Page 119 of The Thorne at My Side
“Sure, look up the list, let’s see what you’ve got.”
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“No way!” I say with a laugh as Austin nods enthusiastically. “There is no way you actually believe that.”
“All I’m saying is that I’ve been in a room with all those guys and I can’t say for sure that it isn’t true.”
I laugh and shake my head as we settle down from our boy band conspiracy theory debate. Austin picks his phone up and scrolls for the next one.
“Oh, this is a good one. Do you consider a hot dog asandwich?”
“No,” I state immediately. “Well…”
“Tricky one isn’t it. I say no. It’s more in the burger category than a sandwich.”
“But what about a torpedo?”
“We’re talking about sandwiches, MC.”
I laugh, “Yeah I know, a torpedo sandwich, it’s on a bun like a hot dog.”
“Wait, you mean a hero?” Austin asks.
“What are you from New York City or something?”
“No, my stepmom is though. And I’m just teasing, I knew what you meant.”
I smile, “so we agreed, hot dogs are not sandwiches. Now, I’ve got another important question. Pineapple on pizza?”
“Absolutely.”
“What?! No Austin! No, no, no, no.” I shake my head with mirth.
“Yeah, the guys give me shit for that one too but the sweet balanced with the spicy pepperoni and umami of the cheese? Yeah, I love it.”
“We have to move on from this. Maybe a less controversial topic, what Chinese Zodiac year were you born?” I ask before taking a sip of my champagne.
“1990…” he drags it out while he searches but I no longer care what year he fell into.
“You were born in 1990?” I asked because never once did the possibility of Austin being two years younger than me cross my mind.
“Yeah,” he laughs and sips his cocktail. “Why? When were you born?”
I swallow the lump in my throat, “1988.”
He grins and I have a feeling I’m going to be annoyed by what he says next.
“Robbing the cradle Maggie Collins? Is 1988 the year of the Cougar?” He can barely contain his snicker.
“Dragon.” I reply flatly.
“That makes a lot more sense.” He nods solemnly and I kick him under the table. He’s saved from further harm because our food arrives.
I’ve never been on a date like this before. The ease of conversation between us is comfortable. The genuine laughter. We continue talking and asking random questions while we eat and I am really enjoying this casual side of Austin.
I saw a hint of it as we becamefriendsthese last few weeks. At first I wasn’t sure if I believed it but after tonight I can see that this goofy, light-hearted man is the truest version of Austin Thorne I’ve seen yet.
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