Free The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell Page B

up and started laughing, too. When they’d both calmed, she said, “Does that mean you’re not mad?”

Though Jamie had known Megan for years, he couldn’t recall ever actually having a conversation with her before. It wasn’t that he didn’t like her, they just ran in different circles. For some reason though, he found himself opening up.

“No, I’m not mad. I’m relieved to tell you the truth. When I saw you standing there, I thought maybe. . .”

Megan was nothing if not quick. “Oh, no. You thought I was coming to tell you to back off. No wonder you had that look on your face. You poor thing. I’m so sorry.”

“No, don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything. It’s just something I’m gonna have to deal with.”

“Does that mean you’re gonna give Dillon another chance?”

“Damn. You ask the tough questions, don’t you? I wish I could answer you, but I honestly don’t know yet.”

Megan nodded. “Perfectly understandable. But, for what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you guys.”

Her sincerity made Jamie feel at ease, like they’d been friends for years or something. “Thanks, Megan. That means a lot to me.”

Dillon came up from the back hallway. “What means a lot to you?”

Megan stepped in. “Lunch.” She gave Jamie a wink that only he could see. “Lunch means the world to him, Dillon. Look at him. The boy is skin and bones. Go. Feed him.” She gave Dillon a peck on the cheek, then stunned Jamie by doing the same to him. Before either could say anything to her, she was gone.

Jamie just shook his head. “I like her. She’s a firecracker.”

“That she is.” Dillon pointed to the door. “You ready to go? I think I promised you lunch. According to Megan, you’re gonna waste away if I don’t get you to Hailey’s soon.”

Jamie nodded, and they left. The ride to Hailey’s was much like the ride to school, silent but comfortable. Jamie played with the radio while Dillon sung along in that off-key squeak of his. Dillon pulled up to the curb and threw the car in park. They got out of the car and started towards the front of the restaurant, but Jamie stopped just short of opening the door. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“What, eat lunch? I sure do. I’m starving.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Dillon sighed and stopped walking. “I know what you meant, and the answer is yes. In the first place, it’s not like we’re gonna have sex on the lunch counter. We’re just two friends having lunch together. And like I told you before, I could care less what anyone thinks. Well, anyone but you, that is. Now, can we please go in and eat? I wasn’t kidding about the starving part.”

Jamie followed him inside, content just to be with him. Hailey’s Cafe never seemed to change a bit, the very epitome of a small town restaurant. Same old white vinyl covered booths, same old stools and blue checkered table cloths. The enticing smells coming from the kitchen were enough to drive a hungry man insane, as evidenced by the near packed house. Hailey Johnson, the owner, met them at the door. The blue-eyed blond had a thousand-watt smile and a warm manner that had broken many a heart. “Hi, guys. Would you like a table, or are you going to sit at the counter?”

Leaving Jamie standing in the doorway, Dillon stepped forward and whispered in her ear. Jamie saw her smile and nod. When Dillon stepped back to Jamie’s side, Hailey said, “Follow me, boys. It’s awful crowded in here. I thought you might like to eat in The Party Room.”

The Party Room was just that, primarily reserved for the large luncheons and dinners Hailey often catered. It was also separated from the rest of the Café by a thick blue curtain. Hailey led them through and seated them at a booth on the far wall. Before Jamie sat down, Dillon helped him remove his coat. After Dillon removed his own heavy barn jacket and set them both on a nearby empty table, Jamie expected Dillon to take the seat across