“I can tag along,” Parker offers. “James and I can talk about business while you and your friend try out dresses.”
I could hug both of them right now. “That sounds great.”
“Now, why don’t we order?” Parker asks. “I’m famished.”
I don’t even glance at the menu. “We recommend the house steak.”
“Yeah, it’s our favorite. We eat it every time,” James adds.
“Nah,” Parker says. “I only eat steak back home. Americans overcook the meat.”
“Parker, this is a steak restaurant,” I clarify.
“They must have other stuff, too.” Parker inspects the menu with such concentration, you’d think it was a balance sheet.
James looks at him as if Parker grew a seco
nd head. “I really don’t think a Brit can comment on food.”
“Those are all clichés,” Parker says, making a dismissive gesture with his hand. “Bad food—”
“Worse weather,” I offer. The three of us burst out laughing. A warm feeling spreads through me. It lasts for the entire evening, while we sit through a main course and two desserts.
This is what family time should feel like.
Chapter Nine: Dani
If I could describe the rest of the week using one word only, it would be dazzling. I gravitate toward Damon because his presence has the inexplicable effect of sending me into a happy zone. We have an unspoken agreement to meet on the rooftop every day for lunch. He still ignores everyone, and snaps at teachers at least twice a day, which earned him another trip to the principal. But when it's just the two of us on the roof, he changes. He jokes and laughs...and flirts.
Or at least, I think he does. I've never been flirted with, so I can't be sure he's not just making fun of me. At any rate, I’m enjoying it. Damon is the only person, aside from James and Hazel, who sees me. Also, he is smart. A plus that seems unfair, as Hazel says, for someone blessed already with good looks.
"I can't believe you’re so good at this stuff," I tell him the next Tuesday when we study Trig again. Hazel did join us this time, but she took off earlier because her parents are picking her up. They're starting their two-week trip today.
"It's not that hard."
"At what other subjects are you ridiculously good?"
"Physics and computer science."
I groan. "So, you're a numbers guy. Remind me to introduce you to my brother."
"I also like reading."
I look at him cautiously. "Now you're just making fun of me."
"I am not," he says indignantly. "Try me."
"What's your favorite book?"
"I, Robot."
I scoff. "That's not literature."
"Now, don't go all Dickens on me. I never said I liked fancy books. I just like reading," he says. I squirm, and he laughs. "You look like you're about to confess a deadly sin."
"How do you know?"
"You are so easy to read."