But my smile fell away as I noticed the guys had changed seats and my mystery man’s entire focus seemed to be on me.
I’d never been so aware of my entire body before. Was I walking normal? Is that how my hips usually moved? Why did everything feel so awkward?
I forced a smile as I paused next to their table. “Is everything okay? Need anything?”
“I’ve never seen anyone look so fucking sad while smiling.”
The words took my breath away, like he’d socked me in the stomach. “Yeah, well, when your life turns out like mine has, it’s not easy to find something to smile about, but I still try. So, you’re good?” I glanced at his untouched plate and stopped mid-pivot. “Is something wrong with your breakfast?”
“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “Haven’t been able to look away from you to even take a bite.”
“Um…” I didn’t know how to take that. Guys didn’t come onto me. I was a firm resident of the friend zone. I could’ve been mayor of the friend zone. Just ask Hunter. Or Caleb. Or Luke. I was friend to all, girlfriend of none.
“B,” the man across from him rumbled warningly.
My mystery guy just shrugged. “What? It’s true. It’s like an episode of that one diner comedy. She even looks like the brunette. Only, instead of a comedy, it’s a fucking tragedy because a girl like you, who looks like that, shouldn’t be wasting away in this hellhole.”
I saw red. “This ‘hellhole’was my dad’s whole life—his dream. He worked here until he couldn’t stand up because the cancer was eating away his muscles. I don’t give a shit what you think.” I stomped three steps away then turned back around to yell, “AndI wishI had a rack like Max’s!”
I stomped past a shellshocked Bob and Hunter and then shoved my way through the swinging doors to glare in frustration at Gwen. “Gah! Did you hear that?”
She flipped her eggs and didn’t even turn around. “Knew you could hold your own.”
“Why are men so, so…” I groaned as my words evaded me.
“Stupid? Clueless? Aggravatingly handsome?”
“Yes! Wait, no. What? Did you hear what that asshole out there said to me?”
“Uh huh.” She swapped spatulas to flip the hashbrowns. “Sounded to me like someone was getting hit on. About time, too.”
“What? No, I wasn’t. He said…oh.” My face heated. “And I pretty much yelled back that I had small boobs. Oh my god.” I buried my face in my hands.
Gwen chortled. “Yup, that was my favorite part.”
“He called this place a hellhole.”
She tipped her head. “Since it’s the only thing keeping you from going out there and chasing your dreams, he’s not wrong. Or wait, would that make it purgatory? I don’t remember my Dante all that well. It’s been a minute since high school English.”
“What?” I let my hands fall down to my side. “What are you even talking about? How am I ever going to go back out there?”
“Well, you’re going to have to.” Gwen held two plates out to me. “I’ll have their toast done in two shakes.”
“Gwen.” I whined. “Couldn’t you—”
“Nope, not happening, kiddo.” She cut me off and shoved the plates into me until I had to take them. “Now go out there, and face your future. And maybe try to smile—with your eyes, not just your lips. Or unbutton that top button and let the girls breathe.”
Given that my girls were woefully inadequate, I wouldnotbe doing that.
Needless to say, my face was flaming red as I went back into the dining room. I studiously avoided looking in the direction of the back table.
“Two specials.” I slid the plate across the countertop to Hunter and Bob. “And I’ll be right back with your toast.”
“Em, are you okay?” Hunter asked with a frown. “Do you want us to have a friendly little talk with—”
“Oh no. No, there’s no need. It’s fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine. Am I saying fine a lot? I feel like I am. Fine that is.”
My babbling did little to alleviate their concern. They frowned back at me.
