“Oh really? What do you like to eat?”
“Mostly salad. And it’s not so much what I like to eat… It’s more like I cannot get my mom’s constant healthy eating lectures out of my head.” Maggie glanced over at him to see how he’d take this embarrassing revelation.
“Oh really? Well, we can find a restaurant with salad. Totally up to you, but the pizza at this place is amazing if you’re feeling like a rebel.”
“Iamsupposed to try new things...” Maggie remembered.
Chase froze, “Wait, you have had pizza at least once in your life, right?”
They were standing in front of a purple pizza booth amid amusement park rides. Maggie felt her heat rising to her cheeks, “I have… but it’s been like ten years.”
“Oh my gosh woman… that’s crazy… and also, impressive. I think I eat pizza four times a week at least.”
Maggie laughed. She was amazed at how easy it was to be with him. She felt comfortable, almost like she could be herself… even though she was still trying to figure out who that was.
“Let’s do it. I’m having some pizza.” Maggie stepped forward to order.
“Really? You’re sure.”
“I’m sure. What kind do you recommend?”
“Oh definitely the Mega Meat Eater.” Chase pointed to the menu. “But remember, I’m paying.”
“You really don’t have to.”
“I want to.” Chase stepped up and ordered two slices of pizza.
Holding the giant triangle boxes, he led Maggie to a bench on the side of the pier. They sat down and Chase handed one to her. Holding up a slice, she toasted Chase and said, “For the list.” Then, she lifted her lips and slowly bit into the pizza dripping with melted cheese, pepperoni, bacon, ham, and sausage. The flavors of the meat, grease, cheese, and soft crust mingled like magic in her mouth.
Before swallowing, she managed, “Oh my goodness. This is…”
“This is what? Do you like it? Don’t leave me hanging.” Chase stared at her wide-eyed.
Maggie’s face brightened. “Incredible. Wow, I forgot how amazing pizza is!”
“I told you...” Chase leaned back against the bench with a smirk.
Maggie almost choked out of astonishment as she watched Chase consume the majority of his pizza in one bite.
With his mouth still half full he asked, “So, what do you want to do next? Let’s knock some things off this list of yours.”
“Well, I kind of failed at making a list in advance. I didn’t know what to write. But, now that we’re here... I definitely want to ride the Ferris wheel.” Maggie stared up at the giant ride spinning with an array of bright colors.
“The… Ferris wheel?” Chase said slowly.
“Oh are you not into that? We don’t have to.”
“No we can. It’s just that… I’m not a big fan of heights, but… you did go out on a limb to try pizza, so I feel like I owe you this.”
“No really, we don’t have to do it. I just thought it looked fun.”
“Nope, it’s settled.” Chase stood and reached out to help Maggie up.
“You’re absolutely sure?”
“I’m sure. C’mon now.” Maggie smiled hearing Chase’s Southern accent appear.
Chapter 12
