The waitress comes by, and we both order water before taking some time to look over our menus.
“I don’t think I’ve been here before,” Cameron says, peering up at me. “What’s good?”
“Depends,” I answer. “During the season? I typically go for a salad. Offseason, though? Their burgers are fucking divine.”
He laughs heartily. “Burger it is then.”
I opt for a regular cheeseburger when the waitress comes back, and Cameron goes for the barbecue bacon burger.
“So,” I say uncomfortably. “What did you think of the shoot?”
He shrugs. “It was fun. I’m interested in seeing how the pictures turned out.”
“Think they’re any good?”
“I do,” he nods. “Everyone seemed happy, so I’m sure they’re great.”
I take a sip of my water. My throat feels so dry right now.
Why am I so uncomfortable? This is just Cameron.
I think I’m just thrown off my game. I haven’t had anybody holding me the way he was at the shoot in I can’t remember how long.
The worst part of it, though, was the fact that it didn’t feel wrong.
It feltright.
I don’t know what to make of that because I’m not even sure we’re friends yet.
“Cameron, are we friends?” I blurt out before cringing.
He tips his head back and laughs. “Do you want to be friends, Zhuri baby?”
I groan. “Forget I even asked.”
Cameron smiles at me softly. “I’d like to consider us friends, if that’s what you want.”
“I do.” I let out a breath. “We could’ve been friends for eleven years now.”
“Maybe we weren’t meant to be friends until now,” he shrugs.
“Are you being optimistic on me, Cameron?”
His smile falters a little bit. “Just… trying something new, I guess.”
“I like that. It’s good to see. How have you been the past couple of weeks?”
He rubs the back of his neck. “Not as bad,” he answers, “but my dad hasn’t called either. It’s easier to not let him get to me when we aren’t actually talking.”
“Well, I’m happy you’re doing okay right now.” I smile at him, and the look on his face is pure warmth.
Warmth that I now feel through my entire body.
Cameron takes the hat on his head and flips it backward, and I internally curse him.
Is there anything hotter than a man in a backward hat?
Yes.
