Frank would want to fist bump Julian, if he saw it. He was the typical grown man who still acted like he was in his prime. Tabitha would say something about youth these days. She’d been in the business for too many years to count and was very obviously over teenagehijinks.
Gwen would probably march us right back in there and stall anyone trying to come back. I blushed at the thought. She had really pushed us together the last time we talked. I couldn’t wait to catchherup.
But Mike, if he saw it, I doubted he would be happy with that development. I doubted he would keep it to himself. I kept forgetting he and my dad were friends, considering I never actually saw them together. I had easily compartmentalized them into two completely different parts ofmylife.
I did not want to give anyone, least of all my dad, any reason to perpetuate the reputation Julian had. Even if I didn’t fullyunderstandit.
How could I date him and not know what the catalyst for all therumors?
I vowed to make Julian tell me what exactly was going on in this town. Why everyone seemed to steer clear of him. Why did I hear his name whispered even when he wasn’t around? I needed to know what all the fuss wasabout.
Speaking of drama, I watched as Tyler walked into the diner alone. Mercifully, I hadn’t seen him since the incident several weeks ago. I thought I might get lucky and never see him again. But he sat down in my section and watched meexpectantly.
I sighed, knowing I needed to go to the table, knowing I needed to be cordial even though every part of me wanted to rage.The customer is always right, I thought mockingly to myself. I still hadn’t gotten over the things he had said that day. I didn’t think I everwould.
Stealing a quick look toward the kitchen and seeing Julian was otherwise occupied with the grill, Iwalkedover.
“Hey.” My voice held a hint of annoyance. Okay, so maybe I wouldn’t be toocordial.
“Hey, Katie,” he said with a bright smile, oblivious to the fact I wasn’t pleased to have him sitting in mysection.
“What doyouwant?”
“Besides stellar food at a great price?” His voice sounded like he was reciting some kind of radio slogan. His smile fell when he saw I was unaffected by his playfulness. “I wanted to see you. I’ve come in a few times and you never seem to beworking.”
“Tyler, listen…” I grasped for the rightwords.
“Katie, I was a jerk. I overreacted. But you’re hot and I know you think Iamtoo.”
The memory of the river popped in my head. I had been attracted to him before he opened his big, fat mouth. Now when I looked at him, I saw through the too fake smile and the perfect appearance. He was shallow and condescending beneath thefacade.
“I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I was new to town and I was excited to have someone talk to me. But I’m not interested.” I looked back toward the kitchen, hoping Julian wasn’t watching before turning back. “I’d be happy to get you a burger though,” I said, trying to change thesubject
“What is it with that guy?” He looked over at the kitchen. “I can’t figure out why girls want to fall all over themselves to getnearhim.”
“What?”
“Julian. That’s who you were looking for just now, isn’t it?” He leaned over the table toward me, pointing his fingers back and forth between the two of us. “There was a spark between us, but then Julianshowedup.”
“Tyler.”
“Michelle is single now, but she still won’t date anyone. I’m guessing because she’s still hung uponhim.”
Michelle,Julian’sex.
“He’s nothing special. And yet, it doesn’t matter what people say about him. Girls are lining up to drop theirpanties.”
Crack.
The palm of my hand hit the side of his face before I even realized it was moving. I’d never slapped someone before. I’d also never been spoken to that way beforeeither.
“You bitch!” He spat at me, pressing his fingers tohisface.
“Why do you keep coming in? Why does it seem like every time I see you, I onlyseehate?”
“You are more trouble than you’reworth.”
“I could say the sameforyou.”
