

"Well, it is not like I accepted his date. And Besides, I am not going to ruin someone's relationship because I don't know what their relationship is like. What if they are in an open relationship or something like that?" I said.

 

"They are not," Tia said bluntly.

 

"How-" Nina started but was interrupted by Tia.

 

"Don't ask," Tia grabbed some fries from my plate. "Maybe you should tell her, but if you think that telling her would lead to more problems than solutions, then so be it," Tia said, shrugging.

 

"No, you should tell her. It will give her piece of mind," 

Nina said.

 

"Listen, can we just drop it because I have bigger things to worry about," I said.

 

"You're worried about that stupid party?" Nina asked.

 

"Yes, because how will I convince mom to let me go?" I asked.

 

"Well, mom won't even be home this weekend," Nina said.

 

"What, where is she going to be?" I asked. I don't remember her saying anything about going anywhere.

 

"Yeah, she told me today that Aunt Dani took her to Atlantic city for the weekend," Nina said, and I smiled.

 

"Okay, how about this? If I see Nicole at this party, I will tell her. Will that make you happy, Nina?" I said.

 

"Yes. Yes, it will," Nina said.

 

"Okay, well, now that this is solved, can we go? I want to watch a movie," I said, pushing my empty plate toward Nina.

 

"Fine, okay, we'll talk later," Nina said. So I grabbed my violin cast and slid off the stool.

 

"I'll be right back," Tia said, and she handed me her bag and ran into the back, probably saying bye to her uncle.

 

"Hey Stevie," Nina said with a sad smile.

 

"Yea, Nina," I said, and she hugged me.

 

"Be careful, okay," Nina said, pulling away.

 

"Hey, don't worry, I'm okay," I said.

 

"Okay, let's go," Tia walked up to us and gave me a weird look. "Is everything okay," Tia asked, taking her bag back from me, and Nina gave her the customer service smile she gave her tables to make them tip her more.

 

"Everything is fine, shortcake. You guys have a good time," Nina said.

 

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked. Nina nodded, and we walked out the front door.

 

I looked back one last time, and the look on Nina's face looked conflicted. I hate that she has to walk on eggshells around me. I know she says she tries to act normal around me, but I can tell she is concerned about everything I do. I understand where she is coming from, but I am trying to act how things were before. So I sighed, feeling like no matter what I did, nothing could go back to normal.