Page 115 of Rock Me All Night
"Fuck off."
"Let's stop for breakfast."
"I'm not hungry."
I close my eyes and pretend to nap. Despite my insistence Miles takes the next exit.
He parks at a Starbucks. "Come on. I'll buy you coffee, green tea, whatever your heart desires."
My stomach rumbles. Iamhungry. But that isn't why I'm cranky.
He must realize that I'm cranky over his non-answer. He felt an itch, the song scratched it. What a load of bullshit.
I follow Miles into the coffee shop. He slides his arm around my waist, pulling me closer. It's like we're a normal couple. Like we're actually happy we're seeing my family for the holiday.
The girl behind the counter recognizes Miles instantly. Her eyes light up. Her tongue slides over her lips. "Welcome!"
Miles smirks. "You want to grab a seat?"
"So you can flirt with the employee?"
He trails his fingers over the edge of my cardigan than over my skin. "I only flirt with you." His hand slides to my lower back. "I just don't want to subject anyone else to your hunger-induced mood."
"Maybe my mood is bullshit induced."
"Only one way to find out." He steps up to the register. Plants his palms flat and leans in towards the employee like he's about to share a secret. "Black coffee for me. Large. And for my friend—" He motions to me.
"Large latte. Extra shot."
"And," Miles says.
"One of the egg sandwiches. The one with spinach."
The girl nods. She stares adoringly at Miles. "I love Sinful Serenade."
He winks at her. "Thanks, honey."
"Would you sign something?" Her eyes go wide. She reaches under the counter and hands him a marker.
He nods, signs a napkin, and hands it back to her.
I flop on one of the cushy armchairs and check my phone. Nothing but a text from my mom to drive safely. Everyone else is far, far away. Kara is in San Francisco. I text herHappy Thanksgiving.
Miles slides into the cushy chair next to mine. He hands me my drink and my egg sandwich.
His expression is attentive. What the hell do I do with that?
I get up for sugar and a wooden stir stick. I can feel his eyes on me as I fix my drink. It's good. Sweet and creamy and incredibly full of caffeine.
Deep breath. I return to my seat with grace. I'm calm. I'm going to make the most of things.
My eyes meet his. "Why did you really invite yourself home with me?"
"The answer to that question is self-evident."
"Jesus, I forgot you were going to be a lawyer." I take another sip. More sweet, sweet caffeine. How did people live before caffeine? It must've been hell.
"I want to help you. With your parents."
