Page 132 of Puck Me Back to Life

I shake my head. “You're reading too much into it.”

“I'm really not.”

I think back through the interaction. She smiled. Asked if I was new. Said she'd remember me.

… Oh. “No.” Ash watches realization slowly spread across my face. “Oh my God.”

“There it is.”

“I thought she was just…”

“Being friendly?”

“Yeah.”

He actually laughs. Not the amused chuckle I've gotten used to. A full laugh. His shoulders shake.

I narrow my eyes. “Stop.”

“I can't.”

“This isn't funny.”

“It is a little.”

“I genuinely didn't know.”

“I know.”

“That's embarrassing.”

“It's adorable.”

“I don't want to be adorable.”

“You don't get a vote.”

I cross my arms. “I refuse.”

“Denied.”

The waitress returns carrying two mugs of coffee. She sets mine down first. “There you go.”

“Thanks.”

Her eyes flick toward me again. “If you need recommendations, breakfast is always the right answer.”

“I'll keep that in mind.”

“I make excellent recommendations.”

“I believe you.”

She smiles again before walking away.

The second she's out of earshot, Ash raises one eyebrow.

“What?”