“Really?”
“Yeah,” he says as he walks us forward. We're next in line to order. “I haven't figured anything out yet, but I'm thinking about it.”
“Okay,” I inhale sharply, trying to play it cool. “Can we eat here?”
Wilder raises an eyebrow. “You don't want to bring Cash dinner?”
“There's no salad,” I say. “He won't eat anything on the menu.”
“True,” he agrees.
We order ribs, chicken wings, and coleslaw. I don't say anything when Wilder pulls his wallet out and pays. I don't even say anything when he makes a comment about not ordering Cash something.
We manage to find a small table by the window, and I slide into the seat across from the love of my life, desperately wishing things didn't feel so strained.
“You look lost in thought,” Wilder notices.
I hitch my shoulder and look out the window. “I guess.”
“What are you thinking, Ingrid?”
I shrug. “I wish things weren't so complicated.”
“Are they?” He asks.
“You once told me I was a great communicator,” I remind him. “But I'm starting to wonder if I was only a great communicator because you were willing to let me be.”
Wilder runs a hand through his hair, making my insides ache. He's so handsome it physically hurts.
“I'm not trying to keep you from communicating what you need to,” he admits, shaking his head. “A lot is going on right now.”
“Like what?” I frown. “Other than traveling cross country with Cash, there's nothing going on.”
“There's school and living together,” he counters. He goes to say more, but quickly shuts his mouth.
“You've already figured out how you're going to make the money stretch for school, and you said you'd only beenthinkingabout living together.”
“It's still pressure, Ingrid,” he replies coolly.
I exhale heavily. “Alright.”
Wilder reaches for my hand. “What's wrong?”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at him. “Obviously a lot is going on right now.”
He smirks. “You're avoiding the question.”
“I learned from the best,” I retort.
“Touche,” he grins.
For a moment, the walls come crashing down and there's a lightness to Wilder that hasn't been there in days.
“You wanna make out after this?” I bite my lip.
“I'm sure there's a dark alley close by,” Wilder plays along.
“I expect some boob action,” I state pointedly.
