Page 13 of UNAwere

‘Mostly?’

‘I know the way.’

‘Are you using maps, or have you driven this way before?’

‘I studied.’

‘Studied?’

‘Maps. Before I left. I know the way.’

‘You know, you can plug your phone in, and it’ll come up on the screen? Like an actual map? And you can ask it to show you the closest place to eat. There could be a place that’s closer than the diner.’

‘We stop at the diner.’

I sigh. ‘Is it pre-approved, or something?’

‘Something like that.’

I nod. ‘Interesting. Is that, like, your job? To pre-approve things?’

‘It’s a part of collecting intel, yes.’

‘So, like… You did research?’

‘Mhm.’

‘Did Warner have to approve your pre-approvals?’

‘Obviously.’

‘Were there any places where you were like, “Hey, Warner, this place is fine”, but he was like, “Heck no, it’s not, buddy”?’

‘I don’t talk like that.’ He scrunches his nose. ‘And Warner doesn’t call me “buddy”.’

‘Friendo.’

‘No.’

‘Lad…’

‘No.’

‘Pal?’

Those knuckles tighten again, and he leans forward, sucking in a deep breath. But when he does, he grunts and turns his face out to the window, growling out at the wind howling in.

‘Sorry,’ I say quietly, fidgeting. ‘I get annoying when I’m hungry.’

‘No fucking shit,’ he mutters.

‘Two dollars!’

We reach the diner.

I’ve bitten down on my tongue to give Briggs a break from my chatting. As much as it hurts me to, I feel like I owe him some silence for putting up with me. I know I’m annoying. I know I talk too much. I know I’m awkward and fumbling. But I can’t help it. I’m uncomfortable in normal situations, let alone this one. And I’m desperate to cover it up with as much talking as I can.

Briggs tells me to stay inside the car as he does a once-over of the parking lot. I watch him walk around, glancing inside parked cars. When he’s satisfied, he meets my gaze and nods. I get out and walk up to him.