Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 52384 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 262(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52384 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 262(@200wpm)___ 210(@250wpm)___ 175(@300wpm)
A teenage guy with a dimpled smile and an apron tied around his waist came strolling to our table. “Hiya. I’m Matt.” He tapped his nameplate with a grin. “I’ll be your server for today. What can I get you?”
“Wagyu truffle foie gras burger for me please,” Freddie said right away.
“And you, ma’am?” As he turned to face me, I took a photo of him, and he started. “Wha---”
“Nothing to worry about,” I assured him. “I’m not stalking you or anything. I just need it for my review.”
His expression cleared. “So you’re the food blogger. The manager mentioned you’d be dropping by.” He let out a melodramatic sigh. “That’s too bad, though.”
Freddie and I exchanged curious looks, and I asked, “Why’s that?”
“I’d rather you were hitting on me.”
I laughed while my cousin looked impressed, which was no surprise. Freddie’s eloquence only seemed to come to life in the courtroom. Elsewhere, she was a social klutz.
“May I hit on you instead?” the boy was asking.
“If you weren’t half my age,” I answered teasingly, “I just might be inclined to say yes.” It wasn’t my usual style to flirt with the staff, but this once I’d make an exception. Matt was just a boy anyway, and his flattering attention was good for my ego. “So, what do you recommend, Matt?”
“The daily specials are always good.”
“Then I’ll have that.”
“Anything else?”
“A plate of better taste in men and a glass of self-respect, please.”
Without missing a beat, Matt answered, “Perfect. Would you like my number on the side as well?”
This time, both Freddie and I burst into laughter.
“You’re very good,” I told Matt approvingly, my distress somewhat lessened by his unexpected comeback. “But you’re also ten years too early to date me.”
“Why don’t you give me a try first?” Matt returned cheekily. “I might surprise you, you know.”
“I’m sure you will, but there’s also that thing called robbing the cradle…”
“I get off at five. How about we Netflix and chill…”
He was persistent. I’d give him that. But I also knew what his definition was for ‘Netflix and chill,’ and if I needed further proof that he was as immature as he should be for his age, then that would be it.
Did this boy really think his dimples were enough to get me in his bed?
I cleared my throat, intending to lecture him about not using a generic one-liner for all kinds of women, when he suddenly said, “Hold on.” Matt’s jaw had dropped and he was suddenly staring at me like I had grown another head.
“What?”
“Now I know why you look so freakin’ familiar.” He hurriedly pulled his phone out, saying excitedly, “You’re Nathan Callis’ girlfriend, aren’t you?”
Freddie started laughing again, and I scowled. “You’re mistaken.”
“But I watched his interview and---”
“I’ve never been attracted to pretty boys like Nathan Callis,” I growled. “Okay?”
“Then maybe you’d dig someone like me more?” Matt insisted with a grin. “I’m not pretty, just cute.”
“I don’t want to break your heart---”
“Great. Because I don’t want to break yours either.”
I laughed. That was really good.
“Give me a chance, goddess.”
Really, really good.
“I know I’m no billionaire like Nathan Callis---”
I snorted. “He’s not all that. In fact, any other guy would be better than Nathan Callis---” I broke off when Matt suddenly stuck his face next to me and lifted his phone up in the air.
Click.
Then I saw his phone uploading a video to Facebook, and I realized too late that he had recorded everything. “Matt!”
The teenager flashed me a peace sign, a sheepish look on his face. “I couldn’t help it.”
Freddie’s jaw dropped. “Oh wow.” Then she glanced at me like she was already mourning my passing, saying, “Nathan’s not going to like that.”
I lifted my chin. “If he can’t take a joke, then that’s his problem.” But I didn’t really mean that. If the positions were reversed, I knew I’d be pissed and offended, even if Nathan were to say the same words about me in a joke. My gaze switched to Matt, and I said sharply, “Do you know I can get you fired over what you did? Like this fast.” I snapped my fingers for emphasis, and when Matt realized I wasn’t joking, his face paled.
“B-but---” It was clear to see that the possibility hadn’t even occurred to him. “I just wanted to look cool.” And right now, he also looked close to crying.
Ah, shit. I waved him away, saying irritably, “Just don’t do it again.”
“Y-yes, ma’am!”
Freddie clucked her tongue as we watched Matt practically run away from our table like he was escaping from a monster. “I think you gave him his first heartbreak.”
“If he’s lucky,” I said mercilessly, “this incident would save him from his first lawsuit.” I noticed my cousin’s gaze turning sly and asked, “What?”
“I wonder how long it would take before Nathan shows up.”
“He wouldn’t.” But my tone didn’t sound convincing even to my ears. “That would be ludicrous.” Right? “I’m sure he has better things to do with his time---” I broke off as a rather depressing thought occurred to me.