Free Resilient (2) by Nikki Mathis Thompson Page A

down.”
    “Oh, you mean Big Wreck. Here, I’ll pick a good one.” It started to play.
    “Oooh, yes, I love this one. So dreamy.” She picked up his iPod and read the name of the song aloud. “I won’t forget next time.” Sunglasses on, good tunes in the air, destination unknown. It was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
    After driving around town for an hour, Ian pulled into the parking lot attached to one of their favorite joints. It had a laid back vibe, an eclectic menu, and cold beers. What’s not to like?
    “You hungry?” he asked, like he already knew the answer.  
    “Oh, I guess I could eat a little something,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.
    “If you’re not, then we can just do something else.,” he teased as he put his hands back onto the keys still hanging from the ignition.
    She grabbed his hand. “We both know I’m always hungry, so cut the bullshit, buddy.” She gave him a light push on his arm and hopped out, her mind already leafing through the menu. Now that she thought about all of the choices, her stomach growled. Moments later they were sipping beers on the sun-soaked patio. The air was cool but there wasn’t a stitch of wind, so with the heat lamps, they were almost toasty.
    “Maddie says she can’t meet us. She was being very cryptic as to why. Hmmm, I’ll bet she’s has a date with Shawn.”
    “Who’s he? I thought she was seeing some dude named Wes.,” Ian said, looking confused as he set his menu to the side. “What are you getting?” Katrine had been looking at the menu for ten minutes and she was still torn between the eggplant and mozzarella sandwich or the Asian chicken salad. The waitress came and asked if they had decided. Ian looked at Katrine. “You ready yet? Or do you need more time? I’m in no hurry.”
    “Yes—I mean yes, I’m ready. I think I’ll go with the fish tacos.” Last minute substitution. Ian ordered a fully loaded burger with seasoned sweet potato fries.
    Mmmm, that’s sounds good, too .  
    “I see that gleam in your eye. You’re already fantasizing about my food, aren’t you?”
    She put a hand on her chest and gave him her best “what, I’m totally innocent” look.
    Damn. He’s figured out my food sampling tactics.
      Give up the goods, Ian. Your burger is mine!
    “ Don’t even think about it.” But he smiled, knowing he would share with her. “So you were saying about Maddie’s latest conquest.”
    “Oh, right. Wes is history. Seemed a nice enough guy, but he was a talented deadbeat, as per her usual. This new gent, however, is a lawyer.” She wiggled her eyebrows.  
    “Is he the same one who was at Charlie’s party?”
    “One and the same.”
    “Damn. Even I thought he was hot,” Ian joked. “No, seriously, he was a good looking dude. He seemed nice too, so I wish her luck.”
    “Me too.” The waitress set a plate in front of Katrine, which ceased any further dialogue. Three corn tortillas were stuffed with blackened tilapia and smothered with chipotle cole slaw and pickled jalapeños. Black beans sprinkled with queso fresco and seasoned rice took up the remaining real-estate of her large white platter. Ian’s plate was teeming with sweet potato waffle fries and a burger as big as her head. Too much food for even four people to eat, but they would do their best. He grabbed his burger and offered her the first bite, which she refused; she wasn’t that bad. Best to wait until his stomach was starting to get full. That was the best time for plate poaching.
    Katrine hadn’t had a gluttonous afternoon like that in ages. She almost waddled to the car, she was just that stuffed. Closing her eyes, she let her head drop back against the seat, allowing the wind full access to her face. They stopped at a light and she felt the tips of his fingers tuck an errant piece of hair behind her ear. She looked at him and smiled. The urge to nuzzle into his hand was overwhelming. That one brief touch was tender and her