“Fine.”
A beat passes between us.
“And I don’t want caviar. I want a burger and fries. A shake, too, if they have it.” I’m shocked at this revelation. It must show on my face because Avery lets out a little laugh. “What did you think I was, a vegan or something?”
“Or something,” I admit.
“You know, your perception of me isn’t reality. It’s just a story you’ve assigned for me. It’s not real.” I’m ingesting her words when she turns her attention back out the window. I intermittently glance over, studying the curve of her face, the tiny family of freckles along her jawline.
I want to say something to cut the tension, but I’m at a loss. Because she’s right. I’ve completely put a label on her without knowing a thing about her.
“I won’t call you that anymore.”
“Thank you.” Her gaze remains locked outside of the car.
“I could use a burger too.” I turn off the next exit and pull into the only restaurant on the strip. Bonnie’s Burger Shack and Gas to Go will be the place. Avery’s eyes widen when she sees where we’re eating. Before she speaks, I interrupt her.
“Don’t give me any shit. I’m sure this isn’t what you’re used to, but it’s what’s here.”
Her head snaps toward me. “You did it again.”
“Did what?”
“Assume that I have a problem with this place.” She reaches for her purse. “I don’t. I’m excited to see what delicacies they have to offer.” She reaches for her door but remembers she can’t get out without me unlocking the door first. “Do you mind?”
I honestly can’t tell if she’s being serious. This woman is such a conundrum. Her feisty nature goes far beyond anyone I’ve ever met. I hate to admit how much it turns me on. Her putting up a fight at every turn riles me up in a way I’ve never experienced.
I click the button, and the car unlocks. Quickly, I exit the SUV and make my way over to Avery in case she’s fucking with me and decides to make a run for it. Surprisingly, she keeps a steady pace and enters Bonnie’s before I can catch up.
We find a shiny, red booth in the corner and grab menus. I can barely concentrate because I’m so enamored with Avery. She sucks her bottom lip between her teeth, eyes darting up and down the menu items.
“Burger and fries.” She closes the laminated menu and slides it to the edge of the table. “Plus a cherry shake.”
“Cherry?”
“Yeah. It’s the best kind.”
“It most certainly is not.” I scrunch my nose. “Strawberry all the way.”
“You’re wrong, bud.”
I don’t get to continue the debate. The waitress heads over and takes our order. Avery orders as expected. “And for you, sir?” The older woman with the deep lines croaks.
“Burger, fries…and a strawberry shake.”
Avery rolls her eyes. “Of course.” The waitress takes our menus and leaves without another word.
The muzak plays overhead, an Eagles song my dad used to play on the guitar when we used to go camping. I tap my thumb to the beat.
“How’d you get your limp?”
Tires screech in my brain. “Excuse me?”
“How did you get your limp?” She enunciates her words.
“I heard you the first time.” I just can’t believe she has the nerve to straight up ask me. Most people do all they can to ignore it. It certainly isn’t a topic of conversation I like to address right off the bat. Hell, I didn’t even think it was that noticeable anymore. Talk about a tiny self-esteem hit. “I got it when I was serving.”
“How long have you been out?”
