Page 79 of Girls Will Be Girls
He studies me dubiously for a second, clearly deciding whether I can be trusted with such important information. “Okay.” He points at me. “But you can’t tease me.”
I shake my head. “I cannot make that kind of promise.”
“The Backstreet Boys.” He admits, exhaling through his teeth. “I Want It That Way.”
I let out the most delighted laugh. “How does that fit you so perfectly?”
“I don’t know whether to take that as a compliment or not?”
I shrug.
“What’s yours then?” He nods me forward in the queue.
“If I’m alone, thenJoleneby Dolly Parton.”
“Classic.”
“But if I’m with my friends, thenSuper Trouperby ABBA.” I say. “We like to pretend we’re the trio fromMamma Mia.”
“I bet it’s magical.” He says.
I smile up at him. “You’d be right.”
I start to picture Lou meeting my group of friends. Dylan and Frida, Elijah and the rest of the boys. If he’d like them, if they’d like him. I wonder if Lou would be the kind of boyfriend to join in on stuff, become friends with my friends, know that part of me. Would he want me becoming friends with his friends? I wonder if he’s told any of his friends about me yet.
He pulls me with him as we move up to the front of the queue.
“Senator Flores,” Lou says to the woman in front of us holding a spatula. “Nice to see you.”
“Lou.” She beams. “Glad you could make it.”
“Thanks for having us.” He says.
She smiles, stage whispering, “I bet you’re sick of seeing my face already.”
“Never.” He waves her off playfully. “But I could do without hearing your speech today.”
They both laugh, clearly friendly with each other.
“Senator.” Lou pulls me forward. “This is Louisa.”
She beams again. “Louisa.” She extends her hand out to hold mine. “Diana Flores.”
I shake her hand. “So nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” She smiles.
She gives off a warm and welcoming aura like she’d definitely lend you some flour if you were neighbors.
“So, what can I get you?” She asks. “Perhaps a burger, from…”, she points down to her apron, “The BurgerWhisperer?” She shakes her head. “Who comes up with this stuff?” She says to us quietly.
I laugh. “How could I say no to that?”
“Two burger whisperer burgers, coming up.” She says while plating us up. “Are you sticking around long enough for the fundraiser next week, Lou?”
“Yes ma’am.” He nods, accepting a plate and passing it over to me.
“I hope you’ll come too, Louisa?” She smiles at me.
