Page 14 of A Very Grumpy Halloween

“Good. I thought that we would go to Palmer's Steakhouse.”

“What were we going to do if I hated steak?”

“Well, there’s Mancini’s or Toasty Buns.”

“Well, for the record, I love pizza. It’s my absolute favorite food.”

“Want to go to Mancini’s instead?”

“No, it’s alright.”

“What do you get on your pizza?” He asks as we pull into the Palmers parking lot.

“Pepperoni and mushroom. What about you?”

“Well, my favorite food is tacos, but for pizza, I’m good with pretty much anything. Pepperoni is my favorite, though.”

We park, and Ryder climbs out and hurries to open my door. He offers me his hand, and I smile as I slip my palm against his.

“Have you been here before?” He asks me as we head up to the door.

“Yeah, we came here once a few months ago for Ginger’s birthday and had a great time.”

We head inside and I look around at the place. Palmer’s is pretty much the only upscale place in Wolf Valley. They also have the best steaks.

Candles are in the center of each table, their tiny flames casting shadows around the place. The restaurant isn’t very big and only holds about twenty tables, which makes it feel more intimate.

We’re shown to our table, and I pick up my menu, scanning it as I try to get my bearings. So far, the date seems to be going well.

“Have you ever been here?” I ask him, trying to get the conversation going again.

“Yeah, a couple of times when I was growing up.”

“Oh, that’s right. I keep forgetting that you were born and raised here. Was this your favorite place to go when you were growing up?”

“No, I always liked King’s Tacos best. This was where we went for fancier occasions. The meals were usually… tense,” he finishes.

“How so?”

“My parents, they didn’t really like, well, they didn’t really like each other that much.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, I mean, they’re divorced now and seem happier, I guess. I don’t really talk to either of them.”

“I’m sorry. That seems rough.”

“It’s honestly better without having them in my life.”

“Hey there. Welcome to Palmers. Can I get you two something to drink?” Our waiter asks, interrupting us.

“Just a water for me,” I say, and Ryder nods.

“Me too.”

He nods and heads off to get our drinks and I scan the menu, deciding on a sirloin for dinner.

“Have you and your sisters always been close?” He asks, and I grin.

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