Page 91 of Totally Off Limits

“Since high school.”

Sierra examined the lit-up menu on the wall high above the cashier’s head, remembering how her father had talked about when McDonald’s came to Winchester and how lots of citizens had groused that this was the beginning of the end.

Back then, there was no way they could have seen Walmart coming.

“What do you usually get?”

“It depends. I think I’m gonna get a Big Mac today.”

“Maybe I’ll just get something with chicken.”

“Honestly,” he said, tilting his head and lowering his voice, “I don’t think any of this shit is remotely good for you—but it tastes amazing.”

“Are you for sure getting that Big Mac?”

As the cashier called them forward, Layne said, “Hey, Brittany.”

“Hey, Layne. Good to see you.” The young woman’s face lit up like sunrise.

After they ordered their food, Sierra started to give him her share of cash, and he said, “No, I got this.” And he shoved a debit card into the slot as Brittany began filling a tray with their items.

When she brought their tray to the counter, Layne said, “By the way, this is my sister Sierra.”

“Nice to meet you.” To Layne, Brittany smiled, batting her eyelashes. “See you next time.”

“This seems a little awkward…but maybe we should hang out sometime.”

“We totally should. If you’re still here after the line dies down, I can give you my number.”

Layne grinned from ear to ear. “Sounds great.”

As they sat at a bench out of sight, Sierra said, “You got game, bro.”

Layne shook his head, still grinning. “If I had game, I would have asked her out months ago.”

“Why’d you asked for her numbernow?”

While he unwrapped his straw, he said, “I dunno. I think it’s because ofyou.”

“How? I didn’t do anything.”

“Yeah, you did. I seem to recall my sister putting her parents firmly in their place last week.”

“It was long overdue.” Sierra stared at the sandwich in the box, trying to decide if she really wanted to eat it. “And I don’t know that I put them in their place. I just kind of allowed myself to decide whatIwanted…and I decided to be honest about everything, no matter what the consequences.”

“And you act like it’s no big deal—but I’m serious. You’ve inspired me. It’s like you inflated my balloon or something. I already told mom and dad Iwillgraduate next year, but it won’t be the major they wanted for me.”

“First me, then you. They’re going to question everything they thought they knew about parenting.”

“Are you kidding?” Layne took a sip of soda from his cup. “You and I were always the problem children. They’ve got the perfect triplets. They’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Taking the large sandwich in her hands, Sierra continued eyeing it, trying to figure out how to wrap her mouth around it. “It’s just kind of awkward right now.”

“Doing the Mia exchange?”

“Yeah. Mom barely talks to me and it’s like she can’t even stand to look me in the eyes.”

“Give her time. She’ll get over it.”

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