I reach for the frosty glass, the bubble of soda mixing with the ice cream overflowing the rim, and take a long sip. “Oh my god,” I say with a gasp.
“See?”
“Oh my god,” I repeat myself.
Teeny’s cheeks turn rosy with a gleeful laugh.
“Seriously. Why didn’t you bring me here sooner?”
“I am a lady, Everett. I don’t bring just anyone to my favorite dessert spot. You have to earn your place in this booth with me.”
I take another long, drawn-out sip. “Seriously. This could resolve all war and conflict in the world. Imagine every world leader meeting over a round of Coke floats from Marie’s Diner. They’ll forget what they’re even fighting about.”
She laughs a loud and delighted cackle. The server brings us our waffles, and I turn to face her. “Are you aware these Coke floats could establish world peace?”
The waitress looks at me with a peeved and confused scowl.
“I’m sorry,” Teeny interjects. “It’s his first time.”
One quick smile before she slips away, and I inhale the rest of my drink. “Are the waffles just as good?”
“I personally think they’re the best waffles in the world.”
“How can you know that? Have you tried every single waffle in existence?”
“I don’t need to. I just know.”
I look at her with skepticism while she reaches for a fork and hands it to me. “I’ll let you decide.”
“Ladies first, lady,” I say, putting my hand up in refusal.
Teeny takes the opportunity to jab into the waffle, tearing off a large chunk, and she angles it toward me. “Try it.”
“You’re giving me the first bite?”
She nods.
“I feel so honored.”
She jabs the fork in a stabbing motion. “Just take it before I change my mind.”
I take it in one bite, and Teeny waits patiently while I chew and swallow. “Jeez, Teen. You’ve really been hiding this place this whole time?”
She tears off another chunk, and before it can make it to her, I steal it right off her fork. “Hey!” she protests.
“I have no control over my actions right now,” I say through a mouthful. “Blame it on the Coke float if you want, but all I can say is you better get your share before I eat this whole thing.”
“Absolutely not!” Teeny pulls the plate closer, drawing up a protective shield with her elbow before she takes a large bite. One that’s twice as big as the one she gave me. “Yuf ha enuh!”
She looks like this aggressive little chipmunk with her mouth full and an angry, determined scowl furrowing her brow. And when I break out into an uncontrolled fit of laughter, she does too. Bits of food spray from her mouth. My stomach starts to cramp at the same time my vision blurs from a misty wave of tears.
“Okay,” I surrender. “I’m ordering my own.” I flag the server down. She looks a little wary when she approaches our table, taking in Teeny as she continues to protect her waffle from an untrustworthy dinner companion. “Can I order another one of these?” I ask, gesturing a hand to the half-eaten waffles. “And another Coke float?”
“Sure.”
“You are going to be bouncing off the walls with all that sugar.”
“Well,” I tell Teeny. “I guess it’ll help me power through this study guide.”
