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“Welcome to Benny’s.” Ollie grins as he waves Susan inside. “Really, this is the only restaurant where anything is remotely eatable. Don’t let Mr. Jonas hear that, though. He thinks he makes the best coffee in the world.”
As we place our orders, the friendly waitress exchanges pleasantries and takes note of our choices. As she walks away, I notice curious glances from the other patrons nearby. It’s no surprise that our unconventional relationship raises eyebrows in a small town like Wishing.
The waitress who brings out the food is a different one. She seems especially friendly with Ollie, practically sidling up to him. “Hey Ollie, long time no see.”
“Yeah, I’ve been busy.” He has eyes for no one but Susan.
“Heard you broke up with Denise,” she says with a wink.
“We were never together,” Ollie replies.
“What about now?” she says, drawing closer. Susan notices, and I spot a flare of irritation on her face. Her subtle possessiveness makes my lips curve.
Ollie turns to Susan. “I’m with someone else now.”
“I see,” the waitress replies as she watches Artie put a hand on Susan’s shoulder and Susan nuzzle closer to him.
“She with all three of you fellas?” the girl asks. I can tell she means it as an insult.
Ollie’s smile widens. “As a matter of fact, yes.”
The girl looks shocked, practically flinching away. “Well, enjoy the food…you guys.” She gives us one last look before stepping away.
“Ten bucks says she’s texting Denise right away to tell her all about us,” Ollie says.
“Who’s Denise?” Susan asks.
“Someone who doesn’t matter anymore,” Ollie replies, squeezing her thigh reassuringly.
A middle-aged couple at the adjacent table steals quick glances in our direction, their eyes widening with intrigue. The man, with a grizzled beard and a worn-out cap, leans in to whisper something to his wife, who responds with a nod and a smile. It’s clear that they’re trying to decipher the dynamics between the four of us.
A group of teenagers in a nearby booth seems equally fascinated, exchanging whispers and giggles while stealing occasional glances in our direction.
“I knew there were going to be questions, but this fascination is…interesting,” Artie says, fidgeting in his seat.
“Revel in it, brother,” Ollie says.
“You’re enjoying it, aren’t you?” I ask, chuckling.
“It won’t last for long, especially if what they’re saying about the Moore brothers is true,” Ollie says with a smirk.
Is he saying there are more people like us?
“Interesting,” Artie pipes up.
Susan pushes her plate away. “So it’s a no to pickles.”
Ollie and Artie chuckle and order her a pizza with some fries that she happily gulps down.
“So how’s your book coming along?” Artie asks.
“Good,” she says distractedly.
“You’re still working on it, aren’t you?” I ask.
She bites her lip. “Well, not since I got the pregnancy results.”
“Susan, you can’t do that,” I say, shaking my head. “You have to finish the book.”
