Chapter 7

When we arrived at the restaurant, I asked Amantha to stay in the truck while I pulled out her chair. Once it was in position, I opened the passenger door. I lifted her from the seat and sat her in the chair.

This time, she wrapped her arms around my neck during the transfer.

Siblings, I had to remind myself. Treat her like a sibling.

I shut the passenger door.

I asked, “Do you want me to help push you inside or do you have it?”

She smiled. “I'm okay. Thank you for asking.”

I nodded and walked alongside her as we made our way to the building. Quite a few cars were already in the parking lot, especially for a Wednesday night. The restaurant was popular, to say the least.

When we got to the front door, there was an automatic door button marked with a blue wheelchair for disabled use. I pressed it. We waited... And nothing happened.

“Must be broken,” Amantha said. “That's okay. Would you mind getting the door?”

“Got it.”

There was a small entryway to keep the wind from blowing inside so there were two doors.

I stepped forward and pulled the first door open. I held it open while Amantha wheeled through.

There was another button inside, which she tried. This one opened the second door.

Amantha wheeled through.

I followed her into the building. A counter with a wall behind it stood at the entrance, blocking the view inside. Patrons were supposed to wait to be seated. No one waited ahead of us.

A small Asian male server smiled as we approached. “How many?” he asked.

“Two,” I answered.

He grabbed two bundles of utensils. “Please follow me.”

He walked around the counter and led us to the left.

Tables and booths lined the sides as we went through. People ate and talked at several places. At the end, the aisle turned right and led into a buffet.

The server put the utensils down and removed a chair at one of the tables. He placed it at an unused table.

“What would you like to drink?” he asked.

Amantha wheeled into the open spot to clear a walkway in the aisle. “Thank you. Sweet tea, please,” she said with a smile.

He nodded. “And you, sir?”

“Same. Thanks.”

The server nodded and returned to the counter.

“I don't want to overreach, but I'd like to get your plate,” I said.

She opened her mouth to protest.

“I know you can do it, but I'd like to. What do you want?”

“Okay.” She locked the wheels on her chair. “Surprise me. I don't like mushrooms but that's it.”

I smiled. “Got it. Be right back.”

I walked into the buffet and loaded up two plates before I returned to our table.

Sliding her plate in front of her, I sat mine down, too, and settled into my chair.

Her eyes widened. “I can't eat all this. It's too much.”

Lo-mein noodles, fried rice, four different types of chicken, frog legs, and an egg roll were all piled on her plate.

“Good ol’ college try?” I asked, raising my eyebrows innocently.

She narrowed her eyes at me. She seemed more amused than angry. “This plate is huge. I'm not a linebacker.”

I thought I'd gotten a normal amount. I would admit, though, I was more accustomed to eating with other guys. Maybe it was a lot for a woman.

“Fine. You don't have to eat everything. But at least try a bite of each thing and see what you like.”

“Okay but...” She pointed at the frog legs, coated in breading. “What are these?”

“Frog legs. Haven't had them before. I try something new every time I come here. I figured you might want in on the tradition, too.”

She shook her head slowly but then seemed to decide. She looked at me and smiled. “Good ol’ college try.”

I grinned. “There you go. That's the spirit.”

Amantha unbundled her fork and speared a piece of chicken, which she ate.

A different server came by and put our drinks on the table before rushing off.

I picked up a frog leg from my plate and took a bite out of it like a chicken drumstick. Thoughtfully, I chewed.

When I swallowed, I said, “Not bad. Tastes like trout.” I took another bite.

“Did you go to college?” Amantha asked.

I swallowed and shook my head. “Thrill seeker, remember?” I smiled at her. “I couldn't sit in class all day. High school was bad enough. I worked odd jobs and at the mud racing track for several years then began training for skydiving. It takes 500 dives to get your certification as a skydiving instructor. I've had my certification and been working as an instructor for almost two years.”

“How old are you?”

“I'm 32. You?”

“31.”

I nodded and put down what was left of the frog leg. I got out my fork. “What about you? Did you go to school somewhere?”

I twirled some noodles.

Sadly, Amantha shook her head. “I wanted to, but life got in the way.”

I didn't like the sad look on her face. It needed to leave.

“That's okay. You can go anytime you want. Look at Joey. He's in his 50s, about to retire from skydiving, and he's going back to school. There are no rules. You can go whenever you want. You can even take classes online in your spare time.”

I ate a bite of noodles, slurping the ends into my mouth.

Amantha smiled. “True.”

“What did you do before you came to Airplayne Adventures?”

“I've worked as an assistant for most of my career. My last job ‘let me go’ after my accident because they couldn't waste time waiting for me to recover.”

I frowned. That wasn't cool.

“When I was finally cleared to come back to work, I took the booking coordinator position because I could work from a wheelchair. Everyone has been very accommodating there.”

“Where did you work before? I'll never go there again.” And maybe knock some heads together.

Amantha smiled. “And that's why I'll never tell you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Don't make me ask Joey.”

“I already let it go. It's not a big deal to me. You should let it go, too.”

“That's not who I am. I can't do that.”

Amantha reached across the table and took my hand. “Please. Let it go.”

Her hand felt soft in mine. She squeezed.

Fine, I'd try. I met her eyes and drew in a breath. I counted to ten and blew it out.

“Okay.”

She grinned. “Okay.”

“You said you like to read. Tell me about your favorite book.”

We spent hours talking and getting to know each other. Amantha was amusing and kept my attention, a rarity for this thrill seeker.