That Summer

“Miss Jo, here’s your milkshake and fries.” Derek, my favorite waiter at Queenie's, slides my order across the table to me.

I force a smile at him. “Thanks, D.”

I pick up a sweet potato fry, dip it into the strawberry milkshake, and pop it into my mouth before repeating the actions. Sometimes, I hate summer. All of my siblings are home and loud and I just want to stay in bed and hide, but they make it impossible. When I need to get away I come to Queenie’s alone, using my dogsitting money to buy some peace and quiet. Quiet compared to my family’s home.

“That looks bizarre.”

My neck snaps up at a southern drawl from above me, making eye contact with clear blue eyes framed by the darkest, thickest eyelashes known to man. She’s wearing a pink sports bra and shorts, and her skin is shimmering from a light sheen of sweat.

I want to lick it off.

“Sorry,” she says, keeping her eyes on mine. “I shouldn’t yuck your yum.”

I blink at her.

“I’m Hunter? We met after church yesterday?” she says, shifting her weight between her feet.

I know who she is. That’s exactly why I don’t know what to say. I’m able to manage a nod in response.

“Do you…do you mind if I sit?” she asks, motioning to the empty booth across from me.

I shake my head, words still not coming to me.

She sits and folds her hands in front of her as she leans forward. “So,” she asks seriously. “What’s good here? Besides that atrocity, of course.”

“I thought you shouldn’t yuck my yum.” Oh, now I find my words. And they’re ridiculous.

Hunter’s eyes brighten and she straightens her back, clapping her hands with delight. “She does speak!”

Wordlessly I push my food and milkshake across the table. She looks at me dubiously. “Try it,” I encourage, motioning my head towards the plate. “That’s the best Queenie’s has to offer.”

She looks doubtfully at the food, but picks up a fry, and dips it in the milkshake. She pops it in her mouth and chews, her eyes widening as she swallows.

I lean back in the booth and cross my arms with a smirk. “I don’t want to say I told you so, but…”

“Oh, hush. That’s exactly what you want to do.” She picks up another french fry, and repeats the dip before eating it again. “God, you’re a genius. This is so yummy.”

I wave to Derek. “Hey D? Think you can bring us another milkshake and side of fries?”