Fight Me(25)
“Well, then maybe you’re hanging out with the wrong kind of people,” I say with a pointed look.
“Maybe,” he says with a small smile on his face. “So what looks good to you?” he asks as he redirects his attention back to the menu.
“Oh, you don’t come to Laverne’s Steakhouse and order anything other than the steak.”
Jake looks up and just stares at me. I start to feel a little self conscious about my appearance. Maybe I have something on my face? “What?” I finally ask when I can’t take it any longer.
“Nothing. It’s just that you haven’t been here in twenty years.”
“True. But twenty years ago, I used to come here with my parents at least once every few weeks and I remember that their steak was the only thing on the menu worth getting. Don’t get me wrong, everything else that I’ve tried was good, but their steak was out of this world. I’ve never forgotten that.”
“It’s still that good. I came here a few weeks back with my family to celebrate Avery and Maddox’s engagement.”
“How did those two get together anyway? There’s a bit of an age difference, isn’t there?”
Chris delivers our beers at that moment. “What can I get you guys?”
“I’d like the signature steak with mushroom and onions, medium. Twice baked potato and steamed vegetables, please.”
“I’ll have the exact same,” Jake adds.
After Chris leaves us with a basket of the delicious cheddar rolls that I’ve been fantasizing about for the past twenty minutes, Jake dives back into his story. “There is definitely an age difference between them. She’s ten years younger than us. They started sneaking around behind my back last fall.”
I about choke on my beer I was just starting to sip. “They were sneaking around?”
“Completely behind my back. I almost killed him. Smashed my fist into his face a few times, too.”
“Wow. Didn’t see that one coming.”
“Yeah, me neither. But I guess when I really look at it, they’re great together. He treats her and her daughter like the princesses they are and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for my sister.”
“That’s great.”
“Yeah, he’s a great guy. He’s adopting Bean as soon as they’re married.”
“When’s the wedding?” I ask in between bites of roll.
“March first.”
“As in this March first?”
“Yep. What does that give us? Three, four weeks?”
“Wow. Quickie wedding.”
“Yeah, but they have good reason. Avery’s ex is a true douchebag and hasn’t ever been a part of Brooklyn’s life. Maddox is filling that daddy role and loves every minute of it. He asked me to be his best man a couple of weeks ago. I can’t wait.”
“That’s wonderful that you both have managed to maintain a close friendship throughout your youth. He was always a nice kid in school.”
“Unlike me, right?” he asks without looking up from his bread roll.
I have no idea how to answer him but know he wants an honest answer. “You always seemed nice to everyone else. But to me, you seemed mean and spiteful.” It’s hard to swallow over the lump in my throat.
“Well, that’s probably somewhat accurate. Though, I wasn’t as mean and spiteful as you think I was. I always liked to tease you and get a rise out of you. You’ve always had this incredibly sexy blush.”
“I was in seventh grade,” I say dryly.
“Okay, so it was cute back then. Now, it’s sexy.”
“So, you picked on me just to embarrass me?”
“Yep. Well, that and because -” Jake is cut off as our waitress arrives with our steaks.
“So you were saying?”
“I enjoyed flirting with you.”
“Don’t try to butter me up, Jake.”
“You know back in grade school when boys liked girls and so they picked on them?”
“Yes.” Jake raises his eyebrow at me. “No way. I was short and boney. I had frizzy red hair and big horrible glasses. There’s no way you actually liked me.”
“You were cute.”
“I was horrible. I don’t believe you.”
“Oh, believe it, darlin’. I did everything I could to get your attention that year. You were adorable and so genuine. Like now.”
“I don’t need you turning on the charm, Jake.”
“You think I’m charming?” he asks with another huge smile.
“You know you are,” I reply dryly as I cut my steak.
When I take a bite, it’s like a rainbow of flavor bursting in my mouth. I moan as I slowly chew, savoring every bite of the tender choice cut of beef. After I’m done chewing, I look up and see Jake’s eyes are wide and fixated on my mouth. It’s hard to swallow the meat in my mouth with him watching me so intently.