#Chapter 63: The Invitation

Once Kendrick declared that last statement, he finally left the restaurant. The tension between the three of us was palpable, and I could practically feel the anger radiating off of Lucas.

James probably sensed it too because he was staring at Lucas with concern and caution, as if Lucas might explode into a million pieces. "You okay, bro?"

When Lucas didn't answer and kept looking at the door Kendrick just walked out of, James's eyes fell on me. He widened them at me, silently urging me to say or do something -- like he was beckoning me to comfort Lucas.

"Lucas?" I asked, gently placing a hand on his arm.

My gentle touch seemed to snap him out of whatever trance he was in. His gaze split from the front entrance and returned to us.

The way his eyebrows bunched together on his forehead strangely made him look similar to his father.

I swallowed, suddenly worried by what Lucas was thinking.

"Dude?" James asked Lucas again, trying to capture his attention for a second time.

"What?" Lucas's