Page 82 of Psycho

“I’m not,” I answered, small petulance in my voice.

He didn’t look like he believed me.

I looked down at the menu, taking in all the food, and my annoyance was pushed aside to make room for my hunger and… something else.

I wasn’t feeling too confident now.

I had never been to a restaurant in my life.

Fast-food joints didn’t count.

I didn’t want to spend money on takeout orders from restaurants, and Dad had never taken me to one.

Not even Garrett for any of our dates.

I wasn’t even sure which one was more laughable, the idea of Dad taking me out to eat at a restaurant or Garrett.

But now, I was feeling a little unsure.

A waiter came to our table.

“Hello, my name is Gary. I will be your waiter this afternoon. What can I get you guys to drink?”

Micah looked at me, and I must have looked the way I felt because he turned to Gary and said, “Two glasses of water for now.”

Gary nodded and left with a small smile.

I stared at the space he had just occupied, avoiding Micah’s eyes.

“Are you okay?”

I took a deep breath. “I’ve just… I’ve never been to a restaurant before.”

“Never?” he asked.

I shook my head.

“Hmm,” he said, moving in closer to me. I should probably try to put in as much space between us as possible.

I didn’t.

“Then I’m glad I get to help you experience this first.”

My breath caught, and my heart raced at his words.

He cocked his head to the side and looked at me.

I shook my head and focused back down on the menu. The words sort of just jumbled in and out of focus.

I could feel his eyes on me the entire time until Gary came back with our water and set it down gently in front of us.

“Are you ready to order?”

Micah turned to me.

I looked helplessly at him. I didn’t think I could decide right now, not when I was feeling so much.

I blinked.

---