Page 49 of Always a Chance
I wasn’t sure what to say to Johnny after what happened between us, but he showed no indication of even remembering the awkwardness as he smiled. “Ready to get this thing finished?”
“Sure.” I looked skeptically at Aidan. “He here to make sure you don’t say anything stupid?”
Aidan nodded as Johnny shook his head.
“I don’t need a keeper. He just tagged along to hang out.”
“Sure I did.” Aidan mouthed the word “no” so only I could see it.
I couldn’t help laughing at the two of them. It was just like high school. Johnny got himself into trouble, and Aidan got him out.
Johnny stood. “Mind if we do this at the diner?”
“Definitely not. I’m starving.”
“You’re always hungry.” He bumped my shoulder as he stopped at my side.
“Not true.”
“Kind of true,” Aidan put in.
I sent him a look that said “traitor.” “Whatever, let’s just go.”
Making sure I had my phone and wallet, I opened the door and ushered them out. “What is it with this place and rain?” Rain drizzled down from a gray sky. Slivers of dull blue peeked out from behind the halos of light around the clouds.
“It’s Florida.” Johnny walked by me to descend the steps. “Just wait an hour, and it’ll change.”
We all piled into his BMW, and by the time we reached the diner, the weather had changed as he predicted. Now, angry storm clouds moved in, and that drizzle from before turned into an all-out rainstorm.
There were only a few cars in the parking lot for the lunch hour, and we ran past them to reach the front door, our chests heaving and clothes soaked. “Who has a BMW but not an umbrella?” I squeezed out my shirt as we stepped inside.
“That actually sounds very much like a Johnny thing.” Aidan shook his hair, water flying around his face.
Johnny scanned the restaurant, his eyes settling on an empty booth in the back. “That one is ours.” He didn’t wait to be seated as he walked toward it and slid onto the vinyl seats. I sat across from him, forcing Aidan to sit at his side.
“Talia, hi.” Callie, the diner’s owner, walked over. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks.” I smiled up at her. I’d always liked Callie Daniels. Johnny threw an arm over the back of the booth and turned his body to her. “We’ll take milkshakes. The usual flavors for me and Aidan.”
“I should have known.” Callie rolled her eyes playfully. “And Talia, what flavor for you?”
I thought for a moment. “Actually, can I get a root beer?”
Everyone stilled, staring at me. Aidan’s eyes went big, and Johnny’s mouth dropped open.
Callie grinned. “Finally, someone who isn’t shake obsessed. Johnny, I’ve always liked Talia. You and Aidan treat her right, you hear me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Well, I assume you also want some balsamic chips and cheeseburgers. Talia, for you?”
“That sounds good, actually,” I said.
“Okay, then.” She put her pad of paper in her apron. “I’ll get it all out to you shortly.”
When she was gone, I tried not to meet either boy’s gaze as they continued to stare.
Aidan cleared his throat, and Johnny spoke. “I’m not sure I even know you at all.”
