Page 53 of Love Letter Lost
Ridge had already used his sample cups and was reaching for his main bowl.
“What are you getting?” I filled one sample cup with lemonade frozen yogurt, just to try it.
“I’m going to get a little bit of everything.” He moved to the first dispenser.
I watched Ridge put a small strip of frozen yogurt into his cup before moving to the next dispenser and working his way down the line. It resulted in a rainbow of colors, but made my stomach turn as I considered the mixed flavors. Brownie batter, mango, cotton candy, cheesecake—no thank you!
I tried a couple more flavors before filling my bowl with cheesecake and a little brownie batter. I then added my favorite toppings: crushed cookies, peanut butter cups, brownie pieces, and cheesecake squares. I smiled, thinking of all the sugary goodness waiting for me.
Ridge was waiting at the register, and I pulled out the money Aunt Jenna had given me, using it to pay for both bowls. We then settled at a table next to the window.
“This is heaven.” I took the first bite of my yogurt.
“Agreed.” Ridge nodded, and I cringed as I watched him spoon both chocolate and lemonade frozen yogurt into his mouth.
“Doesn’t that taste funky?”
He continued to nod. “A little, but in a good way.”
I made a gagging face, sticking out my tongue and widening my eyes. “It looks and sounds awful.”
“Want a bite?” He used his spoon to scoop some yogurt from the middle where so many flavors had mixed that the yogurt came out a funny brown color.
I shuddered and shook my head. “I’ll stick with my safe chocolate cheesecake combo.” I raised my bowl for emphasis.
“But that’s no fun.” Ridge waved his spoon in front of me. “Be brave. You might find you like it.”
“What is this, the frozen yogurt version ofGreen Eggs and Ham?” I laughed, trying to dodge his spoon as it moved closer to me. “I do not like mixed yogurt, man. I do not like it, I’m not a fan.” I stuttered, trying to come up with a catchy rhyme to encompass my feelings.
Ridge burst out laughing. “That’s terrible,” he groaned. “But you know how that book ends, don’t you?”
“I’m pretty sure he stubbornly refuses, and we’re left with an appreciation for his determination,” I fibbed, wishing I’d never mentioned the book.
“Nice try. What can it hurt? I can put a scoop in your bowl, if you’d prefer.”
I snatched my bowl off the table, protecting my chocolate-cheesecake deliciousness. There was no way I was going to let him tarnish my perfection in a bowl.
“Then I’ll just come over and…” Ridge made to stand, and I gave in.
“Fine.” I surrendered, holding my hand out for the spoon. “You win.”
Ridge gave a satisfied smile but refused to hand over the spoon. “Not so fast. I want to make sure you actually eat it and don’t dump it in the trash. Now, open up.”
I slowly opened my mouth and watched warily as Ridge spoon fed me the brown, melty disaster. I winced as the flavor hit my taste buds.
“That’s awful,” I choked out, standing to refill the water cup I’d grabbed earlier. I continued to gag as I waited for the cup to fill and then downed it before refilling it again. Ridge stayed at our table, laughing at my pain. “How could you do that to me?” I made my way back to the table, the taste finally gone.
“I don’t think it’s that bad.” He shrugged. “Besides, now you know you don’t like it. Isn’t that better than stubbornly refusing to try something?”
“No, no it’s not.” I shuddered at the memory of the vile taste.
Ridge just smiled and took another bite.
“How can you keep eating that?”
Ridge shrugged and continued spooning the disaster-in-a-bowl into his mouth. I settled back into my chair and picked up my bowl, grateful it was still half full. I was going to need every bite to erase the memory of that taste.
When we’d both finished, we sat a moment. The tension from earlier was finally gone, but I couldn’t quite forget the hurtful words. Ridge had confirmed what I’d been telling myself all week, so why did it hurt so much? Why did I care if he wanted to marry a girl who wanted to change him and didn’t see his value? It wasn’t my problem. Ridge had made that clear.
