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With the unforgiving boy shorts wedged just below my crotch, I freeze in place and choke back a laugh. “Yes?”
“Could you pass me some paper?” the timid voice whispers. “This stall is completely out.”
Instead of earning my sympathy, her panicked voice sends me over the edge. With the fingers of both hands wedged into my waistband, I laugh. “I’m sorry. I . . . my hands are occupied at the moment.”
After a few seconds of silence, she clears her throat again. “I-I’ll wait.”
Once I’ve vacuum sealed myself into what basically amounts to Spanx-on-steroids, I pass what’s left of the TP roll to the lady in the next stall and finish dressing.
Dash is wearing a fresh shirt and a big smile when I step out of the restroom a few minutes later. “Ready to roll?”
“What’s all that?” I ask, catching a whiff of french fries.
In his left hand, he balances a drink carrier with four large cups, while his right hand clutches the extra-large white paper bag resting on his right hip. He rolls his eyes. “Lunch.”
“For what army?”
He laughs. “Just us.”
“How much do you think I can eat?”
He shoves away from the wall with his cool facade of feigned disinterest firmly in place. “Oh, this? This is all for me. I got you a Snickers. It’s melting in my back pocket.”
“Ha ha. Very funny.” A nervous chuckle catches in my throat.
His mask slips, replaced by a genuine smile. “I got you a cheeseburger, no pickles, extra onions, and a side of fries.”
Almost exactly what I’d ordered last night.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Hands full, he prods me with his elbow. “You ready? We’re wasting daylight.”
“Lead the way.” I reach for the drink carrier, and to my surprise, he lets me take it. Damian would’ve flexed his bulging muscles and flat-out refused my help.
Dash just smiles and leads me through the door.
Once we’re outside, curiosity gets the best of me. “Why four drinks?”
He eyes me as if the answer is obvious. “Two coffees and two Cokes.”
“Do we really need coffees and Cokes?”
“Absolutely.”
“Why?”
“Because, duh. Coffee is a necessity of life.”
“And the Cokes?”
“Trust me.” He points his chin toward the sun. “In less than an hour, you’ll be thanking me for that icy-cold beverage.”
I laugh. “If I drink all that, we’re gonna need to make a pit stop.”
“Would it be a road trip if we didn’t?”
My laugh turns into a groan as I consider the real possibility that I’ll have to pee before we get back.
