Page 14 of His North Star
“Let’s go get a table.” Lys pulled on Ty.
James opened the door, motioning for me to walk in first. It took a bit longer than usual to get inside. My head and back weren’t too happy when I attempted to stand up straight. I gritted my teeth against the pain. Once I had food in me, I’d be fine.
The scent of smoked meat filled the air, making my mouth water. We were ushered to a booth right away. The men sat on one side, with Lys and I on the other. We placed our drink orders before casually chatting over the menu. I usually ordered the fish tacos, but the savory barbeque aroma called out to me.
“What are you all planning to get?” James asked while studying his menu.
“I’m getting the tuna salad,” Lys said.
Of course she was. I hid my fake gag behind my menu. When had she ever ordered differently?
“The pork and bacon burger,” Ty replied. “But everyone save room for dessert.”
“What about you?” James asked me.
“Pork sliders.” I debated the merits of a normal size, but the smaller portion would be Blake-approved. And while his opinion shouldn’t matter anymore—or ever—his constant reminders about my size and caloric intake while we dated became so ingrained, I had a hard time not focusing on it. “That way I keep my portions in check.” My cheeks burned. I hadn’t meant to say that last part out loud.
James tucked his chin, confusion taking over his features. “You’re beautiful. Why are you worried about that? Get what you want.”
Ty chimed in, also confused. “It’s not like you to be concerned about that, Mare. What’s going on?”
I fiddled with the menu, buying myself time to respond. How did I tell them my ex was awful without word vomiting every abusive thing Blake told me? “Really, I’m not that hungry, so the sliders seemed a better option,” I lied.
Ty sent me a disbelieving look that said we’d talk later.
“If I get fish tacos, do you want to trade one for one?” James offered. “The pork looks good, but I’m going to need a bigger portion. Are you okay with ordering the full-size?”
He wasaskingme? Blake never asked my opinion, just gave his. And James wanted to share after knowing me all of five seconds? Definitely retracting myfriendsstatement. My shattered heart could deal with it. Well, maybe not. What if James turned out like Blake? Sweet at the start and a monster at the end? Besides, look at James and then at me. He easily could be a model. I belonged hidden away in the bed-and-breakfast’s kitchen.
I wasn’t good enough for him.
“I’ll agree on one condition,” I replied in a flirtatious tone. Ugh. My brain was going to take a minute to catch up to my heart.
“Name your terms,” James responded with a smile.
“We do the same with dessert.”
“You’ve got a deal.” James winked.
Lys bumped my elbow and flashed me a small smile. I kept my focus on James, ignoring her.
After we ordered, Ty asked James about a few buddies from their rugby team. I sipped my water, hoping it would somehow ease the throbbing in my head, as they updated one another on their friends. Ty asked about James’s work, and I leaned forward to catch every word, trying to ignore my sore body.
“Overall, you like the clinic you work at, then?” I asked James, fiddling with my straw wrapper.
“So far.” He nodded. “It’s crazy busy though. At least my parents are happy I’m back in Montana, even if we’re still over two hours away from each other. They didn’t like it when I went to grad school at Colorado State.”
I knew the feeling. “My parents couldn’t wait for me to get home from college either. Although I’m not sure if it’s because they missed me or the extra hands I provide.”
“Don’t be so modest,” Ty jumped in. “You know your parents want you around for you. Everyone does.”
“Everyone, huh?” I raised my brow in a challenge. Did he forget about his cousin who left me three months ago? And not only left, but burned me to ashes as he went?
He haughtily replied, “Anyone who’s anyone does.”
I smiled and gently shook my head. Leave it to my best friend to lift my spirits.
“What’s your degree in?” James asked.
