Page 36 of Finding Noah
I grabbed the menu. “I’ll have—” I scanned quickly. “—the chicken pot pie.”
Christian arched an eyebrow.
I glared.
Okay, except I don’t love chicken pot pie. Should’ve ordered the chicken fingers. Oh, fuck it—chicken is just chicken.
He shrugged. “I’d love to have a cheeseburger. Keeping it simple.”
Malcolm grinned. “You know I love the meatloaf with extra gravy.”
“Sure do.” She pivoted her attention to Soren. “Soup of the day is tomato basil. A bowl of that and a side Caesar?”
“Perfect, thank you.”
I tried for a smile. When one came to a diner, one should enjoy greasy, unhealthy food. Tomato basil soup? With a salad? What was he, a rabbit?
“I’m watching my fat intake. I’ve had some liver issues.” Soren shrugged. “Nothing too serious.”
“Oh, that can be concerning. Although the liver is the organ most able to heal and regenerate. That’s why someone can give half their liver to a donation and be fine.” Malcolm turned to Soren. “What have your liver enzymes looked like?”
Soren launched into some long explanation about a certain test and how it had something to do with…
Nope.
I was totallylost.
Christian leaned over. “He’s so cute.”
“Then maybe you should date him.” I rolled my eyes.
“I thought you wanted me with the vet.”
“Right. Sorry. Lost track of the plan.”
“And I’ve got everyone’s meals.” Gabriella slowly unloaded her tray with the most heavenly smelling food.
We thanked her and turned our attention to consuming food. Compliments about the food before us and general comments about the town were exchanged, but everything felt…off. Like I should’ve been doing more.
Chicken pot pie might not have been my favorite, but the thing was damn good. I inhaled as the uncomfortableness of the situation continued.
Soren was clearly a nice guy, but just not someone I was interested in. He worked from home as some kind of computer specialist security something. I noted that if I ever needed computer help and Christian wasn’t around, I might just call Soren. Likely wouldn’t be able to afford his rates, though.
Christian finished his burger and wiped his mouth. “Okay, so that was the best burger.”
“Even better than Big Burger back home?” I’d yet to try the burgers here, but the diner back home was amazing.
“Truthfully? Yeah. And since I’m never going back to Tennessee, I don’t have to worry about offending anyone.”
I cocked my head. “What do you mean you don’t intend to ever go back? You’ll see your parents, right? And I suppose if Laura ever comes back, you might want to see her. To hash things out once and for all.”
“Uh… No. I care for Laura like a friend, but there’s nothing to hash out. She ran away with Thad. Who’s a good guy, so I don’t blame her. God knows, he was a better choice—”
“She didn’t know you were gay.”
“Well, that’s true, I suppose. But I think if I told her I was gay, she wouldn’t be entirely surprised. Look, she’s a nice woman—and I wish her well. But she’s my past, Noah. You’re my future. I mean, obviously not as a partner, because you’re not interested in that. But as the person I care about. Who I want to be with. And if that means platonically living together in the house and dating other people, I’m totally fine with that.”
“I’m not.” I wanted to stomp my foot. “Women flocked to you—at least until they found out you were basically engaged—”
