The next two weeks went by in a blur, most of my time was spent at the hospital and then studying when I got back, I was happy to be busy almost all the time because it stopped me from thinking. Mitchell was pretty busy with classes and assignments too, so we didn't have time to argue or fight but I didn't miss his look of dismay whenever he saw me around Leo.

Fall was possibly my favorite season, everything was so pretty, especially on campus, the orange, green, red, purple, and yellow foliage scattered in heaps on the grounds, the crispy air and the cool breeze made the weather conditions perfect – it wasn't too cold or too hot.

After the fight I had with Mitchell, I learned that I was neglecting my relationship with Faith and even though she never said anything I could tell she missed the way things were between us, so I started to spend a lot more time with her. We had girl time and I realized I needed it more than ever.

It was currently a Friday afternoon and Faith and I were seated in the hospital cafeteria having lunch together – something we made sure to do whenever we were able to.

"So, are you coming tonight?" Faith asked.

"Where?" I asked out of genuine curiosity because I wasn't aware we had any plans.

"Carlo's," Faith casually answered, "Didn't Mitch tell you?"

"Mitch doesn't speak much to me these days," I answered sheepishly.

And it was true, Mitchell and I weren't hostile to one another, but we weren't exactly friends either, we spoke but kept it to a minimum and whenever Leo was over, he left or sat in his bedroom. After our little fight, he kept his distance and I wasn't particularly upset about that, I was happy he wasn't asking me what was wrong. 

"What is going on with you two?" Faith questioned, "He said you were avoiding him and he's giving you space."

"I swear it's like you two are a middle-aged married couple going through a rough patch." She added rolling her eyes.

"Okay firstly, ew!" I made sure to emphasize my distaste, "And secondly I never once asked for space, he just assumes things and does what he feels is right."

"You two need to communicate and fix this cold war," Faith stated, "And a good start would be tonight at Carlo's."

"Carlo's," I mused, "Isn't that the same restaurant you and Owen introduced us at?"

She nodded, "Yeah, it's cute how you remember the little details."

"Do you remember what happened when we first met?" I asked her.

She scrunched her face and threw her fork in the takeout container, "Don't remind me, I'm eating."

I realized she meant our true meeting and felt disgusted, but I quickly clarified I meant what happened at the restaurant and not the frat party.

"I do not need a redo of our fight from that night," I said more to myself, "So you can count me out."

Faith gave me a look, "It's his birthday Mila, you can't not go."

I was stunned for a moment and tapped my phone screen to check the date, it read October twelfth – it was his birthday. I felt awful, we didn't speak in the morning, but we did cross paths and if I thought about it, he looked at me expectedly and all I did was ask him if he needed anything. He then shook his head and said he'd grab a bagel on the way to campus. It now made sense, it was his birthday and it completely slipped my mind, heck other than right now, I didn't check the date.

"You forgot, didn't you?" Faith who was reading my face said.

I nodded, feeling guilty, "Yeah and I think he was expecting a wish this morning."

I ran a hand through my hair and placed my elbows on the table, resting my face on my fisted palms, "And to think he went through so much trouble to make my birthday special."

"What was that?" Faith asked picking up the fork once more.

I shook my head, "What time are we meeting tonight?"

Faith flashed me a wide, triumphant grin. Mitchell might not have mentioned it, but couldn't miss this dinner, no matter how cold we were with each other, he was still Mitchell and he meant something to me.

After a long day at the hospital and giving a presentation, it was finally evening, and I was back home. Mitchell wasn't back yet so I got in the shower to get ready, once I was done, I wrapped a towel around me and headed out. On my way, Mitchell walked into the apartment, he had his leather satchel with him, so I figured he just got back from class.

Our gazes met and we stayed in our positions before Mitchell looked away and made his way into the apartment.

"Hey," He nonchalantly greeted, walking past me.

"Mitch," I called after him just as he was about to enter his bedroom.

He stopped and looked over his shoulder, waiting for me to get on with it.

I made sure the towel around me was wrapped tightly and stepped closer to him, he put one hand in his pocket and gave me an impatient look.

