Page 26 of Strong Side
“Hmm … I haven’t decided yet either. So many choices. I’ll probably go with, like, a Reuben or enchiladas. I’ll have to see what my tummy tells me once we get there.”
“Enchiladas sound good. So does the queso burger, but I’ll probably end up with the low-carb dinner.”
She shoots me a thumbs-down. “That’s boring though, Case. You can’t go to The Font and not get something on the greasy side. It’s just not right.”
“As soon as the season is over, I’ll get all the greasy goodness. I have to get a run in tomorrow though, and I always feel like crap if I don’t eat well the night before.”
“Okay, well, I’ll enjoy it for both of us.” She smiles and nods.
A few minutes later, we pull into a parking spot. I get out, round the car, and open her door. When her feet hit the ground, I don’t let go of her hand. She looks at our joined hands and smiles.
We get seated at a smaller table, which works for me because I want to be close to her. I spot a few people I recognize, so, yeah, this is perfect.
I take her hand in mine and rest them on the table. “So, tell me about your day.”
“Casey, you just saw me after my last class.”
“I know, but what did you do after you got home?” I rub my thumb across the top of her hand.
“Well, I took a power nap for, like, twenty minutes. Then I reviewed my assignments for tomorrow. Checked my lesson plans, then submitted them to my mentor. Talked to Chelsea for a few minutes, then waited for you to pick me up.” She clears her throat. “I did get a text from Trey.”
“And?” I wave my hand for her to tell me more.
“It was a picture of you and me kissing at Classic ’50s. It looked like someone from a few cars over took the pic.” She shakes her head and pulls her hand back.
“Good. Did he say anything else? Did you answer him?” I raise my brows questioningly.
“He just asked if it was real. I didn’t answer and blocked him again.” She shrugs. “He keeps texting from unknown numbers.”
“Funny to me that his buddies care enough to take a pic of us and send it to Trey.” I clap my hands together and chuckle.
The waitress comes over and sets menus on the table, interrupting our conversation. “Can I get y’all something to drink while you look at the menu?”
“Oh, hey, Greer. I didn’t know you worked here now.” Noelle’s smile drops.
“Noelle? Oh my God, I didn’t even recognize you. How are you?” She gives Noelle a fake smile.
“Um, I’m doing good. Busy with school and stuff.”
“Oh, hey, I’m sorry to hear about you and Trey. That was really shitty of Zoey to do that to you.” Greer gives Noelle a pout.
I can’t help but interrupt. “Noelle got an upgrade. Trust me, she’s not missing Trey.” I take Noelle’s hand in mine again.
She looks at me, then at Noelle. “Well then, yay, you! And a star football player, no less. Well done, Noelle. You get all the good ones.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call Trey a good one though, would you?” I press.
She laughs, but it’s forced. “No, you’re right. I just meant good-looking guys.”
“Right. How about those drinks, Gwen?” I smile at her.
“It’s Greer,” she sneers.
I wave my free hand. “Whatever. My girl here will have a Dr. Pepper, and I’ll have a water with lemon.”
“I’ll be right back with those drinks.” She spins on her heel and walks away.
When I look at Noelle, she’s smiling. “What?” I ask her.
