Page 50 of Tacos & Toboggans
“We always keep some for our menu items,” Ivy said. “How many do you need? The kids won’t make more until Monday.”
“Four?” I asked.
“Oh, no problem. The Spanish Rooster won’t be on the menu again until Tuesday, so we have plenty.”
“You’re putting the rooster on the menu this Tuesday already?”
Ivy shrugged, biting back a smile. “I mean, how can I not? It’s the most requested dish on Tuesdays. For now, we’ll makeit the daily special and see how long the excitement lasts. If it stays popular, it could be a candidate for the new menu in the spring.”
I did a fist pump, making everyone laugh with glee. “That makes me so happy! Of course, we should probably still have it at the taco truck on Tuesdays, or I’ll lose all my regulars who come just for that.”
“There are never enough places to get the rooster,” Heather said. “Are you making them tonight or something?”
“Yes,” I answered without thinking and grimaced when Ivy gasped.
“How dare you?” We giggled at her indignant tone that cracked with humor. “I can’t believe you have the audacity to make them at home when it’s your recipe!”
My snort was amused as I shook my head, a smile tipping my lips. “I won’t do it often, but I promised to make it tonight, so I thought if I had some tortillas, he would probably like that.”
“He?” Addie said, jumping on the one word.
“She means Major,” Ivy said as though she had to interpret for me, and I braced my elbow on the table so I could dump my head into my open palm. “She took him to the farm with her this morning.”
“He’d never been there,” I explained without looking up. “He saw me leaving and asked if he could go. What was I supposed to say? No?”
“You could have, but it wouldn’t have been very nice,” Heather said, biting back a smile.
“Where is he now?” Ivy asked, glancing down the aisle toward the door.
“After the farm, the hospital called to see if he’d check on his patient from last night. They wanted him to consult on continuing care before his release. He won’t be long.”
“He’s very dedicated,” Mel said. “AJ told Holly she was glad he was working the day she broke her foot because she feels like he’s on top of all the new technology and ways to make the most of it to help people.”
“From what he was telling me today about the patient from last night, I agree with AJ. Anyway, I should go. I need to make that rice.”
“Becca also said she had quite the discussion with Major this morning, and I should make sure you’re okay.”
With a deep moan, I threw my head back against the booth. “Of course. Why not? Just ruin my life, why don’t you, Becca?”
“I’m not sure how her concern for you is ruining your life,” Ivy said gently, and I dropped my head back into my hand.
“Not what I meant. I’m confused and feel like a brat who demanded things that weren’t owed. Then the kiss happened, and everything is all jumbled up.”
The dead silence around the table didn’t register at first because I was lost in my thoughts. It was only after Heather cleared her throat that I looked up and saw everyone staring at me with wide eyes.
“Kiss? What kiss?” she asked, leaning in as though I had the hottest Hollywood tea to spill.
“The one in the woods by the big tree?” I asked, my voice high-pitched and squeaky. Ivy, to her credit, didn’t squeal the way I expected. Probably because she sensed the discord within me. “It was unexpected, to say the least."
“Was it, though?” Heather asked. “We’ve all seen the way he looks at you.”
“Except maybe you,” Mel added, and I shrugged as though that would ever be enough for this bunch.
“It’s not that I don’t see it,” I clarified. “I just.” Another shrug was all I had left to say.
“You don’t think you deserve him,” Ivy said.
“Lawd, do I know that one,” Mel whispered, and Heather nodded, pointing at herself.
