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Riley sighed. “Okay, just one. A teeny-tiny one.”
I pushed my plate toward her. She picked up the smallest piece, chewed it a few times, shook her head no, and spit her bite into her napkin.
“That does not taste like chicken!” she said, grabbing her peach mambo.
“I think it does.”
“Then your taste buds are way off.”
“An East Texas country girl who doesn’t like fried alligator. It’s just not right,” I chuckled.
“Whatever!”
“Would you like me to refresh your tea, sir?” our waitress asked.
“Um, sure. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Once she’d refilled my still-almost-full glass, she topped off Riley’s, said our entrees would be out soon, and walked off.
“That’s the fifth time she’s tended your tea,” Riley giggled.
“She did yours, too.”
“But she can barely take her eyes off you. I told you that when these city girls saw you, they’d realize what they’ve been missing. They don’t know what to do with themselves, seeing a real man in a fitted, collared shirt, blue jeans, belt, and cowboy boots.”
“I don’t doubt that the city-slicker men who’ve seen you have experienced the same thing.”
Riley looked behind me and gasped. “Oh, shit! Chad just walked in with his parents.
I turned my head and saw them. Then, I focused back on Riley. “Damn timing, I swear.”
“I know.”
“Do you want me to get our check so we can leave?”
“No. I want to stay right here and finish our meal. Maybe Chad and his parents will be seated on the other side of the restaurant and won’t even see us.”
“Not to upset you, but I hope they do. I especially want Chad to know you and I are back together.”
“I just don’t want things to blow up between you and him again.”
“I’ll be a perfect gentleman as long as he is,” I said.
“I don’t know why he came here. He doesn’t even like Razzoo’s.”
“Really?”
“Yep. He thinks the food is subpar.” Riley glanced in his direction. “Dammit, he and his parents are coming this way.”
“Focus on me, mia bella.”
After the Nolans and their sorry excuse of a son passed by us a few yards over, I watched them as the hostess continued leading them to their table. Once they’d reached it, Chad peered over his shoulder in Riley’s direction and mine. Her back was to him, but I was facing him and holding steady eye contact. Then he looked away and sat down with his parents.
“Chad just saw us, didn’t he?” Riley asked. Red splotches covered her neck and upper chest.
“He did, but I don’t think his parents know we’re here. They haven’t looked this way once.”
