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“I know that, but I’m going to pretend that I just bumped into her picking up my order. You know, what we just talked about—show her what’s possible between us. ”
“But you don’t have an order.”
I push my plate in front of Logan. “When the waitress comes, tell her to box this up and bring it to me at the To Go counter.”
“Why?”
“Just do it.”
Hillary claps. “I love this idea.” She spins in her chair, looking for the waitress.
I glance at my reflection in the window, running my fingers through my hair so it doesn’t look so flat. “How do I look?”
“You look like a desperate man who's obsessed with a woman that doesn't like him back,” Logan says.
“It’s undetermined whether or not she likes me back.” I give Krew a kiss on the head. “Hey buddy, you're going home with Boston. I’ll pick you up later. Okay?”
He pretty much ignores me and continues playing his game. I go out the front door of the restaurant and walk around the building. I can see Hillary and Logan watching me through the windows as I walk.
I should probably be embarrassed, but I'm not.
I swing the door open to the section for takeout. Meg’s in front of me in line. She doesn't even glance back.
I clear my throat.
Nothing.
I’m going to have to do one of those weird peek-around things. You know, where you invade someone's space so that you can see their face.
“Meg?” I say in my best surprised voice. “Is that you?”
She turns around, and I can immediately see in her eyes that she is not excited about this encounter. She runs a hand through her hair self-consciously.
“Oh! Hey, Tyler. What are you doing here?”
“Just picking up some takeout. You know, using the coupons the school gave out.”
“Same. I’m a sucker for a free entrée.” She tugs at the hem of her oversized Whitney Houston t-shirt. “I wasn't planning on seeing anybody. If I had known, I would have gotten dressed.”
“I think you look great.” And I mean it. It's a whole new side of Meg that I haven't seen before—little to no makeup, hair in a messy bun, oversized sweats. It's literally the best look on a woman, even if no woman ever believes it when a guy says so.
“How’s your Fall Break going?” I ask.
“Good. I’ve just been organizing my apartment, sleeping in, taking it easy. What about you?”
“Krew and I went to the beach yesterday and spent the day there.”
“That sounds fun.”
“Meg?” A waiter comes out holding a bag.
“That's me.” She grabs her food and pays.
Meanwhile, I'm wondering where the heck my food is. I'm going to kill Logan if he doesn't come through for me on this.
“Thank you,” she says to the cashier, and then she turns to go.
“Hey.” I scratch the back of my head, stepping in front of her. Why is this so hard? “If you're eating alone and I’m eating alone, we should eat together.”
