Page 14 of The Reluctant Hero

“Huh, they smell good. Are they good?”

“Yeah,” I lean back with a sigh. The guy is starving and angling for food, not a date. Considering how much ramen I’ve eaten over the last few months, it pulls at my reluctant, rage-filled heartstrings.

“Go ahead,” I wave him on. “Try some.”

He looks at me in surprise, his grin faltering. His hand hesitantly reaches for it, as if I’m going to say, "Just kidding," and snatch it away.

When he takes his first bite, I swear he has an eyes rolled back orgasm. He makes so much noise as he grabs the plate and starts devouring it all that I get second hand embarrassment. Noone seems to be paying attention to the obvious foodgasm that’s happening in front of me.

“Tone it down,” I grit out through my teeth.

He ignores me, dragging his tongue across the plate in the most obscene way.

“My thanks,” he drops the plate with wide eyes. He sounds genuinely pleased and surprised. “I have never had such decadence before. It pleases me more than anything I have ever eaten.”

The sudden change in his speech makes me draw back warily.

“I owe for this,” he mutters as he licks any residue off his fingers. I cringe and try to hand him a napkin.

He takes it and looks at me solemnly without using it.

“I have seen your kindness now, Reluctant One. In return, I will advise you. Accept all offers made to you. They will benefit you greatly. Wisdom will be yours, whether you seek it or not.”

Did I just get my fortune told by a nacho-stealing crazy man?

His expression returns to a broad grin abruptly as he tosses the napkin onto the empty plate.

“In other words, say yes to everything before it says yes to you and trust your instincts. I have to go now, but it was great meetingyou, Amanda. I hope you enjoy your book.”

Then he slides out of the booth, leaving me hungry and confused.

Where’s the damn check? I need to get out of here and never come back.

When I wave someone down, my phone chirps, reminding me that I’m still on Loser’s phone plan. I plan on fixing that as soon as I can.

It’s a text from Janine. I haven’t heard from her since I called and left her a message about everything going on when I left Loser’s place. What took her so long? And why haven’t I tried to speak to her since then? I’ve been so stuck in my misery that I haven’t taken a second to breathe.

Janine: OMG. Just got back in town from Paris. Let’s meet up.

Being alone and refinding myself is nice and all, but I could use a friendly ear. Plus, Mr. Nacho Man just told me to say yes to everything, so I’ll give it a go and see what happens.

6

Healing Through War

Amanda

Meeting up with Janine and venting was terrific. She brought her two friends, Beth and Jessie, as added support. I kept our meeting at the bar, too ashamed for them to see where I’m currently living to bring them there despite Janine’s insistence on privacy. Where would they sit? The floor? I can’t picture it with the way they dress. Hell, I can’t picture them getting out of their sleek cars outside the complex.

After I spilled everything that happened, minus the letters and mysterious photos I don’t want to think about, they were full of advice.

It’s a full spectrum of going back to him and using him for his money from Beth. Jessie said to get fit and find a new man while taking Loser to court to get all his money. And Janine has waffled in between it all. She’s the only one that doesn’t have a firm decision on anything. Instead, she asks me what my plans are.

She’s frustrated with me for wanting to wait to be given paperwork. Easy for her, she still has money. I, on the other hand, need to be careful. I don’t try to explain myself and admit how far I’ve fallen out of their social sphere.

After a few margaritas, I finally broke down and told them my self-confidence was at an all-time low. Even if I met a man I wanted anything to do with, I doubt I could keep his attention. I don’t even know how to date anymore.

With all the whining, they came up with a plan that sounded great at the time. Something to rebuild my self-confidence.

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