“Uhm, hmm.” Her lip quipping up on one side.
“Why’re you looking at me like that?” I frown.
“Because you’re trying to convinceyourselfmore than you’re trying to convince me. I caught him checking you out, too, by the way.” She smirks.
“That’s ridiculous.” I shake my head. There is no way that guy was checking me out. “Guys like that have a type, and I am not that type.”
“You have got to be kidding me? You, Shelby Brooks, are everyone'stype.”
I laugh at that. “ And you, Dylan Malone, are too kind. Besides, I am not interested in him, and if I wanted to go out with anyone, there are guys in town who’ve been asking me outwaybefore Ember appeared in town.”
“Like, Leon?” she scoffs. “The guy you turn down every week?” She pops a tomato in her mouth but makes a face. She insisted on ordering the same thing I did even though she hates salad. I only ordered it because I had bacon and eggs for breakfast, and I overdid it.
I shake my head. “I do not turn him down every week.” Dylan looks at me knowingly. Why is it that Desi can’t keep her mouth quiet?
“It’s just weird, that’s all. I have known Leon forever, and I don’t want to make things awkward between us. Like if it doesn’t work out, do I have to drive to another store?”
She laughs so loud some of the other patrons stare at us.
“I’m serious. Anyway, it’s been such a long time since I even thought about dating anyone.”
“Then, don’t think aboutdating. How about just hanging out with a guy, someone who isn’t usold hens.”
“You and the ladies are notold hens. That’ll be the day.” I pick at my salad.
“I hate this. I want a fucking burger.” Dylan calls over a server. “Can I get a cheeseburger with extra fries? And fries on the side for my friend too, ’cause I’m not sharing mine with her.”
“I knew you weren’t gonna eat that.” I arch a brow.
“So, back to Ember.” She leans forward, her elbows on the table, and I already know that I’m not gonna like whatever she’s about to say. “How about we go over to the station after lunch and drop off some lunch for Grady?”
“You are more than welcome to do that, Dyl, but I am not going to play silly games.”
“Who says it’s a game?” She narrows her eyes at me. “Let’s just see if he’s interested.”
“I am not interested! Ember is single and probably seeing someone anyway,” I insist.
“Okay, then just accompany me. You can’t let your pregnant friend roam around town all by herself.”
“My pregnant friend will roam around this town, whether I am with her or not,” I retort.
“But think how much fun it’ll be.” She gives me those puppy dog eyes.
“Fine. But I am not initiating anything. I donotlike the guy.”
Her burger arrives, and she devours it like only Dylan can. I finish my salad.
We pay the check after ordering Grady a toasted chicken sandwich.
I’ve beento the station many times over the years, so I’ve gotten pretty used to being here without feeling that familiar pressure in my chest. It used to be hard to drive past it. Seeing a place I associated with my husband’s death wasn’t a pill I wanted to continually swallow. I would use another route for many years, but time made it a bit easier.
I park next to Dylan, and we climb out, walking to the main entrance. It’s a warm day, and I pull my sunglasses down to keep the sun out of my eyes.
Grady immediately spots us when we stroll into the station. “Well, this is a surprise.” He grins as he plants a kiss full on Dylan’s lips. The kiss seems to go on forever, and I have to look away to stop feeling awkward. It can get that way around these two.
“I’m gonna leave you to it, maybe say hello to the guys.” I move my sunglasses up, backing away. They break their kiss and nod, but I know they’ll be at it again.
I stroll inside the station and know almost all the guys, so they wave and shout a greeting.
