Ace is watching all the people walk by as he makes himself comfortable at my feet. It’s his favorite new hobby, and he’s really into it. It’s a gorgeous day, so people are out and about today, many with their own dogs, so there’s so much to look at.
We give the server our coffee orders and peruse the menu.
“Is it bad that I want to eat basically everything on here?” I ask, only partially joking. I’m starving this morning.
“Not even a little. It’s my cheat day so I’m actually considering eating all of it, too.” He teases. I’ve been watching these guys eat since their teenage years, so I’m no longer surprised by the amount of food that the three of them can packaway. It’s truly stunning, but today, it’s not bothering me like it normally does when we all go out to eat together.
“Couldn’t you guys have waited like one month? For real. Bro, you lost me a hundred bucks.” Walker gripes as he flings himself down in the seat across from Liam.
“What the fu..heck are you talking about?” Liam stumbles, his cheeks pink with embarrassment.
“What was that?” Walker asks with a penetrating stare at Liam.
“What?” Liam’s suddenly studying the menu, the picture of nonchalance.
“Not swearing. Is this a thing now that you guys are.... Whatever. Together and shit.” Walker doesn’t bother to hide his annoyance, “Because I am not a fan. I want my best friend back.” I just glare at Walker. He’s the one who’s been pushing me toward Liam, so he’s hardly in a position to complain. I’m too food-focused to bother with him and his attitude this morning, so I just roll my eyes and look down at the menu. Thankful he’s sitting next to Liam and not me.
“What? Um. No, yeah, maybe. I don’t know. My dad doesn’t like to swear in front of my mom. I guess I’m just trying to be respectful. You should try it. For once.” Liam finishes awkwardly.
“Whatever, she’s my sister. I don’t have to be respectful.” Walker snaps back at him.
“Rude!” is my indignant reply. Liam winces.
“Shut it, Walks” Liam says, warning clear in his tone. Walker has the audacity to look as if Liam has hurt his feelings. Liam scowls at him.
“Who’s rude? I’m guessing Walker.” Kenji says as he takes the last seat at the end, reaching down to give Ace some dog love.
“Why is everyone so mean to me?” Walker whines.
“Yes, you are so put upon, little brother.” I say, with all the sarcasm I can muster.
“If you think I’m going to feel sorry for you so you don’t have to pay me. Think again, Walks. Never gonna happen.” Kenji gives him a look of disdain, ignoring my brother’s dramatic attempt to gain sympathy.
“The food looks wonderful, but the name is the real seller.” Kenji grins at me. “What are you getting, Maddie?”
“The Peachy Almond pancakes sound delicious, but the Mile High Eggstravagana looks interesting too.” That’s what I need - a boatload of carbs and a vat of caffeine.
“I’m definitely getting the eggs, but I’m going to add the Hatch green chili sauce to it.” Liam announces.
“Damn, that sounds great, I’m in, but I’m adding extra ham.” Walker decides, tossing his menu on the table now that he’s made his decision.
“I think I’m actually going to take a cheat day. Maybe try the Triple Berry Waffles.” Kenji says absentmindedly.
“What?” Shocked, we all stop and stare at him. Kenji never takes a cheat day. Never. If anything, he gives the guys shit for taking them during the season.
“Where is my bestie and what have you done to him?” I look at him suspiciously.
“What? I can take a cheat day.” He says, looking increasingly uncomfortable under our scrutiny.
“Oh, I’m well aware that you can... but you don’t.” I point out.
“People change, Mads. It happens.” He says casually. I’m not buying it.
“Some people, maybe,” I give him a quizzical look. I’ll interrogate him later. He clearly doesn’t want to talk about it in front of the guys, and I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.
“What’s everyone having?” Kenji says, going for the distraction tactic. It works, but only because we’re all starving this morning. Probably why my brother is so darn grumpy. He gets hangry.
We’re quick to make our meal decisions to our server. She’s a cute, bubbly blonde, so of course my brother jumps right into flirting with her. I roll my eyes and turn away. It’s weird watching the guy who once cut off my pigtails flirt. I feel like saying, “Hey girl, I wouldn’t. Trust me when I say that those feet smell terrible!”
