Page 59 of Vapor

“Want to eat inside or out here?” Vapor asks.

“Here’s fine.” I’d rather not go back inside and face any of the women who are still hopefully asleep in the living room. Jolene was enough. I don’t want to know who else he has slept with in the past.

We sit on the edge of the porch. Bones disappears inside with a plate full of steaming burgers. It’s still odd to me that they eat this for breakfast. Is this normal or did they do it just for me?

“Ready?” Vapor asks, handing a plate to me.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.” I chuckle even though I’m being completely serious.

The burger’s aroma envelops me the moment I set the plate in my lap. It’s a tantalizing mixture of seared meat, melted cheese, and the fresh, crisp scent of lettuce and tomatoes. It’s almost overwhelming, how just the smell alone makes my stomach growl in anticipation. I pick it up, the soft bun yielding slightly under my fingers, toasted just enough to add a subtle crunch while remaining plush and comforting.

I hesitate for a fraction of a second, marveling at the novelty, the ordinary miracle of it. Then, I take my first bite. The flavors explode in my mouth: the juiciness of the beef, rich and slightly smoky, perfectly seasoned, mixing with the creaminess of the cheese. The vegetables provide a cool, crisp contrast—one that’s fresh and slightly tangy, likely from the pickles nestled underneath.

The textures play against each other in a delightful dance. The meat is tender, yet it gives a satisfying chew, the lettuce is crunchy, and the tomatoes are soft, almost bursting with each bite. The bun, slightly buttery and toasted, holds everything together, adding a hint of sweetness and a gentle crunch that resonates softly with each bite.

As I continue eating, the world around me fades into a blur of sensations. The savoriness of the meat, the slight tang of mustard mingling with the subtle sweetness of ketchup, the occasional sharp bite of onion—all these flavors meld into a symphony that captivates all my senses. The burger isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a discovery of tastes and textures I’ve never known in such harmony.

Swallowing, I feel a rush of satisfaction, an almost euphoric blend of delight and surprise at the simple joy of this new experience. The lingering flavors in my mouth leave me eager for the next bite, and with it, the comforting knowledge that this meal—this perfectly ordinary burger—is a first, a memorable plunge into a new, deliciously tangible aspect of life.

I love that I get to share this moment with Vapor. He’s chowing down, inhaling his burger in a way I’ve never witnessed before. In high society, everyone uses forks and knives. God forbid anyone let a single drop of sauce hit their chins. But Vapor’s dripping sauce all over his face, and I desperately want to lick it off.

“What?” he asks between mouthfuls.

“Nothing.” I quickly turn my attention back to my food.

“You were staring at my mouth.” His smirk is hotter than ever. He’s so cocky, but that’s part of why I like him so much. Manners don’t matter to him at all. Not that he’s a total heathen, but he’s nothing like the men my father made me sit next to at dinner.

“This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten,” I declare, licking my fingers. I wasn’t allowed to do that either. But now, I can.

“What else haven’t you had that you want to try?”

“Basically, everything that’s considered junk food. Not that I want to be super unhealthy. It’s just… That kind of food was forbidden my entire life. I felt like I was missing out on so much.”

“Like?” he prompts.

“Cotton candy. Pizza.”

“No shit?” He stops chewing and stares.

“Never had a single slice,” I confirm.

“That’s ridiculous. A piece here or there isn’t going to hurt anyone.”

“Tell that to my dad.” I roll my eyes.

“I guess we’re going to have a lot of firsts together.” He smiles, and I can’t help but wonder if he means sex too. God, I’m such a headcase. I think it’s because I’m deliriously exhausted after everything that happened last night.

“My father would freak out if he knew I just finished a cheeseburger.” I use a napkin to wipe my mouth.“He was obsessed with keeping me at this weight.”

“Why?”

“I’ve always been a product to him. Not a person. Since before I was born, he had a plan. Basically, to sell me to the highest bidder in a way. Not literally. Money wasn’t going to change hands when I married Broussard. But their business alliance would be even stronger because of our marriage. Broussard would essentially be a part of our family, and my father would have a more powerful partner in the financial underworld.”

“Those men do horrific things to our city. They get them hooked on drugs, which kills people. And trafficking.” He shakes his head in disgust.“You should have seen how scared those girls were.”

“But they’re safe now… because of you.” I turn to look at him, and I’m surprised by the expression of grief on his face.“Vapor, what’s wrong?”

“They killed my sister.”

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