Page 40 of Tides and Tidings

“What are you thinkin’ you want for dinner?”

I tapped my chin while thinking about it. I’ve been hankering for something for the last few days, but we’re trying to be responsible and save money by eating at home. “You know what sounds good?”

Charlie’s eyebrows raised in surprise, “What’s that?”

I’m typically indecisive. His asking me what I wanted to eat—at any point in the day—was an uphill battle. No sooner the question comes out of his mouth, I spiral. Options race through my head and I can never decide.

“You actually know what you want?” The shock was evident in his voice.

I drooled as this fine-ass man slipped out of his suit in front of me. His body never saw a piece of lettuce, but he somehow kept in shape by swimming in the water behind his house. Our house? That part was still a bit murky. Charlie paid the mortgage and I was just a freeloader. I’ve offered to pay half monthly since moving in, but he insisted I don’t.

“Are you going to tell me what you want to eat, or will you just keep drooling?”

My eyes slowly moved up his chiseled body to meet his. “Hm?”

A smirk danced on his lips, “I think that answers my question.”

“Run that by me once more, please.” I batted my eyelashes.

A look of amusement spread across his face, “What would you like to eat?”

“A burger.” I held my hands before continuing, “But not just any burger. I want one that drips down my hand because there’s so many condiments and toppings.”

My mouth salivated at the thought.

Charlie changed while I made my suggestion.

“That sounds good. Let’s see what we can find.” He pulled out his phone, “Greasy food is what you need before a night out.”

“I thought greasy foods were better for a hangover?”

“Speaking from experience,” he shrugged, “It’s both.”

Blythe

Charlie’s hand weaved through mine as we were escorted to a table towards the back of the diner. This place gave off the fifties– the tiles on the floor were black and white, the booths were ripped red pleather, and the lighting was horrible—but it offered a comfortable vibe.

“Have a seat, and your waitress will be right over.” The woman with the wiry gray hair motioned to the table. Two menus were plopped down on the table in front of us.

I offered up a small smile, “Thank you.”

“I don’t know if you’ll need this or not.” Charlie handed over my menu.

I opened up the menu, which was so obscenely large it had page numbers…

I scanned the page with the burgers, and my eyes locked on the San Diego. Two thinner patties with cheese, guacamole, lettuce, onion, and all the condiments. Charlie is a burger purist—cheese and ketchup only.

“What are you getting?” My eyes trailed from the closed menu on the table to the handsome man sitting in front of me.

“This menu is massive.” Charlie flipped through the twenty-page menu. “Probably a boring burger and fries.” His eyes locked on mine, “Can I guess what you’re gonna get?”

My brows raised in surprise, and I pointed to the menu. “You think you know what I’m going to order in this thing?”

A bushy eyebrow raised in response, “I have two guesses.”

“Go for it,” I challenged.

“My first guess—and one I feel the most confident in—the San Diego.”