Page 72 of Shy Girls Can't Date Rockstars
The grief keeps me muted, but my heart wants to bounce at his reaction to my photos.
I shoulder my backpack, and he sneaks beside me to return his guitar to its case.
He clips the case closed and suggests, “Why don’t we get some food?”
I flinch. “Why?”
“Well, if you’re up to it, I’d like you to look at my essay.” He lifts the guitar case, and I catch the uncertainty in his expression. “And, no offense, I’d like you to be functional when you help me. Instead of dizzy spells, how about you actually eat some food?”
Actually eat? As in… he notices I don’t?
“Come on,” he urges, nodding to the left. “There’s a good burger joint down the road. You can’t say no to a burger, can you?”
My stomach gives the faintest growl. I guess not feeling faint wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
I nod. “Okay. Let’s go.”
Fourteen
AltoBurgersitsonthe other side of Main Street, right behind the strip mall. Picnic tables scatter across the large deck area, and strung overhead are twinkle lights, still dim against the setting afternoon sun. And the best part is an even better view of the mountains than at the park.
“Grab a table,” Ryder says, setting his guitar case down. “I’ll order.”
“I can…”
He’s already walking toward the counter. “I got it.”
I take his guitar case and find a table at the far edge of the deck, away from other diners. The worn wood is smooth from age, and there are initials carved into the surface. I trace one with my finger while I wait.
Ryder returns a few minutes later with a number placard and two bottles of water. He dumps his backpack on the ground and slides a bottle across to me.
“It’ll be about ten minutes.”
“What did you order?”
“Two cheese burgers and fries. I figured you wouldn’t eat a burger with the lot, and I don’t want side-eye from Mrs. Gallagher if I’m too full for dinner.”
I lean in. “What’s the deal with her? When you and Miranda were out late at meetings, Mrs. Gallagher wasn’t at the house.”
“She only comes to the house to make dinner,” Ryder says with a casual shrug. “And I think your aunt is saving her pennies by not having Mrs. Gallagher work on nights Miranda isn’t around. Doesn’t bother me. I’m home less than Miranda.”
I lift my palms up. “But I’m home.”
“Didn’t the driver offer to take you somewhere for food before you got home?”
“Yeah, but I figured Miranda would’ve organized something for me.”
“She probably just forgot to plan ahead for you. You’re a new addition, after all.”
I purse my lips, thinking over the implications. “Hmm.”
“Have you checked out the fridge?” Ryder asks, keeping his tone light. “Miranda keeps it pretty well stocked.”
I nod, remembering the array of fresh produce. “Yeah, I’ve seen.”
Ryder gestures at the water bottle in front of me. “Take a sip.”
I look at the bottle and then back up at him, confused.
