ANTE BELLUM: XV

RAMSEY BIANCHI

"HEY, HOW'S YOUR DAD'S WRING DOING?" I ask Escobar as he handed me a new set of dirty dishes.

Escobar sigh exhaustively, he ran a hand over his face before shrugging. "The place was on sale, apparently wrestling isn't a thing if it isn't WWE." I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Then some moron crashed through the ceiling and the buyer for some odd reason canceled the deal. Funny how rich people can just... drop everything and leave whereas poor people have to find a way to survive."

"I'm so sorry." Escobar shrugged. "Was it a thug?"

Escobar shook his head. "Word is; it was a kid. Went against Marvin's men on his own, while on the run he jumped roof after roof and ended just above the wring and crashed down."

I frown, a bad feeling settling on my chest. "When did this happen?"

"A week ago." The bad feeling in my chest increased as I connected the dots, Peter Parker had a bruised eye the next day after we chatted. "Anyway, Miriam's calling you to the front."

I frown, "Uhm... what for?"

Escobar just shrugged before going over to grab the food plates, before leaving. "Something about someone coming to see you."

I nodded, I untied the white apron before setting it aside. "Probably Connor."

I pushed past the double doors, taking in the livid atmosphere in the restaurant. It was really crowded which was a really good thing, the past few weekends I've been here there were barely any customers. I spotted Miriam talking to a young boy by the bar, I made my way toward him while smiling at Alexander, just as I was about to announce my presence the boy turned around.

My eyes widen, "Peter?" He sends me a smile. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Ramsey, have some manners will you?" Miriam scolded.

"My manners are just fine." I retorted which earn me a stern look from Miriam.

Peter timidly reach over the left side of the counter, he offered me a smile as he handed me flowers. My mouth parted open, clearly taken off guard by this spontaneous detail, I quickly snapped out of it and offered him a grateful smile while taking the flowers.

"I'm really sorry I showed up unannounced... Gwen said you would be here." He stated.

I nodded slowly, "Yes. Working."

Peter's cheeks turn a rosy color as he looked down in embarrassment, "She might have left that part out." He admitted.

Miriam shot me a knowing look before leaving us. "I'll be around."

Miriam offer Peter a smile which the boy returned, Peter began to fidget with his fingers as he struggles to find the words.

I nodded slowly, lips smirking. "So... is there a reason behind why you've been asking Gwen about me?"

Peter blushed harder, making my stomach flutter from seeing him so affected by my questions. "I wanted to apologize for acting like a jerk. You just wanted to help."

I made a clicking sound with my tongue. "You're about a week late for that, buddy." Peter looked down, this time in shame. "But... there might be a way for me to forgive you."

His head perked up, expression hopeful. "Stay for dinner. My treat."

Peter's face lights up, a bright goofy smile settles on his face. "Sure, I would like that." I smile brightly. "If I'm not imposing."

"Chaval, since when do customers impose?" Alexander, the cashier, joked. "I'll get your table ready."

"Gracias, Alex." I thank him with a smile.

My eyes met Peter's. "Follow him. I'll be with you shortly."

I made my way toward the kitchen, a bright smile on my face which immediately attracted Miriam's attention. "So... he staying?"

I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!" I fangirl, and Miriam mimics my girlie's actions.

"Jesus Christ, who are you summoning?" Jefferson exclaimed, faking terror.

I chuckle before looking at him with a smirk. "The chef actually." He arcs an eyebrow. "I have a personal order for you, do you mind doing your famous Reina del Sur combo for me and my date?"

"You actually score yourself a date?" Jefferson gasped.

Miriam rolls her eyes. "Of course, he'll do it. Now come, let me doll you up."

After Miriam was done making me look presentable, I made my way to the restaurant. Spotting Peter who was chatting with Alexander while I was gone, I approach them with a friendly smile.

"Is it me you're talking about?" I joke, Alexander stood up from my seat.

"I'm just warning Peter what kind of trouble he's getting into." I narrow my eyes at Alexander.

"Haha, very funny." I mock. "Now, off you go."

"I'll be on my usual spot if you need anything." He jabbed his thumb behind him before turning to Peter. "Hey Peter, enjoy your time."

"Thanks, man."

An hour passed and both, Peter and I, were having a great time. He told me how he had followed my advice and how he was progressing, that he had found a way to channel the grief into something healthier. Even if I wanted to believe him, my stupid powers allowed me to know when someone was lying or not and they told me Peter was lying straight through his teeth. Did I feel hurt? A little, but I was more curious to know what he was hiding and I'm known a be a pretty straightforward girl.

"So how's your Aunt doing?" I ask him, Peter swallows his food before setting down the taco.

I took a bite of my own as I waited for his answer. "Well, things shifted ever since my Uncle's death." He admitted. "The past week has been tense; we got into a lot of fights. Mostly my fault."

I frown, "Why is that?"

"Hmm?"

"Why was it your fault?" I elaborated.

I observe Peter's body language; he took in a deep breath as if he was trying to figure out what to say. "Silly stuff."

I narrow my eyes at him, I cross my arms over my chest while I lean back on the seat. "Listen, Peter, you don't owe me anything. But here's a little fun fact about me, I hate lies and I have a feeling you just tried to lie to me."