"Happy birthday," I said with a small smile, "I hope your day has been good thus far."

His nonchalant expression softened, and he offered me a half-grin, "Thanks."

"Faith and Owen booked a table to celebrate tonight," He added, "Be ready in about thirty minutes? We can leave together."

To tease him I raised both my brows and placed my hands on my chest, "I get an invite?"

He stepped closer, "You don't need an invite; besides, it wouldn't be the same without you."

I nodded and for the first time in what felt like forever I smiled genuinely at him, he returned the smile with one of his and said before heading into his room, "Thirty minutes, I can't be late to my birthday dinner."

I was ready and waiting for Mitchell in the living room in a little less than thirty minutes, I was scrolling through my social media while he was still in his bedroom getting dressed. I guess it was true, some guys took longer than women to get ready and to think I had straightened my hair and put on a little makeup.

I was about to knock on Mitchell's door and ask him how much longer but just as if on cue he opened the door, holding his phone and jacket in one hand. I was immediately greeted by the smell of his cologne mixed with the scent of his body wash and even a bit of hairspray.

But what really caught my attention was the birthday boy, I saw him daily, but I forgot what an attractive man he was, and he cleaned up well. I took a moment to check him out, he was dressed in a well-fitted navy button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the shirt was tucked into a pair of dark grey slacks and matched with black Chelsea boots – the brown leather band watch matched his outfit well. His hair was styled neatly, and he trimmed his beard, so it looked more like a five o'clock shave.

I suddenly felt underdressed, I knew the restaurant was quite upscale, but I didn't put as much effort into my outfit, I wore a black and white plaid print, fitted mini skirt with pseudo buttons on the side over black tights, tucked into the skirt was a long-sleeved, turtleneck top and I completed the outfit with ankle boots, I also carried a light coat in case it got cold.

"Well," I checked him out and couldn't help but say, "You clean up nice birthday boy."

Before he could respond I handed him a wrapped box, he took it and asked, "What is this?"

"I knew your birthday was coming up so when I was in New York, I had some time and got you a little something," I answered, "Go on, open it."

Mitchell undid the ribbon before removing the wrapping paper, he opened the lid of the square box and his eyebrows moved up a fraction, "Little gift?"

"Yeah, I didn't know what to get you, so I figured a watch for the rooster was almost poetic," I grinned.

"This is a really expensive watch," He commented before taking the silver watch out of the box, "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know but I wanted to," I honestly said. 

Mitchell removed the watch he was wearing and placed it in the box before putting on the watch I gifted him, he showed me his wrist and I smiled.

"It suits you," I commented.

"Thank you," He smiled at me.

"You're welcome," I replied before taking his hand, "Now let's go birthday boy."

"You look really pretty tonight," Mitchell said as we made our way to his car.

I responded with a smile and we got into his G-Wagon, as he started the car and pulled out of the parking, I couldn't help but think how long it had been since I was in this car of his – the car I dubbed as Sadie.

"It's been a while, eh?" Mitchell smirked looking away from the road for a moment, "She missed you."

I half grinned at him, "She or her driver?"

He glanced at me and his smirk turned into a grin, he didn't reply with words but just stared at me for as long as he could before he had to force his gaze back on the road.

After a rather comfortable ride to the restaurant, Mitchell and I made our way to the restaurant. I was starting to think that slowly but surely, I was beginning to warm up to him again, he made a lot of progress with his temperament and attitude over the last couple of weeks.

After informing the concierge in front of the reservation made under Owen's name, we started towards our table and while walking behind Mitchell, I recalled the time I ran away from him the first time we came to this restaurant – everything in the restaurant was the same but Mitchell and I had changed quite a bit since then.

I spotted Faith but before I could reach the table, I spotted another familiar head sitting at a table two down from the large table which was reserved for Mitchell. I stopped and when Mitchell realized I wasn't following him anymore, he stopped too.

"Mila, what are you..." He trailed off when my attention was on the person who was seated at the table I stood by.

"Leo?" I asked, surprised to see him.

Leo who was sitting alone at a small round table with only two chairs was sipping on what looked like water, stopped drinking, and looked up at me with the same amount of surprise I wore.

