Page 109 of I Wanna Text You Up

“When you bringing that pretty friend of yours back here? I missher.”

“And I told you last time, you old snake, she’s takennow.”

“Watch it, kid. I’m notthatold.” He nods toward Caleb. “Who’s the pretty boy? Your nextvictim?”

“She kidnapped me, sir. I was wandering the beach, just trying to find my way home, and she stole me away, demanding I buy herbreakfast.”

Rosco grins. “Yeah, that sounds likeher.”

“Rosco, this my new boyfriend Caleb. Be nice tohim.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The guys shake hands. “Nice to meet you, and I’m really sorry you’re caught up with the likes ofher.”

“Thanks. I appreciatethat.”

“Asses,” I mutter. “Can we get a table for two,please?”

“Like you have to ask,” Rosco says. “Go grab your table. I’ll be over in aminute.”

I lead Caleb over to my favorite spot, a booth in the back that faces theocean.

“I take it you’ve been here a few times?” he asks as we slide into the benchseats.

“Every time I visit, multiple times. It’s my second favorite placehere.”

“The first being the beach,right?”

“Bingobango.”

“Is that how you metRosco?”

“Nah.” I grab the sugar holder and pull out three packets before pushing it back to its spot. “I met him on the beach. He was out there selling these horrid t-shirts that said,I got crabs in Outer Banks. On the back,From your mom. I had to buy the guy a slice of pie afterthat.”

“Oh shit.” Caleb chokes back a laugh. “I don’t know if that’s ballsy or just reallystupid.”

“A little of both, I think. Anyway, next time I came in, he was working here. I’ve stopped by to see him every timesince.”

“That’s kind of awesome. And he’s inschool?”

“Yep. Just finishing up his bachelor’s degree. He’s a really great guy, but don’t tell him I saidthat.”

“Too late. He heard ya.” Rosco slides up to the end of the table. “What’ll you two have? Your usual,Zoe?”

“Please? Get that for Caleb too. I know he’ll likeit.”

“You got it.” He taps the table twice. “I’ll be back with yourcoffees.”

“What’d you order me?” Caleb asks when Roscoleaves.

“You’llsee.”

“It better not be anythingweird.”

“I never eat anythingweird.”

“Not true,” he argues. “I once rinsed out a bowl that had three different kinds of cerealandorange juice init.”

“Hey, don’t knock it till you tryit.”

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