Page 92 of The Meeting
Chase looked at her expectantly. Cindy wasn’t one to hold her tongue, so she would drop the bomb at any moment with whatever was on her mind. Kailynn took a sip of her iced tea, and then Cindy tilted her head.
“Caffeine can be dangerous for a fetus, so be careful how much you consume,” Cindy said.
Kailynn spit her iced tea out and sprayed Chase. He stared, stunned, and his mouth dropped open.
“Cindy! She’s not pregnant!” he said.
Kailynn slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Chase.”
Cindy put her hands in the air. “Oh. Well, it’s been the talk of the town since you just got divorced and are already with a new gal. Let me get you some napkins, honey.”
She disappeared and came back shortly after with a stack of napkins before telling them she’d be back to take their orders soon.
Chase dabbed the napkins over his face and shirt. The sticky liquid had instantly leaked through his shirt. He should have warned Kailynn about how everyone in the town was up in everyone else’s business. If he had known everyone thought she was pregnant before they got to town, he would have put a stop to it immediately. Now Kailynn was getting the brunt of it.
“I’m sorry about all of this, babe,” he said, sighing as he leaned back in his seat.
“I’m pretty sure I should be apologizing. I just spit iced tea all over you.”
He laughed. “I deserved it. I should have warned you that this entire town is up in everyone’s business. And apparently I’m not allowed to have a relationship after my divorce.”
He sighed, frustrated. First, his mom asked about kids and now Cindy. If Cindy commented, it meant the entire town knew.
“It’s okay,” she said, softly.
He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “No, it’s not. This isn’t the town welcome I expected. I promise it’ll get better, though. Cindy will spread anything we tell her around town.”
An evil smile crossed her lips. “So, what you’re saying is we could mess with everyone.”
Nowthathe could get on board with.
“I like the way you think,” he said and leaned forward. “Any ideas?”
“Would it be mean to let on that we eloped? I mean, would that crush your mom?”
Chase laughed. “I think she would know that it was just gossip. My parents know I wouldn’t keep that a secret from them.”
Cindy began making her way back toward them, so Chase winked, and let go of Kailynn’s hand to skim his menu.
“So, do you think anyone has figured it out yet?” he whispered loudly.
Kailynn widened her eyes and nodded her head toward Cindy in an exaggerated gesture before shushing him. Cindy walked up with an eyebrow raised, clearly interested in what Chase had said.
“What can I get you two?”
They both gave their orders and then she walked away, a little slower than normal. When she disappeared behind the counter and into the kitchen, they laughed.
“This ought to be fun,” Kailynn said after taking a sip of her iced tea.
Cindy came walking back a few minutes later, so Kailynn leaned close to Chase and whispered loudly.
“Don’t forget to leave your ring off so no one suspects.”
Then she widened her eyes dramatically, as if to act like she had been caught, and pursed her lips when Cindy approached.
“Can I get you kids a refill?” she asked.
Both of their iced teas were still over half full, so they shook their heads.
