Five: Out of the Pit (Five #2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

lunch. I’m finished with mine,” Johnathan said quietly.
    I shook my head. “I’m not hungry. You can have the rest of it.”
    “You hardly ate anything. Just let me help you.”
    “No. I’m really not hungry. If I get hungry later I’ll just lick the left-overs off my shirt.”
    Alec was the only one to laugh at my lame joke.
    The waitress returned to our table and teasingly said, “I hope you were planning on leaving a big tip, because my boss told me I can’t work in my jeans and T-shirt, so she’s sending me home. I still had three hours left of my shift.”
    “I’m really sorry,” Alec said. “Let me make it up to you. Is there anything fun going on tonight? I could show you a good time, take your mind off your lost wages.”
    “Hmm. There really isn’t a lot to do around here this time of year. There’s a Family Fun Center close by. They have mini-golf and laser tag and stuff. If you’re serious, I would like to hear a little more about the meatball explosion. Of course, the rest of you should come, too. I don’t know if I dare to be alone with your friend here.”
    “Of course I’m serious,” Alec said. “And, why wouldn’t you want to be alone with me? I’m as harmless as a kitten.”
    “Yeah, I bet.”
    “No, really. Harmless. Unless you throw a fork at me or something.”
    “Well, I’ll go get your bill and you can tell me what you decide when I get back. Do you need any to-go boxes?”
    “No, thank you,” Joe answered.
    As her footsteps faded away from our table, Johnathan whispered, “Alec, did you forget why we came into town? It wasn’t so you could weasel a date out of an unsuspecting girl. We have work to do.”
    “I know. I figured we could ask her about Paige’s fr… uh… attacker. It’s just an added bonus that she’s gorgeous and obviously finds me irresistible. Besides, we could all use a little fun.”
    Joe sighed. “I guess we could go play one game of mini golf or something. Get some of your energy and aggression out.”
    “I will kick your butt at mini golf, Alec.” The enthusiasm in Johnathan’s voice faded as he added, “But, you probably can’t play, Paige. You and I can go do something else if you want.”
    I really hated that his excitement was dampened by my blindness. I also hated that I couldn’t join in. I was a killer putt-putt golfer. “No, John. I’ll just go cheer you all on. I would like for you to show Alec a thing or two about mini golf.”
    He squeezed my hand. “What about you two? Halli and Seth, are you up for some friendly competition?”
    “Heck yeah!” Seth pumped a fist in the air.
    “I don’t remember ever mini-golfing before,” Halli said. “But I’m sure I’ll kick all your butts.”
    Mariah brought the check, Joe paid and we all followed her to the Fun Center. Johnathan stayed close to my side, holding my hand in his the entire way.
    I found a bench to sit on just outside the mini golf course. I smiled as my friends laughed and gave each other a hard time.
    After about ten minutes Johnathan returned to my side. “Paige, the next few holes are where we won’t be able to see you for a few minutes. Do you want to come with us?”
    “No, thanks. I’ll just stay here.”
    “Okay…” he hesitated. “No, I don’t like the idea of you sitting here by yourself.” He sat next to me on the bench.
    “John, I’ll be fine. Go finish your game.”
    He reached for my hand and held it in his lap. “I’m staying with Paige,” he yelled to the others. “Just mark my score as all hole-in-ones, that’s what I’d get anyway.”
    “Yeah, right, Johnny,” Alec chided. “Good idea to bow out now, before I make my comeback and kick your butt.”
    Johnathan laughed.
    “You should really go with them.” I mostly meant it, but a part of me really wanted him to stay with me. And that part made me feel guilty and selfish. “Or, I’ll just come with you so you can finish your game.”
    He raised my hand to his lips. The