“I try.” Wilby grins and playfully squeezes Silvie’s shoulder. “This crazy lady keeps me on my toes.”
By the time we get down the street to Iggy’s Grill, the place is already buzzing with the breakfast crowd. It looks like a mix of tourists and locals. The smell of bacon and coffee hits us as we get closer.
Wilby squints up at the sign. “Are you kidding me? Is this place named after the iguana?”
Silvie snorts and looks at me for confirmation. “Maybe? I’m not entirely sure.”
“Iggy’s has been here for decades,” I tell them. “I don’t think Birdie’s iguana has been around that long. But that would be funny if it were.”
“I can guarantee you that by the end of your trip, you’re going to love Iggy.” Silvie smirks knowingly.
“Doubtful,” Wilby calls.
We grab a booth by the window, and Silvie slides in beside me, her blonde hair still damp, hanging in two braids, looking relaxed in a way that makes my chest tighten. She’s got a smattering of frecklesacross her face that feel new. Everything about her is adorable. Wilby slides in across from us, sunglasses still on like he’s protecting his pride from the jellyfish incident.
The server drops our menus and a thermos of coffee with cups and says, “Morning.”
We all greet her in return.
“I’ll give you a minute,” she says cheerfully and saunters off.
“What’s your favorite thing to get here?” Wilby asks.
Silvie laughs. “Wilby is a foodie. He loves trying new places.”
“You do, too. We have been simultaneously eating our way through all of the restaurants in New York since we’ve worked together,” Wilby says, examining the menu.
“You have spreadsheets,” Silvie adds.
“I do.” He shrugs.
I wish I could take Silvie to more places to eat. Damn. Am I really getting jealous of her assistant, who seems completely platonic? I couldn’t dislike the guy if I tried. He’s hilarious and devoted to Silvie. I’m glad to see she has a guy like him in her corner. Hell, I want him to be my best friend, too.
And do I even have a right to be jealous of Silvie? She’s a friend, nothing more, I remind myself.
I clear my throat and answer the question. “Breakfast burritos.”
“Oh, yes, I need that,” Wilby says immediately, reaching to pour a cup of coffee.
“Pancakes,” Silvie says.
“I’m so glad you’re eating carbs again,” Wilby says with relief.
She nods. “Same.”
“Yooohooo,” we hear, and we turn to see Birdie, January, and Lucille waving from another booth.
“The Bees have arrived.” I smile and nod.
Wilby asks over his mug, “Who are the Bees?”
Silvie grins. “Birdie’s friends. You’ll love them.”
They hoot and wave and laugh about something.
“Where have you guys been off to this morning?” January calls.
Lucille eyes me. “Cal. Honey, you look good. Damp.”
