And would my life be any easier if I were with someone mortal? We could see each other by our lockers, share classes, and hang out at school dances. But I lived in Dullsville, where no mortal was like me. Even if Alexander hadnt moved into the Mansion on Benson Hill many months ago, I would never have found anyone here to love. I viewed my lonely, mortal world before I met Alexander as far more difficult than the challenges I faced by falling in love with a vampire. The insecurity of Alexanders and my future was better than the certainty of my unhappiness without Alexander.
Hooligans was a noisy, technology-driven themed restaurant. The food was normal faresalads, chicken wings, sandwichesbut the selling point was the jumbo-size, high-decibel, flashing-light video, pinball, and dancing games. Some games spit out tickets to use like cash to purchase prizes like bears, bracelets, and pencil toppers. It was quite easy to spend a hundred dollars just trying to win a twenty-cent prize.
Alexander thrived in his quiet hideaways, like the Mansion, Dullsvilles cemetery, and the Coffin Club, under the guise of Phoenix. I was concerned that Hooligans was going to blast him into sensory overload. However, I knew Sebastian would be in gaming heaven.
Sebastian parked his Mustang in an empty space right next to Beckys truck. He wore a spectacularly stylish bloodred blazer.
Alexander glowedhis hair rich-looking, seductively dangling down, his lean body pressed into black jeans and a white T-shirt and finished with a sparkling oversized skull belt buckle.
We arrived at the hostess stand to find a long line and at least a dozen patrons with pagers.
Well be here all night, Sebastian said.
Follow me. I forged through the sea of people and pushed myself right in front of the main hostess.
Were meeting two friends. Im sure they already have a table, I said in my most mature voice, as my parents did when we were meeting their friends for dinner.
You can go ahead and check.
We squeezed our way through the waiting customersscreaming babies, young couples, and corporate parties. I was counting my blessings. So far no Trevor or a soccer snob in sight. I found Becky and Matt at a round table in the corner of the restaurant.
Before any formal introductions could be made, Matt extended his hand to Alexanders best friend. Heyyou must be Sebastian.
But Sebastians focus was instead on Becky, and Alexander nudged his best friend.
Oh, yeah. Nice to meet you.
Sebastian made his way to the empty seat across from Becky, but I snuck in behind him and scooted myself into the chair just as he landed on my lap.
We looked quite the sightas if a ventriloquist had just sat on the dummy.
Heyget off of my girlfriend, Alexander teased, jabbing Sebastian.
We all laughed as Sebastian rose to find that the only empty chair was between Matt and Alexander.
Matt and Sebastian found a common ground talking about computer games. However, in between breaths, Sebastian continued to be fixated on Becky, as if he was trying to seduce her with his gaze. Any normal guy could be a pest, but a vampire? He could be deadly.
I held my menu out, blocking his line of sight, until the waiter finished taking our orders and the menus.
We can all use my points, Matt offered, showing us his Hooligans game card. Lets go.
The gaming area was packedfilled with couples dancing, skiing, shooting, and bowling.
Matt took Beckys hand, Becky took mine, and I took Alexanders. Matt led us through the maze of people while Sebastian followed close behind.
Matt stopped in front of the only unoccupied gamea pinball machine, Nosferatus Nightmare.
Want to play? he asked, challenging Sebastian.
Sure, Sebastian replied. Winner gets the girl.
What girl?
Sebastian gestured to Becky, who turned bone white.
Youre joking! Matt said.
Of course I am. But I knew Sebastian really didnt want to be. He appeared lovelorn for my best friend.