“That’s why you’re my girl.” Oswald points at me. “I’ll have the twelve-ounce sirloin with a loaded baked potato and mac and cheese. Thanks, baby.”
The waitress’ brow furrows as she glances at Memphis. I think she’s confused about why I’m sitting next to him since Oswald keeps calling me his girl.
“Taste of the rock, salad with ranch, and green beans.” Memphis turns to me. “What dressing do you want?”
“Ranch is good for me too,” I reply quickly, not even realizing I forgot.
“I’ll get that right in, shouldn’t be long.” She’s not quite as chipper when she walks away.
“I think you confused her.” Bates chuckles. “She couldn’t figure out which one of you Waylynn is with.”
Oswald snorts. “Good. I hope she’s right and it is fast. I’m starving.” He looks at the few tables we can see around us.
* * *
Cookingthe steak wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be, but I feel greasy as heck by the time we’re done.
“Memphis.” I lean my cheek on his shoulder and look up at him. “Can I ask you a favor?”
His eyes narrow as he peers down at me with suspicion. After watching me for a few seconds, he lifts his eyes and says, “No.” The single syllable isn’t harsh, but my heart doesn’t see it that way. He didn’t even ask what I wanted.
I sit upright and try not to feel embarrassed by the rejection.
“What just happened?” Bates asks.
“Nothing,” I rush to say, not making eye contact with anyone.
“Memphis?” he questions directly.
“She wants to pay the bill, and I told her no,” he answers smoothly.
“She asked for a favor. How do you know she wasn’t going to ask you to let her up or something else?”
“Because I know her.” He meets his friend’s stare.
“Next time, you should let her ask,” Bates mutters. “You’re going to make her think she can’t ask you for anything.”
I don’t like that he’s talking about me almost like I’m not here, and I don’t want anyone to be bothered by my hurt feelings. “It’s okay, he’s right,” I defend while plastering a small smile on my lips.
Oswald sends a glare at the side of Memphis’ face, who is now looking at me with a frown. I don’t think they buy my fake platitudes as easily as everyone else does.
My first instinct is to excuse myself to the bathroom, so I don’t have to feel their eyes on me, but I bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself from asking to get up.
“Anyone save room for dessert?” the waitress asks happily.
“No.” Oswald’s tone is flat and indifferent.
“How about boxes? Anythingelse?” She has her pad and pen poised at the ready, as if we may order more, or maybe she’s waiting for someone to ask for her number.I’m being petty.
“Just the bill is fine.” Bates dismisses her.
“All together or…”
“One bill. We’re together,” Oswald answers in the same gruff tone. It’s clear the mood has shifted at the table, and I’m getting more and more uncomfortable.
“Be right back with that.” She pivots and slips away from the table. I wish I could too. I’ve made it all awkward and weird.
“I shouldn’t have assumed,” Memphis tells me softly. Now he’s upset too. I should have just kept my mouth shut in the first place.
