Page 52 of Til Death
“No.”
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.
When the light changed, I continued down the road. The car filled with the song playing over the radio.
Another fifteen minutes passed before we were pulling up to the restaurant. I always enjoyed coming here to eat compared to anywhere else. It was busy, but the scenery was worth it. Seeing the boats and yachts on the water was peaceful. The waterfront was surrounded by condominium units, a few cafes, locally owned restaurants, small shops, and a community center that held a swimming pool, tennis court, and fitness center. Then there was the members-only yacht club . In essence it was like its own mini city within West Pier. While it was welcoming to all around, it wasn’t cheap to actually live in the area.
The restaurant we were at gave a clear view of the waterfront. It was nice out and there were plenty of people on the water today.
“C’mon,” I insisted, cutting the car off and opening the door.
Walking around the car, I opened her door and waited for her to step out. Xylina looked up at me with an uneasy expression. Her eyes averted mine as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
While I waited for her, I pulled my phone out of my sweats pocket and silenced it. I didn’t want anything to disturb us while we were here. Xylina climbed out of the car and the two of us headed across the parking lot.
The hostess stand was outside and we were able to get seated at one of the outdoor tables right away. The place was packed both inside and out. The air and sky around us was clear. Being by the water caused a slight breeze but it was comfortable.
“Hi, my name’s Megan. I’ll be your server today. Can I start you two out with something to drink?”
I nodded at Xylina to go first. “Can I get a sweet tea?” she asked quietly.
“And I’ll take a lemonade. Can you add an order of fried pickles too?” Xylina looked surprised.
“Sure. I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.”
My eyes dropped to the menu, locating the brunch portion. “I didn’t know you liked pickles,” Xylina commented.
“I don’t hate them, but I know you like them.” My eyes never left the menu as I spoke.
We were quiet at first, both lost in our thoughts as we looked the menu over. Every now and then the sounds of a ship’s horn could be heard over the music playing on the speakers around us. Our waitress returned after a few minutes with our drinks and for our food orders.
“Can I do the chicken and waffles?” Xylina answered. “With the strawberry stuffed French toast too.”
“And for you, sir?” The girl grinned widely at me.
“The shrimp and grits and a cinnamon roll.”
She tapped the small handheld and nodded. “Got it. I’ll take your menus out your way.”
Once it was just us two again, Xylina pulled her phone out of her purse and started scrolling while sipping her tea. It was clear she was using her phone to put off the conversation that needed to be had, but I wasn’t letting that fly.
Reaching across the round table, I grabbed the phone, pulling it out her grip.
“Hey!” she shrieked.
“I need your undivided attention right now.” I stared into her intently.
Her bottom lip tucked into her mouth and she narrowed her eyes. After a couple seconds, her shoulders deflated and she sighed.
“Fine.”
Just as I was about to lock the screen, I saw she had been looking at an article pertaining to her dad. I scanned it briefly before lifting my eyes back to her.
“Tell me what that was yesterday.” I locked the phone and laid it face down on the table.
Xylina didn’t reply at first. Instead she shifted in her seat and tapped her nails against her glass.
“I met with my dad yesterday,” she started lowly.