"Mila?" He frowned, "What are you doing here?"

"Fantastic." I heard Mitchell mumbled under his breath from beside me.

Ignoring Mitchell, I answered Leo, "I'm here with Mitch for his birthday. What are you doing here by your lonesome self?"

"Oh," Leo stood up from his chair and offered his hand to Mitchell, "Happy birthday, man."

Mitchell looked reluctant but he pulled his hand out of his pocket and gave Leo's hand a firm shake.

"Thanks." He murmured with not even a smile on his face.

I cleared my throat and raised a brow at Leo who in return seemed to be avoiding my question and instead leaned over to peck my cheek, "You look amazing, I almost forgot how nice you clean up." 

"I'll be at our table," Mitchell said, "Ordering my first drink," He added more to himself before walking off.

"I see he's a ray of sunshine on his birthday too," Leo remarked when Mitchell was out of hearing distance.

"Stop changing the subject," I told him, "What are doing here and that too all dressed up?"

Leo hesitated but he knew me better than to think I would leave without getting my answer.

"Well," He began, "I'm kinda on a date."

A date? With whom? Did I miss something? I didn't recall him telling me he was seeing someone or that there was even a romantic prospective.

"Oh," I said.

"It's nothing serious, just casual," He elaborated, "She asked me out and I felt bad to turn her down."

I shook away my thoughts, Leo could date and see people, he wasn't my friend only and I couldn't be the only girl in his life.

"You don't need to explain yourself to me," I forced a grin.

"I know but –" He started but I cut him off.

"But nothing," I reassured him, "Enjoy your date and try not to be too flirty or touchy, it will scare her off."

Without waiting for his response, I flashed him one more smile and walked off to the 'birthday' table.

When I got there, I noticed Owen. Faith and Wang – whom I was surprised was invited – quickly turn in their chairs and pretend that they weren't just being nosey and watching my interaction with Leo. Mitchell didn't seem interested instead he was exchanging a few words with his classmate and Wang's girlfriend Kayleigh.

"Mila-pops!" Wang greeted me with a smile and I scrunched my face in disgust at that new awful name, "We were wondering what was keeping you," He tapped the empty seat next to him, "Sit."

"Yeah, I bet you were wondering a lot more than just that," I mumbled and went to take a seat.

I was seated in the middle of Wang and Faith which left me sitting directly opposite Mitchell who was seated next to Kayleigh and a seat over was Owen.

There were a few empty seats and shortly after ordering appetizers and drinks I noticed a few people I never knew sitting at the table, I supposed they were Mitchell's other friends, Owen was kind enough to introduce me to them while Mitchell seemed to forget I existed. 

There were about ten people at our table, most were guys except for two who were girls and by the looks of it were girlfriends of two of the guys.

Leo's date arrived shortly after I sat down and since I had a good view of his table, I could tell that they were having a good time. Leo seemed to be his perfect gentleman self, he pulled out her chair and ordered what looked like a fine bottle of wine. His date was cute too, she had raven hair cut in a bob, a small round face, and an hourglass figure.

Drinks with appetizers arrived and the night had begun, Mitchell seemed to ease up once all his friends were present, he was smiling and involved in chatter while they drank.

"So, is that the infamous Leo?" Wang finally asked after a bit of small talk.

At the mentioning of his name my eyes fell once more to his table, he was enjoying himself and his date appeared to be very much into him. She placed her hand over his and smiled while she spoke. I knew I should be happy for him, but it was the first time I was first-hand witnessing Leo shower attention and affection on another girl. I heard of his dates in the past, but he was never serious about anyone. It felt weird to see him with another female that wasn't me, I wasn't jealous perse just a little apprehensive I would think.

I didn't miss Faith's curious eyes when I answered, "Infamous? What do you guys say behind my back?"

"Nothing," Faith answered, "But we have only heard of Leo so it's nice to finally put a face to a name."

