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Mouthwatering aromas emanated from food trucks and stalls. The trucks were painted a vibrant mix of colors and designs meant to attract customers. As were the neon signs with quirky names, such as Savory Wheels, Nom Nom Truck, and Rolling Grub. Although it was still early—barely seven—people already formed long lines. The tables were filling up with large and small groups of people, digging into their food, laughing, and chatting.
They had set a stage at one end of the park, where a local live band played energetic tunes, infusing the atmosphere with an infectious rhythm. The lead singer’s powerful voice resonated through the night, yet wasn’t too loud to prevent people from enjoying each other’s company.
I found a spot in the designated parking area and killed the engine. What would Scottie think of this location? I hopped off the bike. Dammit, more people were here than I’d expected. It would take forever to get our food.
Scottie handed me his helmet and absentmindedly brushed his hair while he looked around. His face didn’t betray his emotions. What was he thinking? Was he regretting agreeing to this date? Did this place remind him of what I couldn’t give him?
“We can go somewhere else,” I said hesitantly. I felt like an idiot. Instead of going with my gut, I should have asked Doug what he thought. Scottie deserved fancy restaurants where he could dress up and enjoy food that didn’t cost less than twenty dollars.
What the fuck were you thinking, man?
“This is fine,” Scottie said.
I winced. Fine was bad. He might as well have said what a horrible idea this was.
“I didn’t expect so many people would be here at night,” I said. “It’ll take forever to get our food, and it’s chilly to sit outside.”
“What are you talking about?” He tilted his head back and smiled. Not the small quirk of lips that hid his braces either. The purple elastics were showing, so he must be happy with my choice. “It’s perfect. Look at all the fairy lights. So romantic.” His eyes turned wide. “Not that I need romance. That’s not what this is after all.” He chuckled nervously. “B-b-but seriously, Griff, it’s a pleasant change from what I’m used to. If you feel chilly, though, take back your jacket. My sweater’s enough.”
“No, you keep it.” He wasn’t the only one who liked him wearing my clothes. I enjoyed seeing him in my jacket. When he wore my clothes, it made me feel like he was…mine. My scent was all over that jacket, and now it would be on him.
“All right, then, but we better figure out where we’ll eat before the lines get longer.”
“Yeah. Let’s.”
I took Scottie’s arm, and we walked around, checking out the different food trucks.
“What about that one?” Scottie pointed at a vibrant red food truck with a playful design of flames licking its sides. The truck’s name, “Flame Grillers,” was painted in bold, fiery letters, surrounded by mouthwatering illustrations of grilled meats and vegetables.
The long line of people waiting was a testament to the truck’s popularity.
“Isn’t the line too long?” I asked.
“It is, but the food must be pretty good for all those people to be flocking to it. I want to see what the fuss is about.”
I shrugged. “If you’re sure.”
This time, he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the truck. I followed him, making no effort to hide my grin. I liked this side of Scottie. After the way I’d fucked him, I’d thought he would be shy on our first date, but other than his blushing and occasionally stammering, he held his own.
In the line, I stood behind him, one arm around his waist and my hand planted firmly on his stomach. I pulled him back until the back of his head rested against my chest several inches below my chin. Each time someone moved up, we moved forward together in an awkward penguin-style shuffle; I didn’t want to let him go.
“What are you thinking of getting?” I whispered into his ear.
He jumped and smashed his head into my chin. I grunted. He rubbed his head. “I’m sorry. You startled me.”
“Does it hurt badly?” I brushed his hand aside and massaged his scalp.
He moaned. The man standing in front of us turned around and glared at Scottie with a reprimanding look.
“What are you looking at?” I growled.
The man opened his mouth as if he was going to respond but then thought better of it and returned to looking straight ahead. Scottie trembled against me.
“Hey, you’re good,” I whispered in his ear. “You’re with me. You were about to tell me what you wanted.”
By the time we were at the front of the line, we’d settled on our order. I paid for our meals, and it took less than five minutes for us to walk away with trays laden with food. Scottie spotted an empty table, and we made a beeline for it and slid into the seats before anyone else could get to it.
I sighed. “Next time, I’ll take you to a proper restaurant.”
