“It will kill the appetite.”
Myrtle looked around.“I think Denith can take the hit to his ego.”
“Fine.Guys, cover your ears.You, too, Meritha.”
She waited then explained that, in an effort to break her as soon as she moved in, she was only allowed to eat the garbage left over by the pack, out of the trash.Sometimes they held it in the fridge for weeks before they gave it to her.She ate mold, filth, and slime to stay alive.Now, she would eat anything that was hot, fresh, and prepared for her, except broccoli.
Myrtle blinked, and even Teyval looked ill.Emhara gestured to the guys and Meritha to uncover their ears.Myrtle whispered, “How long did that go on?”
“Three years.I did favours for businesses when I went out on errands, and they gave me food in return.Then, back home for what was left.”
“Well, I feel like an asshole.”
Emhara shrugged.“We have had different lives.No shame in that.I am tall enough to reach most of the stuff on the top shelf, and that is good enough for me.”
Myrtle nodded and stiffened when Denith came to her for a kiss.She said, “I will try whatever you want to prepare today.Don’t get used to it, but I will try it.”
Denith paused, nodded, and was smiling as he left.
Emhara smiled.“He didn’t get Teyval’s order.”
They both said as one, “He knows.”
Emhara grinned as the server removed her plate and slid the entrée in front of her.“Ooh.Pretty.”
Whatever she had ordered was jewel-coloured, had small diamonds of braised meat, and was served on segments of potato that had a puffed pastry.The meal was drizzled with a gravy or sauce.She didn’t care.
She waited until her party had their entrées, and then she attacked.
Myrtle was sitting and tilting her head as she ate, and she nodded.
Emhara smiled.“Oh, right.ARFID.”She kept her focus on her own plate.
“Yes.Um, you know someone with it?”
“Sure.Looking at you is the worst thing to do, so I am just going to keep myself to myself.So, Duran, how many times have you been here?”
“Three since he opened.We believe in supporting our community.”
“Nice.What was your favourite thing?”
“Dessert.”Duran chuckled.
“He outsources those.They don’t count.What is your favourite thing here?”
Duran thought about it.“The steak.I liked the steak.”
She smiled.“Echel?”
“Four times, mainly for lunches.I find it refreshing when I am working on a project.So, cold soup for me.”
“Wow, aren’t you the dark horse?”
Samsor grinned.“The hamburger steak.I have had it here twice.”
“Huh.Surprising.”
He winked.“I am full of surprises.”
