When you love me

Invitation

The snack bar next to the beach has a very welcoming atmosphere, with soft lights and the tempting aroma of food coming from the kitchen. Ryan and I sat at one of the tables near the window, where we could see the sea. The place is very busy.

Ryan takes the menu and hands me one, with a smile.

— You'll love it here. The menu is incredible. I've known everyone here for years, so trust me.

— Okay, I'll trust you. — I say laughing, as I leaf through the menu.

We ordered our snacks — a traditional burger for me and a veggie burger for Ryan, accompanied by fries and milkshakes. While we waited, we started talking about our food tastes.

— I've always liked vegetarian food. — he says — My mother encouraged me to try new flavors and recipes. And you?

— I like to try everything. — I reply — But I have a weakness for classic burgers. I think it's something about the homemade flavor that appeals to me.

Our snacks arrive, and the smell is irresistible. I take a bite of my burger, and Ryan was right—it's delicious.

— Wow, that's really good. — I say, with my mouth still full.

— I said! — he responds, laughing. — They make the best burgers in the region.

We continued eating and talking. Ryan tells me funny stories about his friends and the adventures they had at Cannon Beach. I share some of my own experiences and funny moments from Montana.

"So, Jennie," Ryan says, as he takes a sip of his milkshake, "besides surfing, what else do you like to do?"

— It seems like it's been a while since I really liked something. — I admit, looking out the window. — I used to love photography. But after a while, I stopped. Maybe because it reminded me a lot of my mother.

Ryan looks at me with understanding.

— I think photography is an incredible way to capture moments and tell stories. Maybe that's something you can rediscover here.

— Perhaps.

— Have you visited your m... Mrs.'s gallery? Palmer?

— Gallery?

— Yes, didn't you know she has a gallery in the city?

I shake my head no. I feel ashamed that I don't even know the basics of my mother's life.

— She displays incredible photos, by herself and other artists. She has an incredible gift for photographs.

— So my father was right... I take after her in liking photographs.

Ryan looks at me, but he doesn't say anything.

— And you? Besides surfing, what else interests you? — I ask, trying to change the subject.

— I like music. — he says — I play guitar and, from time to time, I join a local band.

— Must be amazing! I would love to see you play one day. — I say, genuinely interested.

— Who knows? Maybe I'll take you to one of our rehearsals. — he responds smiling.

I don't see the hours go by. I feel more and more comfortable around Ryan, as if meeting him were the most natural thing in the world, and I feel sensations that I haven't experienced in a long time.

When we finish our snacks, Ryan pays the bill despite my protests.

— It's the least I can do. - he says.