Page 11 of Learning to Love

"Well, to name a few things, you're shy, sweet, somewhat feisty, and you don't throw yourself at me. It's kinda refreshing." He shrugs, looking back at his menu.

I smile to myself. His statement makes me a little giddy. One of the most popular guys on campus thinks I'm refreshing. "Well, I would say thank you, but as you think I'm so awesome, I'll just say you're welcome."

He laughs a real laugh. "Don't get a big head Georgia. I said refreshing, not awesome."

"Oh, but I heard awesome."

He sends a smirk my way. Am I flirting?! I think I am. Judging by his reaction, I'm good at it. My granny would be so proud right now. She told me when I blossomed, I would be just like her. Maybe I am. Dear Lord, I’m an old soul. Who still says blossoming in 2023?

"Stay with me tonight? Then we can have a long conversation about how you're awesome."

"Do you have a guest bedroom?"

He laughs. "Nope."

"Guess I can't stay then."

"Somehow, I knew you were going to say that."

"No offense, but how do I know you're not a serial killer."

He rolls his eyes. "I'm not a serial killer."

I giggle. "That's exactly what a serial killer would say."

"Can't argue with that."

I can't help but look smug. Our waitress comes and takes our drink and food orders. She's not overly flirty. I like her. We order the same thing. Except I get two pancakes with a side of bacon, and he gets five of them with a side of bacon. And we both order sweet teas.

"I'm a pancake connoisseur, and this place has the best pancakes in town. We've tried all the places. Nothing else compares."

"I've only tried this place, but I can't imagine a better pancake. Only my granny Betsy Jean can cook better."

He smiles. "She sounds cute. Who was that guy you were with when I first saw you?"

"She's absolutely adorable. That was my cousin, Toby. We both graduated this year, but he's taking a year off. He's coming back for a visit in a couple of weeks. I think you'd like him. Most people do. He's hilarious."

"I wondered if he was "Bubba," then I recalled you calling him out for talking about the V. I figured if you guys were dating, he wouldn't be bragging about that."

I turn a crimson red, and all I can do is giggle. I remember that well. "Yeah, even though I'm on the shyer side, I can be loud sometimes. Especially with Toby, he grates on my last nerve, but he is without a shadow of a doubt my best friend."

"I have a cousin like that back home, too."

"I'm not going to lie. I Googled each of you because I had no idea who you were. Where are you from, though? I can't remember."

He looks amused. "I’m a little wounded that you didn't know who I was. I have to admit, I looked you up on social media. I guess we're both stalkers. To answer your question, I'm from all over. We never stayed in one place for very long as my father was in the Navy. We settled in San Diego my Freshman year, and that’s where we ended up staying."

"A military brat, huh?"

"Born and raised. My Dad's a hard ass, but he means well. What about your parents?"

I get a heavy weight in my chest. Here it goes, he’ll hear about my dad and feel sorry for me. I hate pity more than anything. “I come from a single-parent family. It’s only ever been my mom and me, and after my granddaddy passed away, my granny moved in with us to help raise me. My sperm donor has a new family in Vegas. I found that out during a Google search last year.”

"I'm sorry, that sucks."

"Thanks, but I'm not. I'm happy and loved. I might not have been the person I am today if he had helped raise me."

He smiles. "Okay. I'll admit it without you even having to stay with me, I think you're awesome!"