“This is Claire. Claire, Mikey.”
He answers Jay with an approving look then speaks in my direction. “Pleasure.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mikey.”
Ordering for the both of us, Jay says, “We’ll take two slices each of whatever you got left.” Turning to me he adds in a softer voice, “Don’t worry, they’re all good.”
“You got it, boss. Have a seat and I’ll bring ‘em right over.” Mikey hands him two empty cups and moves to throw the slices in the oven.
I go for my wallet but before I reach it, Jay grabs my forearm gently, pulling it back. My whole body tenses as his hand brands my flesh beneath its touch, but that quickly it’s gone as he holds one of the cups out for me to take, the skin where his hand once was, left raw and vacant. Did he feel that too? I shake the curiosity from my mind and follow him to the soda fountain.
I thank him for the pizza looking at my soda choices. I land on 7Up and fill my cup with extra ice.
“Don’t worry about it,” he replies. “I know the owner.” He fills his cup next. I wouldn’t have taken him for a root beer guy.
We walk to the closest table that still has both chairs on the floor. I place my wallet on the table so I don’t have to sit on it. Jay pulls a now familiar teal box and lighter from his pocket and mimics the movement before taking the seat across from me.
“You know, when people share a meal they usually talk to each other too,” I say remembering his“I’m not good at this”comment. “Are you sure you’re up for that?” I say it sarcastically but the reality is I’m not sureI’mup for it.
He leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. He’s not even flexing and his colorful biceps bulge against his fists.
“And what is it that these people tend to talk about?”
“Well, typically they talk about their day or their jobs or things they like. Sometimes it’s even more than a dozen words if you can believe it.” I raise my eyebrows challenging him. He remains silent for what feels like hours before he finally speaks.
“Okay, smartass.” He smiles the most honest smile before regaining his composure and landing in a smirk. “My day was long, my job is fine, and I like classic cars.” He pauses. “And you.”
My breath hitches at his last two words.“And you.”We lock eyes. His face is completely serious but the sea of gold and green I’m swimming in tells me he’s just as shocked by his confession as I am. Afraid to speak, Ihold our gaze a second longer. It’s only when Mikey reaches between us to drop our food, do I dare look down.
“Here you go, amici.” He spins one plate in front of Jay and the other to me. “Oh, and Ro texted. He said just lock up when you’re done.” I look up surprised as Mikey holds a fist out in Jay’s direction. I watch him return the gesture, his eyes still locked on me. He breaks the intensity, casting a playful wink in my direction as Mikey heads towards the exit.
“Like I said,” he says, “I know the owner.”
15
Jamison
Mikey just left but not before I somehow managed to tell Claire I like her and throw her a goddamn wink. Moron. It’s like the rock-hard exterior I’ve worked so hard to build turns to mush in front of this girl. I have never had word vomit like I did just then. The thoughts that came pouring from my mouth were completely outside of my control. My only saving grace is that she didn’t seem completely disgusted by either of my impulsive moves.
This whole thing is just really throwing me off. I’m not surprised she gets my attention, I mean look at the girl. But there’s something about her that’skeepingmy attention, which is the confusing part. Not to mention, the fact that she showed up here all but one minute after I did after the night I’ve had, makes me feel like this cold world actually worked in my favor for once. Then, you add that she first initiated conversation and agreed to eat with me, and I’m pretty sure I owe my life to some higher power.
I was replaying the bar incident over in my head earlier when she spoke my name. The tone of her voice alone sent signals to places from inside my gut to under my jeans. This is the first time I’ve seen her completely hidden by clothes and my body still reacted to the sight of her. When she took off her sweatshirt revealing bare arms and just a shred of cleavage, I all but came undone. For the second time, this girl fucking turned me on just by being herself. Thank God I walked in behind her.
Looking at my two slices, I see Mikey gave me one mushroom and one sausage, which is my second favorite if they’re out of pepperoni.Claire’s plate holds one ham and ricotta — an Enzo’s specialty — and one Hawaiian.
“That’s a bold move for Mikey. Pineapple on pizza is kind of hit or miss.” I fold the sausage slice in half and bring it to my lips.
Claire’s already a mouthful into the ham and ricotta, but after a few chews, she manages to respond. “Anything on this slice of heaven has to be a hit.” She takes another massive bite and the sound she makes should not be sexy. She swallows and takes a sip of her 7Up. “You said you know the owner?”
“Yeah, Mikey’s brother, Ronan, has been my best friend since we were young. He opened this place a few years ago. Now he and Mikey run it together.”
“Woah, two brothers in business, that could be dangerous.” She rips off a piece of crust.
“Nah, they get along great. Wasn’t the case at first but once Ro settled in, they were fine.”
Brushing the dust from her fingers she questions me. “Settled in?”
“Mikey and Ronan aren’t blood brothers. Mikey’s parents adopted Ronan when he was fifteen, right before Mikey’s seventeenth birthday.”
