Page 33 of Property of Mongrel

“Yeah, the guts.”

“That’s what I usually get, but we’ll need a double order because I love them. The Texas ones, okay? They’ve got beef, chicken, and shrimp.”

“That sounds fine,” she replies. Turning to look at our waitress, she asks, “Does sour cream and guacamole come on the side?”

“Yes, it does, as well as a plate with the pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for you to build your masterpiece,” the waitress says.

“Then, let’s get a double order of the Texas fajitas and double the sides as well, please,” I tell the server.

“I’m going to be fuller than a blood-filled tick,” she states, giggling.

“Just eat what you can, if there are any leftovers, you can take them home, so you’ve got lunch tomorrow,” I reply.

“Unless you want to take them,” she suggests.

“We’re actually having a club-wide cookout tomorrow. Would you like to come? I just found out about it today,” I ask. “So, the leftovers would keep for you to take for Monday’s lunch.”

“Two dates in two days?” she queries.

“Unless you’ve got other plans. If you want, you can consider it a bonus date,” I reply.

“I mean, I have some housework to do, but as long as it’s not at ten in the morning, I should be okay.” I know she sees the shock on my face. I didn’t explore every inch of her place, but it was pristine. She must see my expression, because she adds, “It’s a quirk of mine, Mongrel. I promise at some point I’ll explain, but I’m not ready to do it just yet.”

“At your pace, babe. I’ve got stuff I’m not ready to share as well,” I tell her.

Her hand reaches over the table and clasps mine. “Thank you for understanding,” she murmurs.

“Any time, Addy.”

“We almost managed to do it,” she crows as I help her into the truck. “Kinda surprises me, too, because we demolished a large bucket of popcorn and a bag of M&Ms!”

I’m laughing as I get into the driver’s side and place the small to-go bag in the middle. “We’re both growing,” I say, snickering.

“If I keep growing, I’m gonna need a whole new wardrobe,” she snarks, patting her stomach.

“You’ll still be beautiful,” I reply.

“Most men don’t want that,” she retorts.

“I’m not most men, Addy. If my dad taught me anything, it’s that our bodies change as we get older. My mom had five kids, two solo births and then a set of triplets. She was a lot rounder than she was when they met, yet my dad didn’t give that first fuck. So, this is me telling you that I don’t either. What matters to me is honesty, trust, and integrity. The rest is just window dressing.”

“You’re a unicorn,” she whispers. “Not to beat a dead horse or anything like that, but goodness, I am not used to that at all.”

“Well, get used to it, sweetheart,” I reply.

“I’ll try,” she says.

Taking a chance, I reach my right hand over the console and lightly take her hand in mine before lacing our fingers together. I know I helped her into the vehicle, but outside of when she touched me at the restaurant, this is the first time I’ve initiated it. I lightly squeeze and state, “It’s gonna be okay, Addy. Like I told you before, I’m very interested in you and want to build a life together. I’m a patient man, so however long it takes to get to that, I’ll wait.”

“But why me? We hardly know each other, Mongrel. I’ve got… I’ve got some major hang-ups.”

“Don’t we all? Here’s the thing, I was spiraling after the accident, but when I started physical therapy, I found you and you’ve been my anchor in the midst of my storm. Let me be the same for you. Don’t shut this down before you even give us a chance,” I plead.

“You give me a lot of credit,” she replies. “I’m not all that and a bowl of chips.”

“Well, it won’t stop me from thinking about you covered in queso as I lick it all off.”

Despite the dim interior, I can see her cheeks flush, but when she squirms in her seat, I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from saying anything. Above all, I want to show her the respect she’s entitled to. Making a crude comment in response to her reaction would be wrong. Still, I foresee a cold shower when I get back to the clubhouse.