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To my surprise, Austin got to his feet and walked over to the commotion. I stood and followed, standing five or ten feet away from him. Derek, the asshole, noticed me and grinned.
“Here’s another worthless bitch. Did someone blow a dog whistle or something?” He turned to the waitress. “Take this shit back.”
“Just throw it away. I’ll bring you another slice.”
Derek threw the plate and pizza at her. It landed on her chest then slid down.
“What the fuck is your problem?” Austin asked, stepping closer to their table.
Two other guys, also wearing polo-shirts, sat across from Derek. Austin stared at them all one by one as if daring any of them to make a move. I felt scared and excited at the same time even though he wasn’t standing up for me.
“Let’s go, Austin,” I said, grabbing his arm. “You don’t need this shit.”
“Yeah. Listen to your bitch.”
In one fluid motion, Austin grabbed the pitcher of beer in the center of their table and threw it on Derek, soaking him. He stood up, pulling his shirt out.
“What the hell, man?”
“Oops,” Austin said, shrugging innocently. “Accident. Sorry.”
“Fuck you it was an accident.”
Austin glanced to the left then right.
“You guys saw that, right? I tripped over his pizza slice on the floor and almost killed myself on their table.”
Derek scowled, his eyebrows pointed down toward his nose and his brow furrowed deeply.
“You’re going to pay for this,” he said then stormed off toward the door.
His buddies got out, making sure to stay out of Austin’s way as they scurried after their preppy friend.
“You okay?” Austin asked Janice.
“Yeah thanks. I wish they wouldn’t come in here anymore though. Something is always wrong with their order.” She sighed. “I better go clean up. Your pizza’s on me tonight.”
“That’s not necessary,” Austin began before she stopped him.
“Yeah it is.”
“Fucking assholes,” he muttered as she walked away.
We made it back to our table and finished eating. The rest of the patrons acted as if nothing had happened. By the end of the meal, we were laughing and joking together again.
*
Back at the apartment, I invited him in, justifying it by telling myself I didn’t want to deal with Jocelyn and all her questions. If I brought Austin in, she would retreat to her bedroom for the night. At least I hoped so as I unlocked the front door.
“Excuse the mess,” I said as I walked inside.
Jocelyn looked up from the couch with a smile on her face. It faded as Austin stepped in behind me.
“Hey, Jocelyn. This is Austin.” I turned to him. “Austin, this is Jocelyn, my roommate.”
“I’ve seen you on campus, I think,” he said in a friendly tone.
“I doubt it,” she snapped.