I didn't speak about Leo much, the only time I brought him up was when I would tell Faith or Wang that I was meeting up with him, I told them he was my childhood friend and that we were close, Faith also knew that we had a bit of history but other than that, I never spoke of him. So, I was guessing Mitchell brought him up with them – I imagined he didn't have nice things to say.

"He's hot," Faith added and when I glanced her way, she was looking at him, "A lot more than I imagined."

"Yeah, I didn't expect him to look like that," Wang added, "You're a lucky girl Mils, it's not every day you get two hot guys simping over you."

"Firstly no one is simping over me," I clarified, "And secondly, what did you guys picture Leo to look like?"

"To be honest we thought he resembled Luigi Mario," Wang casually said as he took a bite of his cheesy garlic bread, "You know from the video game."

"Yeah, with a hint of Leonardo DiCaprio," Faith added.

I had weird friends with even weirder minds, I did not see how the little man from Super Mario and Leonardo DiCaprio had the slightest of resemblance.

"The one with the mustache?" I asked.

Wang nodded, "Yeah that one, I pictured Leo twirling it at the sides like those nasty villains in foreign movies."

Faith laughed and agreed, "I did too!"

Wang twirled an invisible mustache and raised one brow before he spoke in an awful attempted Italian accent, "I am Leo, and I am here to steal your girl."

"That is not even the way he speaks," I rolled my eyes at Wang ridiculous antics.

"I figure that now, but that's the voice I went with when I thought he looked like Luigi." Wang shrugged, "Now I picture him having a deep, sultry voice."

"Yeah, a voice that makes your toes curl," Faith added.

I looked back and forth between them and fought off the urge to facepalm myself.

"You do realize that Leo is born and bred in this country, right?" I pointed out, "He has a strong New Yorker accent and his voice... well I've never given it as much thought or attention as you guys, but I guess it's deep."

"And sultry?" Wang raised a brow.

"I bet it was when he was whispering dirty things in your ear while his hands and other... parts were making you feel things." Faith winked.

I was shocked that the shy, naïve, and timid Faith could construct a sentence like that. I looked at her in bewilderment and asked, "What has Owen done to you?"

"Hold up," Wang cut us both off before exclaiming in a much louder voice than needed, "Did you have sex with him?!"

I wanted to reach for Wang's neck and ring it, I sent him the nastiest glare I could manage. He had a habit of speaking way too loud especially when he was excited, surprised, or in an uncomfortable situation. I could feel almost everyone's eyes on me and when I gathered the courage to check, I could spot one pair of curious eyes on me – Mitchell.

"They say they didn't, but Faith and I think they have," Owen, the idiot, answered Wang's question.

"Who are you talking about?" I was baffled at Owen's words.

"You and Mitch of course," Owen casually answered, "There is no way you two didn't at least reach third base with the amount of touching you guys did."

The glare I sent Wang was now given to Owen, there were two necks I needed to ring before the night ended.

"Tonight, for my birthday I might get lucky and hit a home run," Mitchell said with a smirk and wink my way.

"Yeah, a baseball bat to your balls would be fun." I flashed him a tight-lipped smile.

Mitchell didn't respond with words but just carried on smirking at me while his friends either laughed or looked uncomfortable.

Wang, on the other hand, started choking, he was coughing so much he was turning as red as a tomato. Kayleigh asked him if he was alright and the better good in me fought off the urge to move the bottle of water on the table away from him.

"Welcome to the club," Owen sighed, "You'll eventually get used to it."

Once Wang calmed down, I shot him another glare, "Remind me to perform a laryngectomy on you," I hissed, "Why must you speak so loudly?"

"Do you blame me?" Wang whisper yelled which made him look even more conspicuous, "Faith just said you and Leo did the deed."

I looked around the table and my eyes met Mitchell's, he appeared to be scrutinizing my conversation with Wang very closely. I asked him what was up with my eyes and he shook his head before picking up the whiskey glass in front of him and averting his attention back to the girl and guy he was speaking to.

I brought my attention back to Wang, "It was a very long time ago, way before I knew you or anyone else at this table."

"Yeah, Leo was her prom night afterparty." Faith added.

I turned and looked at her in bewilderment once more, "Seriously what has Owen done to you?"