His smile turns wicked as he closes the distance between us, his hands finding my waist and pulling me flush against him.“Oh, I do.”His murmur is a suggestive rumble that sends a jolt of pure desire through me.“But first,” he continues, his expression softening into a playful grin, “I have a sudden hankering for a good burger.Wanna pay Sal a visit?”
A giddy laugh escapes me.“I would love that.But we should check with Helen first.”
“Lead the way.”He drops a quick, hard kiss on my lips before letting me go.“Bring the petitions.”He deftly splits the stack, handing one half to me.
We walk out of the office together, each holding a stack of papers, and approach the counter where Helen is handing a customer their change.
She finishes the transaction and turns to us, placing her hands on her hips.“You two are still here?”
Matthew steps forward slightly, his demeanor respectful and charming.“Actually, Helen, I was wondering if you’d be okay if I stole Amy for lunch.”
Helen’s eyes widen, and an appreciative grin spreads across her face.“Amy’s my boss, handsome.She can do whatever she wants.”She winks at him, then her expression softens.“But thank you for asking.And yes.In fact, not just for lunch.Take the rest of the day.Go enjoy the sunshine!”
“But will you be alright alone?”I interject.
“I got this, Ames,” she says, already shooing us away.“It’s slowing down.Don’t worry.Now, go!”
The bright sunshine feels warm on my skin as we walk to Matthew’s car.He opens the passenger door for me, a simple act that still makes my heart flutter.Once we’re both inside, the petitions secure on the backseat, he starts the engine and takes my hand in his.
As he pulls out onto the street, I let out a little laugh.“Sorry about Helen’s comments,” I say, a blush creeping up my cheeks.“She has no filter.”
An laugh bubbles out of Matthew.“What, you mean being called hot stuff and handsome?Who doesn’t like that?”He winks at me, and I giggle.“I like her,” he says, his tone turning serious.“She really cares about you.So does Lou.”
“My chosen family,” I say.The words feel truer than ever.
His hand gently squeezes mine, his smile widening.“They’re good people.”
A happy silence settles between us.I lean my head back, content to watch the familiar Madison streets go by as Matthew navigates the Sunday traffic downtown.
The magnificent white dome of the Wisconsin State Capitol building rises into view, an impressive sight against the clear blue sky.Turning onto the street bordering the Square, we see Sal’s bright red food truck,Mad City Burgers.A line of people snakes from its window, at least twenty deep.
Matthew lets out a low whistle.“Looks like we’re not the only ones craving Sal’s burgers.”He pulls into a parking spot and turns to me, an idea lighting up his face.“Feel like crashing a kitchen?”
A laugh bubbles out of me.“Are you serious?”
He nods, grinning.“Let’s go.”
Matthew’s grin is infectious.He rounds the car and opens my door, extending his hand.We walk together to the Capitol grounds, bypassing the long line of hungry patrons.The closer we get, the more the air comes alive with the rich scent of grilling meat.A mouth-watering blend of seasoned beef and sizzling onions that makes my stomach ache with sudden hunger.
Instead of joining the queue, Matthew leads me with a confident familiarity around to the side of the truck.He knocks on the plain metal service door.It swings open to reveal Sal, a sheen of sweat on his brow, muttering to himself.“Six burgers, need more fries, where did I put the—” He cuts himself off as his eyes finally land on us.
For a split second, there’s stunned silence.Then, his face transforms, stress melting away into a booming laugh of pure delight that seems to shake the whole truck.
“¡Madre mía!Look what the wind blew in!”he exclaims in a joyous roar, wiping a hand on his apron and pulling Matthew into a fierce, one-armed hug.“Matty!I was just thinking about you.”He pulls back, his eyes moving to me, his grin widening.“And Amy,mija!To see you two here together…” He shakes his head, his happiness so genuine it’s a tangible thing.“Wonderful.A wonderful surprise.”
“We came for burgers, but it looks like half of Madison had the same idea,” Matthew says, gesturing toward the still-growing line.“Looks like you could use a couple of extra hands, old man.”
Sal lets out a weary but happy sigh.“Ay, no, no.You are my guests.I can handle this.You find a spot, I’ll bring your orders as soon as I can.”
“Come on, Sal.I run a café, remember?”I interject, stepping forward with a smile.“And this guy here grew up manning your grill.Put us to work.It’ll be fun.”
Sal looks from my determined face to Matthew’s hopeful grin.He lets out another hearty laugh and throws his hands up in surrender.“Alright, alright,jefa!Get in here, you two!”He swings the door wider, ushering us into the familiar heat of the truck.“Matty, you know the drill.Amy, you’re on the window with me.”
What follows is the most wonderfully chaotic and joyful hour of my day.I find my rhythm instantly.Taking orders, calling them out to Matthew and Sal, handling payments with an efficiency that makes Sal beam with approval.Beside me, Matthew moves like he was born there.Flipping burgers.Dressing buns.An easy, unspoken dance honed by years of practice.Several times, I catch Matthew’s eye across the tight space, and he gives me a quick, breathtaking smile.
Finally, the last customer is served.A collective, satisfied sigh passes between the three of us.
“We make a pretty good team,” Sal declares, wiping his hands on his apron and looking at us with undisguised, paternal pride.
