Page 42 of Hooked
“So the portions are big?” Tayla noticed the take-out containers.
“Depends on what you get. Some people just order extra to take home. I always get tacos, which are small. That way you can try a bunch of her weirder recipes.”
“I am genuinely excited about this.” Tayla took Jeremy’s hand when he reached for it. “I have to come back for lunch and take pictures.”
“Raquel would probably love that. She does all that kind of online stuff.”
They walked in the restaurant, and it didn’t disappoint. The interior was a brilliant play on traditional Mexican art—the Aztec warrior, the Mexican caballero, the folkloric dancer in colorful dress—only all the faces had been replaced by little green men. Funky-colored booths, colorful traditional tiles, and vintage lights rounded out the feel of a really cool and modern twist on a traditional restaurant.
“This is amazing. Who painted those pictures? She could sell posters. And T-shirts.”
“I have no idea. I think her parents probably thought she was insane when she started, but it’s so great, right? And her menu is even better.”
They walked up to the counter and stood behind two other couples, giving Tayla time to look at the menu.
Lots of meat options, but lots of vegan too.
Fried squash tacos withcotijaand red sauce. Avocado, fresh corn, and roasted poblano. Brisket with mushrooms. Along with some traditional. Carne asada, chicken mole, and tacosal pastor.
“What should I get?” Tayla asked.
“Honestly, anything. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Tacos are little. Taco-truck size. It’s my treat, since I was the pushy one. You can get next time.”
“Fair enough.” Tayla ordered four tacos and anagua frescawith watermelon and mint. She and Jeremy grabbed a table in the corner, and she reached for her phone only to come up empty. “Oh shit!”
“What?”
“My phone and wallet! I was so distracted I left them in the bike basket.” She stood and nearly tripped over her feet. “Shit.”
“Relax.” Jeremy slid out of the booth. “Calm down. I’m sure they’re still there. Hold the table and I’ll go look.”
She bit her lip until he walked back into the restaurant, holding her wallet and phone.
“See? No problem.”
“I can’t believe they were still there.”
He gave her a rueful smile. “This is Metlin, Tayla. Not San Francisco.”
“Crime happens everywhere.”
“True.” He slid across from her. “But it happens less in Metlin.”
She didn’t have a comeback because there wasn’t one. Jeremy was probably right; crime was lower in Metlin. So were cultural attractions, plays, concerts, and job opportunities.
Tayla couldn’t fault the tacos though. “These are amazing.” She took a second bite of the avocado, corn, and poblano taco. “I can’t believe I’m eating tacos on a date.”
“Too messy?”
“So messy.” She wiped a smear of salsa from her chin. “You’re hard to say no to, Jeremy Allen.”
“Good.” He smiled a little. “Keep that attitude and we’ll be just fine.”
There is nowe.
She should have said it—it wasn’t good for him to get his hopes up—but she didn’t. She finished her first taco and ignored the little tug of doubt in her heart that threatened her equilibrium. “This is a great place. Thanks for suggesting it.”
“No problem. Cary made me feel guilty about eating frozen pizza. I decided to drag you along.” He was eating vegetarian for the night. “We’re planning a new climb next month, and I’m still feeling a little slow from the winter, so I should definitely be eating better.”
