"It's nice here," Poppy compliments. She looks around the small, cozy Italian restaurant and smiles. I don't think I've ever seen her smile before.

"I wasn't sure you'd like it. Thought you're more into $200 Caviar the size of my pinky." I take a sip of my Coke and watch Poppy roll her eyes and continue admiring the atmosphere. The restaurant we are in is called Benny's, a small yet nice looking place. There are hardly any people here, which I'm sure pleases Poppy. The glimmering lights and soft music are a nice contrast to the light, pretty colored walls and comfortable atmosphere.

After we both receive our food, Poppy wastes no time digging in and humming in satisfaction. "You're right Harry, expensive food doesn't taste nearly as good as this."

I chuckle, taking a bite of my lasagna. I nod at her words and watch her wipe her mouth.

"I like it here," Poppy suddenly says, taking another bite of her pasta. I couldn't think of one person who wouldn't like this place. I always used to go here with my mum as a kid. After she passed, I couldn't enjoy it as much. But being with a pain in the ass teenager made the air feel more lively. A feeling I've missed.

"I like it here too. My mum used to take me as a child," I sigh. I don't really like talking about her. I don't know why I said it. 

Poppy takes a drink of her lemonade and her bright blue eyes stare into mine. "What happened to her?"

"She died," I reply simply. No need to get into it. 

Poppy doesn't stop staring at me. "I'm sorry, Harry." Her voice is soft and genuine, "Death is a horrible thing. I am sorry you had to go through that.." Her words take me by surprise and if I'm not hallucinating, I can see a sliver of sadness in her crystal eyes.

"It's okay, Poppy. I was young anyway, it's been a while. But thank you."

Poppy smiles and continues to sip on her lemonade. We sit in silence finishing our food, but not an uncomfortable silence, which I'm thankful for.

After we're done, I pay the bill and I drive her back to her house. Once we get to the driveway, I look down at my customized Rolex watch and see it's 9:45 PM. I should go home and finish up some paperwork. I have a big meeting to attend tomorrow, and I'm sure Poppy wants to go do whatever teenage girls do on Thursday nights.

"Thanks for dinner," Poppy says, placing her hands in her lap. "No problem." It wasn't bad at all, to my surprise. Poppy behaved and we actually got a bit closer I think. Some progress, but not there completely.

"Tomorrow is my last day of school, do you mind picking me up? My Jeep is in the shop and I really don't want to ask one of my friends, they've been annoying me recently."

I sigh, mentally checking my schedule. Let's see, meeting at 10 am, lunch with Brian, my business partner at 12, and I'm sure she gets out around 3.

"Just to be safe, what time do you get out of school?" I ask. "3:30." Perfect.

"Alright, yeah, I can pick you up. Why don't you want to ask a friend?"

Poppy's eyes turn cold again and the light in her eyes that I saw today was gone. "They're all backstabbing bitches."

I want to laugh at her sudden anger, but I can tell she's serious and actually upset so I decide to just nod.

"But I'm sure they'll be begging for me to be their friend again in a couple of days. They always do," she says with confidence, smirking at me and opening the door. "Anyway, thanks, I'll see you tomorrow. Night Harry." And with that, she hops out of my white BMW and makes her way back inside.

"Goodnight, Poppy," I say with a sigh, even though she's already left.

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