Page 26 of Barrett

“I’ll be right back with those. Inside the menu, you’ll find our daily specials. Our soup of the day is chicken with wild rice, and our vegetables are steamed broccoli and carrots.”

As soon as she was gone, I asked Barrett, “Are you sick?”

“What? No.”

“You ordered tea. I didn’t figure you for a tea drinker.”

“I’m not, but we’ve been talking all day, and my throat is dry as hell.”

I nodded. That made sense.

There was no point in me picking up the menu. Diners all had the same food, and since I didn’t eat meat, my options were limited.

It was only a few minutes before our drinks were placed in front of us and she was ready for our order.

“I’ll have a cheeseburger, well done, and a side of fries,” Barrett said.

“Everything on it?”

“Please.”

“And for you?”

“Can I get an omelet with tomatoes, spinach, and cheddar?” I asked.

“Home fries?”

“Yes, please.”

“I’ll go put your order in. It shouldn’t be too long.” She breezed away with a coffeepot in hand to refill others as she went.

Barrett leaned forward, putting his arms on the table. “We’re at a greasy diner and you order an omelet?”

“I’m a vegetarian.”

His eyes widened. “Seriously?”

“Why is that shocking?”

“Because of the size of you. How much do you eat to stay like that?”

“There are plenty of ways for me to get protein.”

“You eat eggs?” This was a common question people asked when I said I was a vegetarian.

“Yes, and dairy. I’m not vegan. One day, maybe, but not yet.”

“Interesting.” He leaned back in his seat with a grin. Those fucking dimples popped and made my cock stir.

I thought back to the first time I met him. I was instantly attracted to him, but then he opened his mouth and irritated the shit out of me.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked as he stirred his tea.

“You.”

“I’m right here.”

“Do you remember when we met?”

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