Page 86 of Life After You

“Hey, lover boy.” Chace nudges my arm, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You with us, or are you too busy mentally carving Mac’s name into your soul?”

I smirk right back. “Not just carving—she’s etched there permanently.”

Chace snorts. “Sounds like a painful inking session.” His expression shifts as he glances around the diner, nose wrinkling. “Man, what is it with diners since we left Portland? They all smell so… I dunno, stale. Greasy. Kinda stinky. I think I finally get cottagecore.”

I blink. “Cottagecore?”

“Yeah, it’s a whole aesthetic—soft, warm, cozy. Patty’s always had that fresh-baked bread kind of warmth. This?” He gesturesaround. “This smells like burnt grease, sweat, and heart-stopping fried meat.”

Sam huffs a laugh. “Welcome to the real world, princess.”

Chace ignores him, nodding toward Trey, who’s eyeing the menu like it’s a personal challenge. “Alright, five bucks says he’s sick before he finishes.”

“I’m in,” I say.

Sam studies Trey for a beat. “I’ve seen him eat some weird shit, so I’m saying three-quarters.”

Chace elbows Sam. “C’mon, what’s it gonna be? Two bites or the whole damn thing?”

Sam shrugs. “Fuck it. Finish it, Baker, or I’m spoon-feeding you.”

Trey pulls a face. “That’s cheating. Outside interference.”

Chace strokes his chin, pretending to consider. “Okay, fine. I’ll pay up… but I’m still making him eat the rest anyway.”

After a pause, he grins. “Acceptable. No matter what, he clears the plate.”

Trey cracks his knuckles. “You guys seriously underestimate me. Don’t sweat it, Sam—I’ve been watching YouTube videos. If I dip it in my drink, it slides down easier.”

My stomach turns at the thought. This is about to be a show.

Before I can respond, two waitresses approach our table, notepads in hand. One is blonde with a high ponytail, the other a brunette with dimples deep enough to get lost in. They exchange amused glances before the blonde speaks.

“Well, if it isn’t Burnt Ashes.” Her voice is laced with playful intrigue. “Guess we should’ve expected you rock stars to roll in looking like you just crawled out of bed.”

Trey, ever the shameless flirt, leans forward with an easy grin. “Good morning, ladies. You’re just in time to witness history. I’m taking on the Gut Buster.”

The brunette raises a brow. “Oh, sweetie. That’s adorable. But I hope you didn’t have any big plans today, ‘cause that thing takes most guys out for at least eight hours.”

“Most guys.” Trey winks. “But I’m not most guys.”

“Uh-huh.” She deadpans. “I’ll get the paramedics on speed dial.”

Sam shakes his head, smirking. “I’ll just take the breakfast platter. Extra bacon.”

Chace grins. “Coffee. Black. And pancakes.”

I barely glance at the menu, still buzzing with thoughts of Mac. “Same as Chace. And extra syrup.”

The blonde scribbles down our orders, then glances up at me, eyes twinkling. “You sure you don’t want anything else? Maybe something sweet, since you look like you’ve already had enough caffeine for the day.”

I smirk, shaking my head. “I’m good.”

Trey flutters his lashes. “I’ll have an extra glass of water, please. It’s all part of my… technique.”

I snort. “Yeah, dunking your food in water is really awe-inspiring, man.”

“You mock me now, but just wait.” Trey grins. “I am about to make history.”

---