I helped her slide into her chair, walked around the table, and dropped into the chair. Facing the door, I scanned my surroundings before turning my attention to the beauty in front of me. Old habits were hard to break. I already knew what I was going to order, so there was no reason for me to look at the menu that sat on the old, cracked laminate table.
Using the time that Rebekah was focused on picking out her meal, I ran my eyes up and down her form. Wrapped up in a hoodie that I was fairly certain was Josh’s, she looked like a Little girl playing dress up in her Daddy’s clothes. I would much rather her be wearing my clothes, but I hadn’t claimed her yet, so I couldn’t get worked up that she was wearing another man’s hoodie.
Well, not too worked up. I was a possessive man after all, and knowing that wasn’t my hoodie was testing my loyalty to one of my greatest soldiers and friends.
“Hey, Beau and the pretty lady, I don’t think I’ve met before.”
I threw an annoyed look at the waiter who was standing at the side of our table, hand poised over a pad, ready to take our order. I schooled my features because getting annoyed with a high schooler who couldn’t find his way out of a wet paper bag wasn’t on my bingo card for tonight.
“Hey, Derrick. How are you?”
“I’m doing good, man. Same ol’, same ol’. It’s been a little bit since you were in. How are things going with you?”
“Can’t complain. Busy as always, but you know I always try to make time to drop in. How’s school going?”
Derrick was a senior this year and was destined to play university ball. He’d been our varsity quarterback for the past three years, proving his worth during his freshman year of high school. If I didn’t know any better, I would think that he was coming for all those records I set years ago.
“Been great. We play against the Bulldogs this week, and Coach says that there will be college scouts there to watch me. I might finally get out of this small town and finally make a name for myself.”
I understand his desire to leave town. It wasn’t all that long ago when I had been in his shoes, dreaming of bigger and better things. Sadly, the world had different ideas, and my dreams of college and maybe one day pro football faded as real responsibilities crept in.
“I have no doubt that you will do fantastic, Derrick. If I’m in town, I’ll see if I can come and catch the game. Might be nice to come and see the old stomping grounds.”
“I’d like that a lot, man.”
Offering a fist bump, I turned my attention to Rebekah, who sat just admiring our exchange. I couldn’t read the questions in her eyes, and before I could ask, Derrick spoke again.
“Anyway, enough boring conversation. Wouldn’t want to scare off your pretty company. What can I get for y’all tonight?”
I waved toward Rebekah, indicating that she should go first.
“I would like the chicken-fried steak with mashed potatoes and a side salad with ranch. Can I also get a sweet tea?”
“Anything for the lovely lady. Beau, the usual for you?”
I nodded at his question.
“Perfect, I’ll go put these orders in and will be around with your drinks in a few.”
Derrick left us in comfortable silence that it seemed neither of us wanted to break. It was nice to be with someone who I didn’t have to constantly fill in the void with useless small talk around.
I placed Rebekah’s sweet tea in front of her when Derrick dropped it off. Deciding to finally break the silence, I asked a question that had been on my mind. “Have you been enjoying your time at SFT? Has everyone been treating you with kindness and respect?”
“Oh, absolutely. I love all the guys and getting to know them. Everyone has been so helpful and kind, taking me under their wing like an annoying little sister. Of course, I love hanging out with Seth and Josh.”
I grunted. I liked that she had gotten close to them, especially since they would be great men for her to lean on if necessary. This green eye of jealousy wasn’t a good look, and I really needed to get over myself.
“I’m so glad to hear that, Rebekah. You have been a fantastic help around the office, and everyone has had nothing but good comments about you.”
The pink blush on her cheeks made me smile. She turned pink so prettily, which made me wonder what other parts of her looked like when covered in that lovely shade. Dragging my mind out of the gutter, I realized that she had spoken again.
“It seems like you really know Derrick.”
“Well, this might not be a super small town, but it’s hard not to get to know your neighbors. Derrick has made a name for himself since his freshman year. I love supporting the younger guys. Plus, I remember when I used to be in his shoes.”
“Vic told me that you used to play football in high school. Something about state champions.”
“Asking your friends about me, I see,” I teased. It was cute that she’d asked someone else about me.