Peter munch his food slowly, brown eyes wide at my sudden change of behavior. Some things needed to be said, I really like this guy, he's everything I want in a boy but not everyone is perfect and Peter Parker's flaw seems to be telling lies.

"I'm not lying to you."

"That's the second lie you've said to me." I spat angrily. "Listen, Peter, I really like you, I have for the past year. Since the moment I met you I've had a crush on you, I was just so messed up to try and do something about it. I really want this to go on but if lying to me is going to become a habit then please tell me."

Pete sighed, he set his food down and lean back on the seat, meeting my gaze. "I've been sneaking out at night." He began. "Last time, you told me that bad things happened when you grieve... and I almost did something I might have regretted. So one night I came home pretty bruised and Aunt May was waiting for me, you can guess what followed."

My eyes soften, I scold myself for being too blunt. "Oh gosh... Peter that was clearly none of my business, I overstepped my boundaries. You probably think I'm one of those psycho girlfriends, shit."

"Girlfriend?" Peter repeated, arching an eyebrow. "I mean, I have imagined you as such but not as a psycho."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "I meant it with a space in between, you know. Like, gyal friend."

I placed my elbow on the table, covering my eyes in pure embarrassment when suddenly a hearty laugh filled the silence between us. I remove my hand from my eyes, meeting Peter's adorable brown eyes and a matching smile on his face. "Don't laugh at me, it's not funny."

Peter continued to laugh, but this time he shook his head while reaching over the table, taking my hand in his. My heart fluttered at that simple gesture, I felt my cheeks grow hot, but my eyes were held captive by Peter's brown ones. No matter how much I wanted to look away, I couldn't.

"I'm not laughing at you." He said. "I just thought you looked adorable when you were glaring daggers at me."

"Oh gosh..." I whispered in embarrassment, dipping my chin as I gripped the bridge of my nose with my right hand. 

"I like you too, Ramsey Bianchi." My head snapped up, my hazel eyes turning wide as I met Peter's tender face. "You are the type of person that comes once in a lifetime, and I would be a fool to miss out on such a wonderful woman."

Dios mio, he's definitely doing it right.

"Damn right, you would."

Have you ever experienced that type of pain when you're smiling too much and your cheeks turn sore? Yeah, well, that's the pain I'm experiencing, and let me tell you it's the best kind of pain. I couldn't stop smiling at Peter, he makes me feel contemptuous, and my mind is at ease whenever I speak with him. No worries, no anxiety, I felt normal. As I watched him try to eat the last taco only to have it crushed halfway through his mouth, I knew that Peter Parker was the type of guy you only meet once and usually they're the ones that leave a mark on your heart. I'm not one of a kind, I'm just an average girl who likes to be productive and hates being alone. But for now, I knew I was going to fall asleep with a smile on my face for this is the best night of my life.

"Oh my god! What is that thing?!"

And I had to jinx it.

Horror was written all over Peter and my face as we saw the news broadcasting live footage of a giant lizard attacking one of the many bridges of Manhattan. The lizard threw cars as if they were Hotwheels over the bridge, Peter turn to face me.

I tsk. "Would you look at that; a fucking lizard is destroying the bridge. What else is new? First, we get a flying Tin man, then we get a dude swinging around like Tarzan in the jungle wearing a Cosplay costume." I let out a long sigh, Peter stared at me with an uncomfortable look. "I wouldn't be surprised if a psychotic killer appeared out of the blue."

"I have to go." Peter blurt out. 

I sat up straighter, eyes wide with embarrassment. "Shit! Did I scare you off?"

Peter frown, "What? No, no, it's nothing like that."

"So why are you leaving all of a sudden?"

"I... Uhm," he struggled to come up with an excuse, Ramsey could sense the panic rising within him, "Aunt May wanted me to do this thing... for her." 

I frown, tilting my head to the side as I gave him an unamused look, clearly not buying his excuse. "What thing?"

"Just a thing. Nothing important." He stood up in haste, leaned down, and planted a kiss on my forehead. "I'll call you later, okay?"

Letting out a long sigh, I nodded. "Mmhmm."

He exclaimed, he stood up abruptly, placing a kiss on my cheek before he ran out of the restaurant. I was left stunned, for his abrupt leave and of course, for the sweet kiss on my forehead. Moments later cheers erupted inside the restaurant, I turned around and noticed the camera had caught sight of Spider-Man who didn't hesitate to go and save the night.

"Woohoo! You go, spider-guy!"

 Frowning, I looked at Peter's empty spot,  and I felt something clicking inside my mind. My chest tightened with realization as my eyes darted from the TV screen to the empty seat over and over again. No way.  No fucking way. 

"Ah, shit."

What did I get myself into?

🅷🅾🅻🅰

LET'S GET PHYSICAL!!

Uff, I love Dua Lipa.

And I love this chapter,
They were supposed to have
Their first date was ages ago but
Uncle Ben died. So I think
It's adorable that Peter
Surprises Ramsey, even gets
Her flowers.

She's so darn lucky.

Like what a woman gotta
Do to get this type of treatment?

Don't forget to leave a comment,
And vote. Ofc!

STAY SAFE, LOVE YOU💘