Page 54 of Claiming What Is Mine

Chapter Twenty-Four

Gabe

Meredith hassomething on her mind and I can’t stomach the thought of sitting here while she pretends to have a good time. Not when something is so obviously bothering her. I pay the tab and tip our waitress before leading her through The Saddle. A blast of summer air hits me as we step into the night. After the cacophony of noises in the crowded bar, the relative silence offered by the empty street is a welcome change. The door slams behind us as an evening breeze blows, cooling my face.

“We didn’t have to leave on my account,” Meredith says as I strain my neck looking for oncoming traffic before I back out of the parking spot.

“Oh, this isn’t about you.” I flip on a turn signal and maneuver through the streets. “This is about me and that little nugget in there.”

“So, leaving had nothing to do with the jerk who couldn’t take a hint?” Meredith draws her eyebrows together, making a face that says she doesn’t believe me for a second.

I bring my finger to my lip. “Did that happen tonight? I’d already forgotten about it,” I say with a smile. “No, I got hungry. And If I’m hungry, I figure he must be too.” I point at her belly. Meredith laughs and shakes her head, before settling her gaze on the dark sky outside her window.

“Okay, fine,” I say after a few moments of silence.

Meredith turns to me, confused. “Fine, what?”

I feign frustration. “Jeez, you’re as bad as Chet, hounding me until I crack.”

Meredith cocks a brow. “You do understand I have no clue what you’re talking about, right?”

“Okay, if you’re twisting my arm, maybe I also wanted to go someplace where we could talk about what’s bothering you.”

Meredith smiles. “Oh, right. My bad. I’m sorry I didn’t drop the issue. I know what a nag I can be when I sit quietly and count the stars through the window.”

I park in the lot next to Belle’s and kill the engine. “Hungry?”

Meredith rubs her belly. “Well, like you said, if you are, he must be.”

She rests her head on my arm as we cross the lot. When we reach the door, I pull it open and stand aside, allowing her to enter. “Okay if we take the booth in the back?” I ask the blonde-haired girl working behind the counter.

“Sure thing.” The waitress nods.

I place my hand at the small of Meredith’s back. “I assume our booth is alright with you?”

“Is it ours now? Officially?” She turns and winks as we walk to the back. “We should look into getting a plaque to commemorate it. Or maybe cordon the area off with velvet ropes. You know, as a reminder to others that it’s reserved for us.”

I roll my eyes, but am relieved to see her looking at least a little happier than before.

Meredith leans over the table when we sit. “Who is that? I don’t recognize her.”

“Who? The waitress?”

“Shhh. Yes.” She nods.

I rest my hand on hers as I lean in to whisper. “I’m not sure, I’ve never seen her before. But why are we whispering? She’s on the other side of the room.”

Meredith sits back and smiles. “Oh, see I thought you were on a first name basis with all the women in town.”

Following her lead, I sit upright. “Really? That you couldn’t whisper?” I shake my head. “No. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her before. Besides, what is she, twenty?” I smile. “I hadn’t made it that far. I was still working through girls in their mid to late twenties.”

Meredith is not amused. “This is your idea of talking about what’s bothering me?”

My smile falls. “Right, too soon. I see that now. Anyway...” I clear my throat. “I’ve never seen her in here before.” I open my menu and pretend to study it. “Here she comes,” I warn as the waitress approaches.

“Evening,” she says around her chewing gum. “Can I get you started with some drinks?”

Meredith smiles at the girl. “Good evening. I’ll just have a glass of water, thanks.”

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