Free Abruption by Riley Mackenzie

Side, I knew just the place. If she was expecting a five-star tourist trap, she was going to be sorely disappointed, but it was worth the risk. The food was that good or as close to authentic as you could find in this city. I hailed a cab, told the driver our destination, and warned her. “Complete hole-in-the-wall, but sick Mexican food.”
    “No way? Tehuitzingo in Hell’s Kitchen, right? I’ve been dying to go there.”
    Go figure.
    “Well, let’s get you fed. I wouldn’t want them to run out of taquitos before we get there.”
    She flashed her bright smile, and we sat in a comfortable silence watching the NYC skyline pass us by. I couldn’t discern if it was her perfume or the scent of her hair filling the cab with the aroma of those sweet apples again, but it took some serious effort not to get aroused. Instead, I focused on the non-stop bustle that I’d never get used to and wondered how many ways this town could screw up my kids. But then again, Jules grew up here and she seemed semi-normal (so far).
    It was obvious Jules’ mind was reeling as well when she blurted, “Can I ask you something?”
    “I have a feeling my answer wouldn’t really matter. You’re going to ask anyway, right?”
    She grinned, but the cab driver interrupted before she said anything else. “Sir, is here okay?”
    Jules reached for her purse.
    “I’ve got it.” Like I was going to let her pay. But I had to admit there was something refreshing about her attempt.
    “Thank you.” Her wide saucers wanted to say more as she slid from the cab. Once on the curb, she did. “Why are you such a dick at the hospital?”
    Holy shit, did she. If this was her icebreaker, it needed some work. She crossed her arms, anticipating a response. Right, she was serious.
    “Um … ouch. Okay, no one has ever asked me that, but then again, the old me never acted like a dick. You’re full of surprises already, Jules. Blunt, stubborn, and impatient. How about we table this discussion until after the first round?” That was my attempt to charm my way out, mostly because I had no clue how to respond. It wasn’t the time or place to get into the old me versus the new me (since I was just noticing the difference). And probably a mood killer to tell her that she initially reminded me of my wife. More accurately, what I disliked most about my wife.
    “Fair enough.”
    I held the door to the Mexican bodega and ushered her in, where we weaved between the stacked packages of tortillas and refrigerated cases filled with beer and cheese. We managed to snag the last two open stools along the counter. This place was happening.
    A short silver-haired woman poked her head from the little kitchen window and I held up two fingers. “Dos Modelos, por favor.” She slid a small bowl of fresh pico de gallo and a warm basket of chips in front of us. My mouth was already watering.
    “What if I didn’t want a beer?”
    “Too bad.” I cracked a smile, unable to hold a straight face.
    “Just so you know, I prefer margaritas.”
    “Noted. But this is a beer place.”
    She cocked a brow. “Says who?”
    “Did you not pass the same refrigerators I did? Did you miss the cases of every Mexican beer you can think of?”
    “Hmm. Maybe we should go back to the you being a dick question. What do you think?” She dipped a chip and popped it into her mouth.
    I smiled and gave her back her own words from the other day. “Answering a question with a question. Interesting, Nurse Jules.”
    “You think just because you’re the funny guy all of a sudden, it gives you a pass from acting like a complete jerk to me.”
    “Funny, huh? I’m funny, how? I mean funny, like I’m a clown? I amuse you. I make you laugh?” She walked right into that one.
    She squinted and the lips I had yet to take my eyes off of puckered.
    “Seriously, you have no clue what I’m talking about. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen that movie?” Blank stare. “It’s one of the best movie lines