Page 110 of Truth or Dare

Oscar sighed, running a hand through his curly hair. “Man, we need to go food shopping. I’m running on fumes here.”

I nodded, glancing at the clock. It was after midnight on a Saturday night, and our options were limited. “Most places that deliver are closed by now. What do you suggest?”

A grin spread across Oscar’s face. “How about Big Apple Bites? It’s an all-night spot with awesome omelets and cheese fries. Perfect for a rainy night like this.”

I hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. “Sounds good to me. Let’s go.”

We grabbed our jackets and braved the downpour, hailing a cab three times before one stopped. The streets glistened under the streetlights, puddles forming in every crevice. By the time we reached Big Apple Bites, we were soaked but laughing, the adventure of it all lifting our spirits.

The diner was a warm oasis from the storm outside. The smell of muffins and fresh coffee enveloped us as we stepped inside, shaking off the rain. We found a booth near the back, collapsing into the seats with relief.

Oscar flagged down a waitress and ordered a massive plate of cheese fries and a western omelet. I opted for a bacon cheeseburger and a side of onion rings, my stomach growling in anticipation.

As we waited for our food, I glanced around the diner, taking in the late-night crowd. My gaze froze when I saw her. Presley. She was sitting at a booth across the room with two of her friends, laughing over a plate of pancakes and vanilla milkshakes. Her presence hit me like a slap to the face, a swirl of emotions I wasn’t prepared for.

Oscar followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. “Hey, you know her?”

“Yeah,” I said slowly, my eyes still fixed on Presley. “We have some history.”

“Good or bad?”

“Complicated.”

He nodded, not pressing further, and turned his attention back to his phone. I couldn’t look away, though. It had been years since I’d seen her, but she looked just as I remembered, maybe even more so. There was a light in her eyes, a genuine joy that made her glow even in the harsh diner lighting.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I stood up. “I’ll be right back,” I told Oscar.

I walked over to Presley’s booth, my heart pounding in my chest. As I approached, her friends noticed me first, their conversation halting as they followed my movements. Presley looked up, her smile fading as recognition dawned.

“Hudson?” she said, her voice a mix of surprise and something else I couldn’t quite place.

“Hey, Presley,” I replied, trying to keep my tone casual. “Fancy running into you here.”

Her friends exchanged glances, sensing the tension. Presley blinked, then managed a small smile. “Yeah, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Good,” I said, though it felt like an understatement. “Really good. You?”

“Same,” she replied, her eyes searching mine. “I’m at NYU now.”

“I know,” I said softly. “I’m at Columbia.”

She nodded, and for a moment, we just stood there, the weight of our shared past hanging in the air. Finally, one of her friends cleared her throat, breaking the silence.

“Hudson, these are my friends, Emily and Rachel,” Presley introduced them, her voice regaining some of its usual warmth. “Guys, this is Hudson.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said, giving them a polite nod.

“You too,” Emily said, though her curiosity was evident.

Rachel smiled. “You should join us.”

Presley shot her a quick glance as if to say don’t.

I hesitated, glancing back at Oscar. “I’m actually here with my friend, but maybe another time.”

Presley’s smile faltered slightly, but she nodded. “Sure, another time.”

I returned to my booth, my mind racing. Oscar looked up from his phone, raising an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”

---