Page 23 of Huge Pucking Play

“I knew it,” he jokes.

"I, uh...we need to talk."

"About the elephant in the room, I’m guessing?" He grins, chocolatey eyes crinkling.

"Exactly." I swallow hard.

"About Vegas..." I begin, but my words hang suspended.

"Let's not talk about it here," he says, a quiet intensity in his tone. It's clear he feels the gravity of the situation as much as I do.

I nod, relief and anticipation mingling in my chest. "You're right. Not here."

We stand in silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Garrett runs a hand through his hair, a gesture that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Listen," he says, voice low. "There's a diner just down the street that I discovered last week. Best meatloaf and mashed potatoes I’ve had in a long time. Maybe we could grab a bite? Talk things through?"

The thought of spending time with him is as exciting as it is scary. "I...yeah. That sounds good."

We gather our things and head out into the crisp evening air. The walk is short but feels endless. Our shoulders brush occasionally, sending sparks through my body.

The neon sign of The Golden Fork flickers ahead. It's a retro place, all chrome and red vinyl booths. A bell chimes as we enter.

We slide into a booth, the vinyl squeaking beneath us. I fidget with the menu, not really seeing it. Garrett clears his throat.

I look around nervously, praying no one from the Blades is here.

"So..."

"So," I echo.

The waitress approaches, a welcome interruption. "What can I get you folks?"

"I know what I want but I’m not sure she’s ready yet," he says, gazing at me with a questioning look.

“I’ll have what you’re having,” I reply, putting the menu down. I really can’t think about food right now. I’m not even sure if I’m going to be able to eat anything.

“Okay, then. We’ll both have the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.”

The waitress jots that down on her pad and leaves us to put our order in.

We look at each other and he looks as uncomfortable as I feel.

"This is weird, right?" I blurt out. "I mean, not bad weird, just..."

Garrett chuckles, a warm sound that eases some of the tension. "Yeah, it's definitely weird. Good weird, though. It was such a nice surprise to see you at that first Blades meeting. Couldn’t believe my eyes actually."

I nod, fidgeting with my napkin. "I mean, who would've thought we’d meet again after…”

"Vegas," he finishes, his voice low.

"Right. Vegas." I take a deep breath. "Listen, Garrett. About that night..."

He leans forward, his eyes intent on mine. "I'm all ears."

"I think...I think it's best if we keep it between us." The words tumble out in a rush. "I mean, it was amazing. Truly. But if anyone found out..."

Garrett's brow furrows. "More than amazing. But you're worried about work."

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