“What sounds good? Please tell me you don’t usually eat salad for breakfast?” Chase teased.
“You don’t wanna know what I usually eat for breakfast.” Maggie self-consciously gripped her purse in front of her.
“Oh yes I do.”
“Let’s just say it’s usually some sort of green smoothie.”
Chase stuck out his tongue in disgust. “I’m pretty positive they don’t have green smoothies here, but they do have amazing Belgian waffles, pancakes, and French toast. Oh, and coffee. Their coffee is incredible.”
“I’m sure you’ll be surprised to know that I haven’t had traditional breakfast foods other than eggs since my wild college days, so I’ll need some suggestions.”
“Well, I think that means we need to order one of everything. Is that okay?”
“Sounds good to me. Just let me know how much I owe.”
“Ah, no way. I got this.” Chase stepped up to the register and ordered for them.
Maggie felt Chase put his hand on the small of her back while gently leading her to a table near the front window.
As they sat down, Maggie asked, “So, how did your set go last night? You sounded really good by the way. Like really good.”
“Thank you,” Chase looked down with a small grin. “It actually went well. Leeland Banks offered me the opportunity to open for a band there.”
“What? Chase, that’s amazing. Congratulations!”
“I think I’m still in shock. But, honestly, it’s only thanks to you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, Leeland wants me to do an all country set. That’s what he liked best. I wouldn’t have gotten the gig if you hadn’t suggested playing country.”
“You’re the one who was brave enough to go for it. I’m really happy for you.”
“Thanks.” Chase glanced down at his hands clasped together.
“How come you don’t seem more excited?”
“I think I’m still trying to wrap my head around landing such a huge opportunity. And, also… it just reminds me of some complicated family stuff.”
“Did you tell your family? They must be so proud of you.”
“Ah… no. I haven’t told them yet. Just you and Arlo know about it.”
At that moment, a waiter carrying a tray filled to the brim with plates approached their table. He set down two coffees first. Then a plate with four pancakes, another with a giant Belgian waffle overflowing with whip cream and strawberries, then another with French toast, eggs, bacon and sausage. Maggie’s mouth dropped open.
“Dig in Cinderella.”
Maggie laughed, “Cinderella?”
“Well you’ve been trapped by the evil, health food stepmom, so this is your ball.”
“So, that makes you… my fairy godmother?” Maggie arched her eyebrows and Chase almost spit out his coffee.
He sputtered, “I guess so… That comparison backfired on me real fast. Hoping to be more of a Prince Charming, but I guess I missed the boat on that one.” Maggie noticed the way his cheeks tinted slightly pink and the way he rubbed his hand along his jaw. She must have been obviously staring because Chase cocked his head to the right and asked, “What are you waiting for? Seriously, eat up.”
Maggie examined the table and landed on the Belgian waffle. “This looks amazing.”
“Wait until you taste it.”
