Page 13 of Insatiable

“Hmm,” she responds looking up at me. My face reflects back to me through her lenses, and I quickly make a note to myself to trim my beard later. I’ve kind of let my manscaping go these past few days.

“You know Halloween is right around the corner.”

“Yeah.” She shrugs.

Here goes nothing. Jay you’re a grown ass man. Why are you so afraid? “You should create some costumes for us, and I will find a party for us all to go to. What do you think?” I wait as she turns her head away and keeps walking. I know right now the idea of her making anything is a sore subject with her so I wasn’t sure how she will respond. I don’t want to trigger her. That is not my intention. It was just another group activity that could remind her of the good times we used to have.

“If the others are on board, then sure,” she says after a moment as we reach our destination at the corner of the street. “I don’t know if I will have time to make anything though, but there is nothing wrong with sourcing ready-made ones. I already have a plan.” She mocks and lets out an evil laugh, that turns into a full belly laugh, and I can’t help but laugh with her when she’s opening up like this. Slowly, the woman I knew is coming back to me.

“I have a feeling I am going to regret this, aren’t I?” I ask as I open the door of the restaurant for her.

“I don’t know. If you’re nice, I might make you a little less of a monster than the others.” She winks and walks through the door, and I follow her inside.

“Yikes, I’d better be nice to you then. Whatever you need, I am at your disposal, my lady.” Her smile is everything, and I want nothing more than to give her a reason to grace me with it every day.

The café is busy but points go to Jay for calling ahead this morning. The waitress sits us near the front window, so it’s easy to get distracted by the view of the ocean and palm trees blowing in the gentle breeze. The red and white checkered tablecloth and the soft murmurs of the customers next to us reminded me of simpler times. ‘When was the last time I let myself relax like this?’ Tate offers me an easy smile and picks up her menu as the waitress returns.

“How can I help you two this morning? Coffee or juice?” The waitress smiles at Tate and then at me. I gesture for Tate to go first. I watch her every move. I glance at the waitress, and she smiles at me watching Tate. I shrug. What can I say? I am smitten.

“I want a pancake as big as my face.” She does a happy dance in her chair. “And pan sausage and scrambled eggs, please. I will take coffee on an IV drip if you have it.” She looks at me and covers her mouth as if she’s said something wrong. “Too soon?” She laughs.

“I am assuming you want the largest cup of coffee I can find?” The waitress confirms and Tate nods her head yes. Then the waitress turns to me, but I am enjoying Tate too much to care about food, drinks, or manners when I have my dream woman right in front of me. Finally, the server clears her throat and I finally look up.

“I will have what she’s having, except I will have orange juice, please.” The waitress takes our menus and walks away. After a few moments of watching Tate stare out the window, she drums her fingers on the table playing whatever tune is in her head. I feel the need to speak.

“Tatter-tot.”

“Hmm.”

“You’re happy. There is a playfulness that wasn’t there this morning. As much as I want to take the credit for putting that smile on your face, I know it’s more than that.” Tate places her arm on the table and rests her head on it, lost in thought. I want to ask her about us, but I know that would take the conversation in a different direction, and I don’t want to ruin the vibe we have going on.

“I am sitting here on a Saturday morning with one of my best friends. You know I can’t remember the last time I went out for breakfast? My mornings are usually filled with hot or cold cereal and takeaway coffee. Work and well, James dominated my life. James—” She pauses for a moment, and I reach my hand across the table to give her strength. She surprisingly doesn’t accept it and continues. “James never offered to do these types of things with me. We were like two ships in the night, and ever since I woke up from my coma, I wondered what I saw in him in the first place. I mean, he was hot, but it’s not like we—” She stops, and I can see the blush of red bloom on her cheeks. I am really curious about what she was about to say but I don’t say anything, I want her to finish her thoughts. “I am happy, Jay, because I am here with you. That’s what brings a smile to my face and lightens my mood. You are easy, you know. You don’t ask me for anything or expect anything from me. We can just be when we are together. I can say that for all three of you.” She chews on her lip and looks away from me staring out the window once more, but not before she places her hand in mine and holds it tight. We stay that way for a while and relax as everyone laughs and talks around us. Eventually, our hands pull away from each other as our breakfast arrives and we eat in silence.

I bite into my pancake and groan at how good it is. I’m thoroughly enjoying the morning with my girl next to me. I may be a little extra excited to be here, that she is happy with me, hell, with all of us. I take that as a win. Best Saturday I’ve had in a while, and it’s not over yet.

JAY: She’s with me.

ME: Saturday morning breakfast. Good job, Jay.

Cace: I knew you were up to something. How is she today?

Jay: Perfect. She’s happy.

ME: I am not going to admit I am jealous.

Jay: Because you are

Cace: We could have joined you.

Jay: Didn’t want to overwhelm her. Plus, this is our thing.

ME: Where are you now?

Cace: Nothing too extreme, Jay.

Jay: We are sitting on a bench at the beachfront with Tate leaning her back against me while she reads her kindle.

ME: Yep, I’m jealous.