“Chase. This is way too much for me. And your face when you tasted it—” He was still grinning. “Come on. Let’s just share.”
I signaled our server and asked for a to-go box for my chicken.
“Smart call,” she said, boxing it up. “The pot roast is our most popular dish. People fight over it.”
Once my chicken was safely boxed, Finn moved his plate to the center of the table, and we both dug in, eating off the same plate like we’d been doing this for years instead of hours.
We talked between bites—about the bar, my work, the strange trajectory that had led us both to Ybor on a random Tuesday night three weeks ago. Finn prattled on about the Lightning’s chances in the playoffs and whetherHorny Rivalswas good television or just entertaining made-for-TV porn. We decided it was both—and we loved it.
I was mid-bite when I noticed movement in my peripheral vision.
A guy sat a few tables away with a couple of other men. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, wore a Lightning jersey, and had his phone raised.
He was taking a picture ofus.
My brow furrowed.
What the hell?
I started to set down my fork, started to stand, started to say something—
But the guy was already out of his seat and hustling over to our table, phone in hand, looking sheepish and excited in equal measure.
“I’msosorry,” he said. “I should have asked first, but I saw you guys and I got so excited and I just—I’m sorry. You’re Finn, aren’t you?”
Finn’s mouth opened but no words came out.
The guy went on, waving his phone in the air as he spoke. “I already posted it to Instagram, but I can take it down if you want? I’m just—you guys are like local celebrities now, and it’s so cool to see you in person and—”
He stopped, realizing he was rambling.
I stared.
Local celebrities?
What the actual fuck was he talking about?
“It’s okay,” Finn said, his face going red. “Don’t worry about it. It’s fine.”
“Really? You’re sure?” The guy looked relieved. “Because I can totally delete it—”
“It’s fine,” Finn repeated. “Honestly.”
“Oh . . . my . . . God! Thank you, Finn. You guys are so cute. Like,socute. The kiss video? I’ve watched it like fifty times. I showed all myfriends. We’re coming to the bar this weekend.” He was talking fast, excited. “Anyway, I’ll leave you alone. Enjoy your dinner!”
He scurried back to his table, still grinning.
I turned to Finn.
“The video?”
Finn’s face had gone from red to crimson to snow white.
“I, uh—” He blew out a long breath. “I kinda need to show you something.”
He pulled out his phone, opened Instagram, and slid it across the table.
I looked down at the screen.
