Page 12 of Time for Change

Clearing my throat, I glance down at the menu like the idiot I am. “Oh, uh, just a Coke.”

She flashes me a grin filled with humor. “I’ll grab those drinks and be right back to take your order.”

I scan the menu, feeling the weight of my best friend’s eyes on me. “What the hell was that?”

“Hmm?”

“Oh, stop playing coy, Romeo. You were totally staring at her.”

I scoff in response, and no words follow.

Caden chuckles, clearly at my expense, so I ignore him. “She’s coming back. Do you think you can play it cool this time?”

I flip him a not-so-subtle bird, earning me another laugh, as our drinks are delivered to the table. “Have you guys decided what you’re having?”

“Yes,” I reply with a small smile, trying to play it cool this time.

“I’ll have the Morning BJ,” Caden states with that charming grin on his face that women seem to love.

It takes every ounce of strength I have not to roll my eyes. Our server doesn’t seem to notice however, just concentrates on writing on the notepad. “And you?” she asks, glancing up and meeting my gaze.

A jolt of electricity courses through my veins. I’ve never felt this…wild connection before. It’s unnerving, honestly.

Clearing my throat, I say, “I’ll have the Panty Melter.”

Caden quietly snorts, while our server jots my selection down on the notepad.

“Fries okay for both of you?”

“They’re the best, darlin’,” Caden replies smoothly.

She offers a polite smile before reaching down and collecting the menus. Just before she turns to walk away, she looks my way, the faintest smile on her full lips. I know it’s not appropriate, but my dick actually starts to get hard. From a smile.

Jesus, what’s wrong with me?

“I’ll get your order in right away,” she states before heading toward the servers’ station. My eyes, of course, follow her the entire way.

“Wipe the drool off your chin.”

Reaching for my soft drink, I narrow my eyes at my friend as I sip. “Why are you so annoying?”

“Why are you such a chickenshit?” he asks, raising an eyebrow in question.

I snort in disagreement.

“Don’t deny it. I saw the way you watched her, but you were too chicken to ask her out.”

“Hello, gentlemen. How is Stevie treating you?” Marla asks as she approaches our booth.

“Great,” I blurt out.

“It’s only her second shift, but she’s already running circles around half the girls we have working here,” Marla murmurs softly so no one else hears.

I’ve known Marla pretty much my whole life. She lived next door to my parents growing up, and often I’d sneak over to her house for cookies and juice boxes. She was in her mid-twenties and newly married when she moved next door to us, and as a young kindergartener, I loved going over and seeing her. In fact, she’s still neighbors to my parents, remaining in her house some twenty-five years later and is good friends with my folks.

“Jack’s in love,” Caden singsongs, making kissy faces at me.

“What?” Marla asks, her eyes wide as she smiles over at me.

---