Page 128 of Catfish

“Owe. Me,” I say slowly because I still have some of my balls intact.

“I don’t owe you shi—”

“That mouth is going to get you two things you are indebted to me for.”

Her nostrils flare. “I’ll grab your shitty food. Then, I'm done."

“Chinese.” I gesture for the door she is so desperately wanting to disappear behind. “See you tomorrow night.”

I’m hit with one more pretty little scowl before she opens the door, letting the sucker slam behind her for an added “fuck you” effect.

It doesn’t work.

? Casual Affair — Panic At The Disco ?

This Chinese restaurant is packed for a Wednesday.

The absolute hell—a WEDNESDAY.

Standing in line at the very outdated establishment, people are packed to the brim, waiting for a table and others for carryout.

It’s a freaking madhouse.

Emmy gave me the address to this place, allegedly Wade’s go-to spot, which is a little surprising because I would’ve figured his expensive ass would’ve wanted something that wasn’t sandwiched between a laundry mat and a hair salon. But, again, I’m judging a book by its cover.

Something I’m trying to work on.

He was right yesterday—I don’t know him. Not for lack of trying or priorly stalking on Google but because he hides under a mask like I camouflage my fears and goals under a similar facade.

I got overly pissed at him for firing Mila and, really, it wasn't any of my business. Normally, I don't get friendly with my clients, but Emmy and I talk all the time about events, music, colors, caterers, which turned into usual shit. Mila was an easy addition, a little timid, but we took her under our wing and just clicked. Especially when she had somewhat of the same goal to make money to help her family.

I think that’s what tipped me over the edge the most.

So, here I am, swallowing my pride and grabbing Lockwood’s dinner and paying an apology for my wrong. Not happy about it, but I'll man up when I fuck up.

Shifting out of the way for a gentleman so he can get out, my butt hits another body for the hundredth time in the last twenty minutes I’ve been here.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble, turning around to face the person.

Same reaction, similar shock factor, and one word response.

“Jed.”

He smiles at me, all-charming with his newly shorter hair and brown eyes looking at me with amusement.

“Rea, what are you doi—” His mouth twitches in a smile. “—I mean, obviously, for food.”

"Yeah…unfortunately." I move from getting hit with a lady's suitcase of a purse.

“Never seen you here before.”

"The governor wanted his special off-the-wall, out of my way, Chinese food."

His smiles grows. “It’s really good, I can see why.”

I look around the packed place. “I mean, I guess if you know it exists, right?”

“Have you tried it?”

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