Page 44 of Trust Me
“Order whatever you and Brooklyn want. I’ll eat anything on my pizza.”
“Hi, guys. I’m Megan, your server. Can I get you drinks to start?”
Avery looks over the menu and decides on a Coke. “A pitcher of Coke, please,” I say. “Whatabout Brooklyn?”
“I have juice for her in the bag.”
“Okay. Any appetizers while you decide on your pizza?” Megan asks.
We pass on the appetizers and go straight to ordering the pizza. “Large sausage, mushroom, and green pepper, please,” she says with a slight question in her tone, looking at me for guidance.
“Perfect,” I reply. Megan snatches up the menus and promises to be back quickly with our drinks.
“So, what are your plans this weekend?” I ask as I reach over to link my fingers with hers across the table. Who knew I’d like holding hands? I can’t get enough of it. Or her. Maybe it’s not the act of holding hands, but with whom I’m holding hands with? That has to be it because I can’t imagine wanting to touch anyone else like I want to touch her.
“Holly’s off this weekend so we’re talking about going shopping on Sunday before dinner at my parents’ house. Brooklyn needs new winter clothes. I think she grew two sizes this summer.”
Brooklyn perks up from drawing with a crayon on the paper placemat at the sound of her name. “I go shopping!”
“Yes, you are going shopping too, sweetie. What about you? You’re working twelves this weekend, right?” She’s referring to twelve-hour shifts both Saturday and Sunday.
“Yeah. I think I’m heading up to Jack’s on Saturday night with Jake. We work all weekend so we won’t have more than a beer or two, but he’s been in a mood lately, and he just wants to go hang out there for a bit and maybe shoot some pool.”
“What’s wrong with Jake? He hasn’t said anything.”
I chuckle a little before I answer. “Actually, I think it’s about a girl. I think he likes someone who wants nothing to do with him and it’s bugging him.”
“Seriously? Jake’s worked up over a girl? I never thought I’d see the day,” she says as she takes a drink of the Coke Megan had just delivered to our table.
“I guess. He won’t talk too much about it. Maybe I’m way off base, but I know something’s up, and it’s the only thing I can put my finger on.”
“Huh. Good for him. He needs to find someone who will settle his butt down a little,” she declares with a grin.
I squeeze her hand and lock eyeswith her before I reply. “Yeah, there’s something about finding a great woman to make you rethink your views on life.” I give her my best thousand-watt smile.
“You have new views?” she asks, the nervousness evident in her question.
“Yep. I have this girl I can’t stop thinking about. A girl who invades my thoughts day and night. A girl who I can’t get enough of talking to, seeing, or spending all my free time with.” I lean in and drop my voice so only she can hear me. “On top of that, she’s smoking hot, and the sex is fucking awesome.”
She laughs her wonderful laugh, eyes sparkling with delight. “Sounds like a very lucky girl.”
“See, that’s the thing. I’m the lucky one.” I bring our laced fingers up to my mouth and gently place a kiss on her knuckles; all while keeping my eyes locked on hers.
Megan arrives minutes later with our pizza. Avery places a slice on a plate for Brooklyn, cutting it up into bite-sized pieces. Brooklyn dives into her pizza with delight and happily chats with me about dolls and cartoons. I catch Avery gazing at me a few times during dinner, watching us with a look of longing. I knowwhat she ultimately wants out of life. Marriage. More kids. Unbreakable love. I’m not sure if I’m the man to give her all those things she wants, but I might want to try.
I do want to try.
When Avery takes Brooklyn to the bathroom to wash up her hands and face, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I glance down at it. Vanessa. Again. Why does she keep calling me? I already told her there was nothing between us. I send the call to my voicemail, not wanting to deal with her brand of drama this evening. As I start to slide it back in my pocket, it rings again.
I exhale and hit the answer button. There’s only one way to figure out what she wants. “Yeah,” I answer with a short, snippy tone to my voice.
“Hi, Maddox. How are you?”
“Vanessa, I’m busy right now. What do you want?” I glance toward the bathroom to see if Avery is coming back yet.
“I haven’t talked to you in a while. I miss you.”
“Vanessa, there is no reason for this phone call. I’ve already told you that I’m not interested in seeing you anymore.”
