“Medium, right?” Maddie winked, taking his menu.
“You got it. No fries this time.”
“You on a diet or something?” Julie asked, her eyes sliding over him.
“Not that hungry.” He glanced at Julie. “Give her your order. She’s busy.”
Julie glared, then turned away. “I’ll have a cheeseburger—medium—with extra pickles, no onions, and fries.”
“Anything to drink?” Maddie said.
“Do you still have the double fudge shake?” Julie’s gaze drifted to Rags. “I’m dying for one.”
“Yep. You want medium or large?”
“What do you think I should get?” she asked Rags.
“Medium.”
Julie let out a breath.
“So, it’s a medium?” Maddie asked her eyes darting between them.
“It’s her damn shake. Tell her what the fuck you want.”
“I’ll just have a Diet Cherry Coke,” Julie said, sliding her menu aside.
“Got it. I’ll be back with your fountain drink,” Maddie said, hurrying off.
“What’s your problem?” Julie asked.
“Nothing.”
“Why are you acting like we’re strangers?”
“I’m here because you said you’re in trouble. We’re not just getting burgers and chatting.”
“Are you gonna punish me forever for doing something stupid all those years ago?” Julie unwrapped her straw. “I know I made the worst mistake of my life. I was young, stupid, and lonely. You were always with your club. I felt like that came first, then your Harley… and maybe me.” She took a sip of her drink.
“Julie, that’s in the past. We were both young. That’s how life goes. No reason to drag it back up now. You went your way, I went mine.”
“But you hate me. I see it in your eyes. I’ve been in town for months and you’ve never called me. You came by to see my mom, but I swear you waited until I wasn’t there.”
Rags laughed. “I’ve got better things to do then play spy at your house.”
“Then why haven’t you called me? Why is this the first time we’ve seen each other since I ran into you a few months ago?”
“Cheeseburger, extra pickles,” Maddie said, setting the plate in front of Julie. “And your bacon cheeseburger, extra cheddar, handsome. Need anything else?”
“I’m good,” Rags said, reaching for the ketchup.
“No,” Julie mumbled.
“Enjoy.” Maddie scurried away.
“You want some?” Rags asked, holding out the ketchup.
“Yeah.” Julie took it and slathered it on her burger and fries. “Why can’t you forgive me?”