“I like food, and food likes me.” As much as I wish it didn’t sometimes. “I’ve never been one to base what I eat on who I’m around.”
“That’s a good thing.” He shifts the plate of ribs to the side just in time for Vickie to set down our side orders and the extra plates. “Thank you, Vickie.”
“If you need anything else, just holler.” She gives a quick smile before walking to another table.
“This food is delicious,” I mumble around a bite of potato salad. It’s a good thing I’m not trying to date this guy because my manners have gone out the window.
“It’s one of my favorite places to eat when I have a little extra cash.”
My heart breaks. This is the type of place my parents and I would eat at, at least once a week. Curiosity is getting the best of me. I need to know what happened that this is a luxury for him. Now isn’t the time ask, though. I’ll save that for when I know him better.
* * *
“Do you need to go home right now?” Randall is walking me to my car. Only the two street lights in the parking lot illuminate the area. You would think a place as popular as this seems to be, there would be more lighting to ensure customers make it to their cars safely.
The wind blows bringing a chill that burrows deep. Spring is not ready to make room for Summer. I’ll miss the cool days, but I’m ready for days spent at the lake and hanging out with my cousin. “Nope. I don’t need to go home just yet.”
“When do you start your new job?”
Shrugging, I wrap my arms around myself to stave off the cold air. “I’m not sure. I have to go by tomorrow to fill out some more paperwork. I’m sure they’ll let me know then.” I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. “Why? What’s up?”
He shoves his hands in his pockets and lifts his shoulders until they are almost touching his ears. He’s unsure, and I can’t help finding it absolutely adorable. A guy being nervous around me is something new. The Jackhole was never anything but sure of himself. Comparing the two isn’t smart, especially when I intend to be friends with Randall. I know this. Someone needs to inform the warm fuzzies that have taken up residence inside me every time he shoots a small smile.
“There’s a park up the road. Any chance you would want to go?”
“In the dark?” I ask, shocked. Just because I’ve sort of known this guy since we were kids doesn’t mean that I want to go traipsing around in dark areas with him. It’s been years since I’ve been around him for any significant amount of time. He could be a sociopath for all I know. At the same time… Tonya would’ve said something if she though Randall posed any kind of a threat.
He laughs. “Yeah. It’s actually more well-lit than this parking lot.”
“Okay,” I drawl. “Is there any chance you have a jacket, or something, I can wear?” Waving my hands around, I emphasize my lack of anything warm. “I didn’t exactly come prepared for an evening stroll in the park.”
“Um, yeah. Hold on.” Randall jogs to his car, quickly unlocking and opening the door before grabbing something out of his backseat. He lifts it to his nose, and turns toward me. Apparently, it passed the smell test. That’s always a good sign.
My strides become longer as I try to make up the distance between us. There’s no use in him walking all the way back here if we’re going in the opposite direction. He shoves the wad of material toward me. “Here you go.”
“Thanks,” I say, shaking out it out until it loses its crumpled form. It’s a hoodie instead of a jacket. The inside is plush, and I want to bury my face in it as I pull it over my head. I inhale deeply while adjusting the hood. It doesn’t stink at all. Woodsy scents hit me in all the best ways. This smell is what I imagine that big guy in those paper towel commercials smelling like. I wonder what Randall would look like with a flannel shirt and beard.
“Amelia?” Randall’s eyebrows arch. “Are you okay?”
Damn. He caught me drifting off into my head. Shaking my head, I turn toward him. “Yeah. I’m good. Are you ready?” The words rush out of my mouth.
“Yep. It’s just up the block and around the corner.” His shoulder bumps into mine. “Are you warm enough?”
“Uh-huh.” For once I’m happy it’s dark and he can’t see how badly I’m blushing. You cannot fall for this guy, Amelia. You’re going to get your shit together and go back home as soon as you can. What if I find a reason to stay here? Nope. That thought needs to stop right there. As much as I love being around my family, I miss home.
Neither of us speak as we walk side by side to the park. Both of us in our heads and happy to exist in this moment. Knowing that we can let go of our fake happiness we flaunt in front of our friends. I could tell by his posture at the store the other day that he doesn’t let his guard down too often. Tonight, though… Tonight it is as if he doesn’t have a care in the world. That freedom looks good on him, and I envy his ability to completely let go. Even around someone new.
The swings sway gently in the breeze, and the clinking of the chains that hold them up gives the night an odd soundtrack. Not creepy or anything, but like the ticking hands of a clock. I assume he’s going to lead me to them, and I’m shocked when he doesn’t. The old rusty merry go round is his destination.
The metal creaks as he sits down in one of the sections, and pats the one next to him. Eyeing the old playground equipment, I gingerly take a seat and pull my legs up to my chest. The merry go round is cold, even though it was warm today, and I wish I would have worn jeans instead of leggings. It would have provided at least a little more cushion to protect my ass from the chill seeping in.
Randall keeps his feet planted on the ground and leans back until he’s lying down. The massive circle starts moving and I almost bump into the bars that section it up like a pie. The squealing is irritating, but it doesn’t faze him in the least. Keeping my knees bent, I follow his lead and lie down. The sky is clear and the stars are sparkling. I can’t remember the last time I took a moment out of my life to just stare into the sky and let my mind wander.
“What do you want from life?” Randall’s deep voice breaks into the silence.
Wow, he’s over here pondering the mysteries of life, and I’m worried about my ass getting frostbite. “Um, I don’t know,” I reply. “Lately, I’m trying to live day by day.” I turn toward him. “What do you want?”
A long sigh escapes his lips. He doesn’t look in my direction. “To be able to support myself and not clean up after everyone else.” Now, he faces me, and I can see years of pain etched into his expression. “To be wanted.”