Page 22 of Hurts So Good
“You’re already here.” She shrugs. “Besides, it was a long time ago.”
Sierra seems much calmer than she was a second ago. I’m not sure what changed her mind, but I’m thankful for it. I’ve wanted to apologize for pushing her in front of Mr. Rylee for years. I’m hopeful my sincerity has finally reached her, and we can move forward with less hostility from here on out.
I exit the bathroom feeling lighter, the weight of our past no longer weighing me down. Ty raises an eyebrow at me as I sit down again.
“It’s fine.” I assure him. “We’ve come to an understanding, so you and I can enjoy dinner without worry.”
He hums in agreement but doesn’t seem to be completely convinced. He doesn’t push the issue, and when Sierra comes by to take our order, Ty just tells her to bring us wings and fries.
I frown as he watches her go. “You don’t trust her, do you?”
“I don’t trust anyone,” he says.
“Not even me?”
He glances at me, his eyes softening. “I trust you.”
My shoulders sag and a smile curves my lips. I’m more than a little relieved to hear him say that.
It takes longer than I’d expect for us to get our food, but I don’t say anything to Sierra about it. I simply thank her. She smiles kindly before walking away.
I glance around. It seems oddly empty in here. Ty and I are the only ones except for Sierra and the bartender. I don’t even think anyone is in the back. After we ordered, Sierra handed our ticket to the bartender, who walked into what I assume is the kitchen behind the bar to cook our food.
I study my plate.
“What’s wrong?” Ty asks.
Looking up at him. I shake my head. “It’s nothing.”
“Stop doing that.”
My cheeks flush. He’s right. I need to be more open with him. I’m so used to keeping things to myself.
With a sigh, I tell him, “I was worried about the food. I was wondering if that’s why no one is in here. Usually even bars are packed on the weekend, even bad ones.”
“It’s fine. Eat.” He picks up a fry and stuffs it in his mouth.
I lower my voice even though no one is around us. “What if its poisoned?”
He smirks. “We’re more alike than I thought. I’ve already checked. It doesn’t smell off or look any different than normal. I’ve also eaten it already, so you’re safe.”
My eyes widen. “What if it wasn’t safe?”
“I’d be dead, and you’d know not to eat it.” He chuckles.
“That’s not funny!”
Still seeing humor in it while I don’t, he nudges my basket toward me. “Eat.”
I release a heavy breath but do as he says. It doesn’t take long to finish our food, as the amount is appetizer-sized, but I’m contently full nonetheless.
“Are you sure you don’t want to have a drink or something before you go?” Sierra asks after Ty informs her we’d like the check.
“No,” Ty says in a flat tone.
“But…but it’s on me!” Sierra insists. “I’ll get you anything you want.”
I narrow my eyes. “Why?”