OC RP - Dakota

 "When will Fiona wake up and realize her Harry Styles wannabe is rogue?" Dakota made a face of disgust as she hugged herself harder.

Of course, Ezra brought her a late lunch. He was here to check on the library room at the assisted living facility, or so he said. But she thought it was just to see her. From the look in his eyes, she knew she should shut up about Fiona.

"Well, it's best to let it go, you know."

He opened the container, which held the salad of arugula, spinach dotted with blueberries, and chunks of cucumber. There was even chopped chicken breast along with a homemade ranch dressing.

"Yes, I suppose." Dakota frowned as she studied the salad. Finally, she said that he shouldn't have gone to such great lengths for such a lunch, but then thanked him.

"Don't let her fool you, she always bounces back. You can't tell her anything. She has to figure it out on her own. You said so yourself." He smirked as he took a seat across from her.

"There is that other thing," Dakota said as she stabbed a blueberry with the metal fork.

"What thing?" Ezra's smile was open.

"Us, of course."

Dakota looked at him directly as if she could not eat this masterpiece of his. She imagined he'd shopped for a special container for the salad. She knew he was too good for her, but it was a slow-burning friendship without the romantasy. She didn't think. Even if they had kissed. She pressed her lips tight, hoping it didn't reveal what was actually on her mind.

"What would she notice?" He held in a laugh. But Dakota remained even-lipped, thinking he couldn't really be over Fiona. Not a chance. Yet, like the weather, they'd gotten used to the rush of autumn temperatures in their coziness of each other.

Dakota raked her fingers through her blonde tresses, then pressed a lock behind her ear and went back to the salad.

"Oh, the tea, I almost forgot about the tea." 

Ezra reached for the thermos in his backpack. It was chilled. The oolong tea was flavorful. Dakota couldn't help but smile. He had remembered. Actually, the brew was much better than her own.

"Would you feel better if the four of us got together for maybe a trip to the boardwalk?"

These days, Ocean City was quite an autumn carnival with its fall-like days.

Dakota thought they should leave Fiona and Matty alone. Still, Ezra hadn't officially met Fiona's new beau.

"I guess we could." She cleared her throat. After all, she wanted to enjoy this salad. Dakota had her doubts Fiona could ever appreciate Ezra's efforts.