He got out of the SUV as well. “I’m not complaining. I went for a long run and then a long walk this morning—it all balances out.” He shrugged. “A little bit of any food is usually okay.”
“You look like you work out and eat healthy all the time.”
Another chuckle. “I try. But I’m not perfect—and I certainly don’t expect others to be.”
I gestured toward the diner. “Be prepared for a treat.”
He stepped inside first, but I was hard on his heels and so the smell of fried food, ketchup, and something else assaulted my senses—in a good way.
“Hey, Zahir.” Sarabeth approached us. The curvy, bubbly woman had a huge smile on her face. “It’s been a while.” She cast a glance to Andre. “For two?”
He nodded.
“Great. We’ve got two double seaters near the back—grab whichever you like.”
With that, she was off toward the kitchen.
I put my hand to the small of Andre’s back to guide him toward where we needed to head.Crap. I can’t just put my hands on a man—
He leaned back into the hand and offered a small smile. He mouthedthank you.
I returned his smile. “Back booth then?”
“Sure.” He headed that way with me just behind him—keeping my hand to direct him even though he clearly didn’t need it. This place just wasn’t that big.
He tucked himself into the seat facing the restaurant with his back to the wall.
As I slid in, he grabbed a menu. “Okay, I’m going to ask what’s good because I always value your advice. So give it to me straight—don’t pick things just because you think they’re healthy.”
I burst out laughing. “Fair enough.” I grabbed my menu as well—not that anything had changed in years. “Marty and I used to come here every Sunday morning. He enjoyed the trucker’s breakfast, but invariably we had leftovers.”
“Leftovers are the best. I can’t believe how many milkshake flavors there are.”
“Yep. I sometimes come in here just to grab one. I think, over the years, I’ve tried all the flavors.”
Andre arched an eyebrow. “Even black licorice?”
“Yum.”
He made a retching noise. Then, as if catching himself, bit his lower lip.
“Oh, no worries. It’s an acquired taste. Look, they’re open twenty-four hours and so serve everything. If you want a milkshake, go ahead and order one. Or whatever else tickles your fancy.”
He went back to scrutinizing the menu. Then he met my gaze. “What are you having?”
“Waffles with blueberries and whipped cream.”
“And maple syrup?”
“And genuine maple syrup.” I shrugged. “Very Canadian.”
“I think I’ll have that too.” He licked his lips.
“Two glasses of water.” Sarabeth caught my gaze. “Because you always have water.”
“Guilty.” I waggled my eyebrows.
“Coffee?”
