Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(9)

“I’ll have apple juice please.” I smile at the waiter and look at the menu when I feel eyes on me. I look up to see Gail looking at me with her eyes wide open. “What?”

“Apple juice with steak?” she asks as if it’s a sin.

“Yeah, I’m not fond of soda.” I shrug.

“You’re a weirdo.” She shakes her head and goes back to her menu.

“How so?”

“Because you don’t like soda!”

“My aunt didn’t drink any and never had any around the house, so I never really had any. When we were going out it was juice or water.” I shrug.

“As I said, weirdo.” She sniggers and closes her menu as I’m still studying mine.

“You’ll get used to my weirdness.” I smile at the menu.

“Already did, I adopted you as a friend, there’s no getting rid of me now.” I look up and see her leaning back in her seat, smirking at me.

“I’m in trouble, aren’t I?”

“Yep, but the good kind, don’t worry.” She chuckles, and I’m not sure if I should be relieved of scared.

“I surely hope so!” The waiter comes over with our drinks and sets the glasses in front of us.

“Have you made your choice already?” he asks, smiling at Gail.

“Yes, I’ll have an eight-ounce steak platter and a side of mac and cheese, please.”

“How would you like your steak cooked?”

“Medium, please.”

“What about you, miss?” he asks smiling at me.

“I’ll have the same as her.” I take a sip of my apple juice, enjoying the cold drink going down my throat.

“Very well, if you need anything else don’t hesitate to flag me down.” He winks at Gail and walks away.

“Do you know him?” I ask her, leaning forward.

“No, but I wish I did, have you seen his ass?” She makes grabbing hands in the air as if she was squeezing his ass, making me snort.

“You’re something.”

“I’m awesome!”

“You’re a bit awesome, yes.”

“Just a bit? You wound me, Anna.” She places her hand over her heart, bowing her head as if I really hurt her.

“Big baby.”

We fall into a comfortable conversation, talking about what we like and dislike; where we’re from and all the stuff you usually talk about on a first date or upon meeting someone. For once, it doesn’t feel weird, and I still don’t feel like running away, which is a step in the right direction for me. That is until she asks that one question that makes me drop my fork as it’s mid-way to my mouth loaded with deliciously creamy and cheesy mac and cheese.

“It might be too forward of me, but I noticed that on your application that you put the address of a hotel. Do you not have a place to live?” That innocent comment just shatters my world. I don’t want people to know about me. I feel like tonight was a big mistake, and I should have never accepted her invitation.

“Uh…”

“Hey, I was just asking because I’m looking for a roommate. You seem nice, and I’m sure you could do with a real place to live and not a hotel room. It would be cheaper for the both of us, and it’s a lot closer to work than your hotel. No judgment from me, just a genuine offer.”

“You don’t know me. I could be a serial killer,” I whisper.

“Puhlease. You wouldn’t hurt a bee if it attacked you! I’m a good judge of character. Besides, Josie checks who she hires before actually hiring them. So I know you’re safe.” She shrugs, leaving me to wonder what Josie found out about me.

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course, don’t be silly. I was just offering. No offense if you don’t want to live with me.” She smiles and takes a bite of her steak.

All through the rest of dinner, the debate between accepting and refusing her offer is going on in my head. On one hand, it would be a lot easier to live with someone, and if it’s closer to work it’s even better. On the other hand, I don’t know much about her. She seems like a nice girl, and if what she said about Josie checking before hiring, then it means she’s safe, too. I’m driving myself crazy with this decision.

“You know, if you say yes to living with me, you’d even have a room for the baby. My mom still has a shit load of stuff that me and my brother used like cribs and all of that. That’s something to consider,” she says with a cocky smile, knowing she’s got me there.

“You’re really making it hard for me to say no, now.”

“I know. I have so many tricks up my sleeve.” She waggles her eyebrows, and her eyes divert just over my shoulder. I turn around and see our waiter approaching.

“Ask him on a date, and I will.” I giggle, messing with her.

“Okay.” She rubs her hands as if she’s getting herself ready.

“How was your evening, ladies?” he asks, placing the little tray with the bill, a couple of chocolate truffles, and a business card of the restaurant.

“It was really good, thank you.” I wonder if Gail is going to follow suit and ask him on a date.

“Amazing night, but you know what would be even better?” she asks with a coy smile, she’s anything but shy. Well played.