He chuckles as he slides his hands into the pockets of his grey hoodie, the one he threw on just before we left my place. We make our way towards the line, and I wince at how quickly it’s grown since we pulled into the carpark.
“The moment we sit down, I’m ordering the whole bloody menu. That’s how hungry I am,” I say, half-jokingly, as we take our place at the back of the line.
“I think I might have to join you on that. I’d probably start chewing on the napkins while we wait for our meals.”
“I hope it’s not too long of a wait.”
“I might have to pull out the ‘I’m related to the Hemsworth brothers’ card to get us in faster.”
I let out a loud snort. “You look nothing like the Hemsworth brothers.”
“I know—I look sexier.” He winks, teasingly.
I burst out laughing. “I’d say you look like the rougher, more rugged version of Matthew Noszka.”
“Who the fuck is that?” he asks, scrunching his nose.
“He’s an American actor and model, and a mighty fine one too.”
“So, you think I’m mighty fine, aye?” he says, waggling his eyebrows.
I shake my head, giving his shoulder a playful shove. He stumbles back and accidentally bumps into an older gentleman passing by.
“Shit!” he blurts, straightening himself. “Sorry, mate.”
“Kaden!”
We both snap our gazes towards the gentleman. He doesn’t look familiar, but when I glance at Kaden, a knowing smile slowly spreads across his face.
“Dad!” he exclaims, surprised. “What are you doing this side of town?”
“Just came for some takeout,” he says, holding up a brown paper bag that I assume contains his meal. “You eating here tonight?”
“Yeah, I am. I’m here with a friend. In fact, I want you to meet someone.” He turns to me and holds out his hand. I take it, stepping closer so I’m now facing his father.
“Dad, this is my friend, Hope. Hope, this is my dad, Troy.”
“It’s really nice to meet you,” I smile, lifting my hand for him to shake.
The moment his gaze meets mine, his smile falters and his eyes widen, as if he’s just seen a ghost. He stands rigid, utterly speechless. I turn to Kaden, who looks just as puzzled as I am.
“Dad!” Kaden’s loud voice seems to snap him out of whatever haze he was in, and he clears his throat.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. You just remind me of someone I once knew. It’s nice to meet you, young lady.” He smiles and extends his hand, and I shake it gladly.
“You good?” Kaden asks his dad, a curious frown creasing his brow.
“Yeah...I think I’m just tired. I’ll let you kids get on with your night,” he says, turning to his son. “Make sure you come over for dinner one night, and bring your lovely lady friend too.” He winks at me, a gesture so unmistakablylike Kaden.
We say our goodbyes, and just as he turns to leave, Troy glances at me one last time—a flicker of confusion, perhaps even recognition, crossing his face before shaking it off and walking away.
“That was probably one of the strangest encounters I’ve ever had,” I admit, as I watch Troy disappear into the busy carpark.
Kaden hums. “Yeah, that was… strange. I don’t know what’s gotten into him tonight, but he’s definitely never acted like that before. I might have to pay him a visit tomorrow and see what that was all about. I think my mum was right—he’s probably losing his marbles. Sorry about that.”
“Don’t worry about it. Your dad seems nice enough overall.”
He smiles, nodding. “Well, the line seems to be reducing. Ready to stuff yourself sick?”
