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Maddie commiserates with a soft smile. “Any word on the Houston job?”
Of course I have no idea what they’re talking about, but I wait for the answer, curious.
“Nope. That ship has sailed, but, oh well.”
I can see that Annalise is striving for indifference, but I have this urge to wrap my arm around her shoulders and give her a hug.
Obviously, I don’t do that.
Maddie isn’t fooled either. She reaches across the table and squeezes Annalise’s hand. “I’m sorry, Lise. It’s going to be alright. I don’t want to spout platitudes…”
Then don’t.
“…but God’s got this. I know He has something better for you.”
Now, here is the first strike I mark against the sugary sweet Maddie. I hate platitudes, for myself or anyone else. But I notice tears in Annalise’s eyes, and more, that she’s nodding and receptive.
“I’m trying to believe that, Maddie. I am.”
Another squeeze. “I know, Lise. I know.”
The waitress reappears and sets two plates on the table. The breaded, fried patties look good, but since I know they contain sea critter meat, they’re a complete turn off. Annalise and the others fill their plates. She, of course, hands hers to me. I scowl. Eyes still glistening with unshed tears, she grins, and I can’t help but be moved. How does she do that? I’ve known her less than twenty-four hours.
Rather than filling a second plate for herself, she folds her arms on the table and focuses all of her attention on yours truly.
“Yes?”
“You know.”
I frown. “If I die because of an undiagnosed shellfish allergy, it’s totally on you.”
“I’ll take the risk.” She encompasses her friends in the sweep of her gaze. “He’s never had seafood before. Well, maybe a frozen fish-stick or something.”
“Seriously, dude?” This from the mostly heretofore quiet groom.
Annalise nods emphatically. “Can you believe it? He’s from New Mexico. I mean, what do they eat there? Desert lizard or something?”
I’m going to get her, making a scene and all.
While I won’t ever speak it aloud, I’m literally having to untie my stomach knot by knot just to take a single taste, drawing on the same source I pull from when I’m backed into a corner on the job. Good thing I have acting chops is all I can say.
How is Annalise not diving into the food like a dying man in the…desert? From what reserve has this energy to harass me come? “I’ll eat when you do.”
“Promise?” She eyes me.
I roll—yes, roll—my eyes. This woman is making me crazy. I take another look at the plate. My gag reflex is at the ready, but there’s no going back now.
She serves herself a crab cake, forks off a piece, and dips it in the sauce. I do the same. “Ready?”
Feeling the attention of our audience, I nod once. I’ve been known to play to a crowd before. That is not what this is. I may hurl right here, no joke. Perhaps I should warn Annalise, but since this is entirely her doing, I figure she deserves whatever consequences—ahem—landon her.
“Three, two…one!” I count, then jam the yuck into my mouth, bracing. She does the same, chewing, eyes fixed on me.
I close my mouth. The sauce hits my taste buds first, and it’s not bad. I pause, steel myself, and bite in.
I’m prepared for the worst, but what spills onto my palette is surprising. Tolerable. Even…good. My teeth work the food slowly, cautiously. The gag reflex relaxes. I chew. I swallow.
I clutch my throat. Suck air. Cross my eyes until the world doubles.
