“I’m sure you know a lot of girls.”
I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’rea model. You’re popular.”
“You sound like you’re mad at me.” The thought bothers me more than it should.
Sophie sighs. “I’m not mad at you, Ashton.”
“What’s the matter then?”
“Other than the fact I’m stuck in the hospital for another night and the only thing I’ve had to eat was mushy squash and mashed potatoes.”
“No Jello?”
She shakes her head. “It was yellow. I really can’t do yellow.”
“That sucks. What would you eat if you had a choice?”
“Of hospital food? Not much.”
“No, the outside world.” I wave at the window. “Your choice of the culinary selections of Battle Harbour.” I do my best to keep the sarcasm out of my voice, and it’s surprisingly easier than it usually is.
“A burger,” she says quickly. “Cheese and bacon with extra pickles on the side. From the Fish and Chip shop.”
“You want a burger from the place that has fish and chips in the name?”
“It’s the best in town. Everyone says Kalle’s bar has the best burger, but Crono’s got it beat. It’s the best.”
“Made by someone named Crono?”
“A nickname. I have no idea what his real name is.”
“That’s good then, that his parents loved him enough not to name him Crono. What do you like on this burger? Ketchup? Mustard?”
She nods. “Mayo.”
“And fries?” I stand up.
“Where are you going?”
“To get you a burger. Don’t fall asleep before I get back.”
“But it’s late… visiting hours will be over by the time you get back.”
“Do you think I care?”
“But…”
“You’re hungry. Someone should have brought you something to eat. And don’t worry—I’ll be quiet.”
And then I leave to bring her a burger.
“What did dad say?” Fenella asks when I get to Hela, the bar my sisteropened in town.
I dropped off the burger for Sophie, and then I felt weird, like I’m not used to doing nice things for people.
Which I’m not. So I left her to eat alone, with a sleeping roommate.
