Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 3: Why Do I Hate it When Things Go Well?

"How have I never heard of this place?" I asked incredulously as we entered the small diner he had brought me to.

The place was jam-packed with people, despite the fact that most people in Mirton were either at work or school during this time. It was decorated with hints of bright color and cheerful designs. Even the logo was happy and inviting. The place was charming--no wonder he thought it could cheer me up. 

Liam shrugged as he led me to a booth near the back. "Probably because you've never wanted anything to do with me," he suggested.

It was a fair point. If I had ever known this was a spot he liked to frequent, I would've avoided it at all costs, no matter how happy the people were or how charming the interior decorating was. Such was the depth of our hatred for each other. 

Faster than I would've expected in a rush like this, a waiter approached our table to take our orders. They high fived each other when he approached and laughed about parts of their day, joking around like they were old buddies instead of a random high school student and an underpaid stranger. Perhaps they were close. I didn't know enough about his life to know. When they both turned to me to get my order, I panicked. Since I had never been here before, I had no idea what to order, and I refused to ask Liam for recommendations, since the last thing I would ever trust about him was his taste. 

I scanned the menu as quickly as I could, trying to stall by attempting to join their conversation. After several lame attempts at jokes, Liam just silently reached his hand over and pointed to an item on the menu while the waiter wasn't paying attention. Irritation flared inside me. Just because I was having trouble didn't mean I was looking for help.

After skimming the description for the item he had pointed out, I begrudgingly admitted to myself that his recommendation did appear to be a good one: "The Turkey Club (A Mirton Marvels Specialty): A delightful sandwich stacked with tender sliced turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a smear of mayo, all layered between perfectly toasted slices of white or wheat bread. Served with your choice of side and a drink." Unfortunately for my pride, Liam was right. Not that I would ever admit that to him. 

"I'll tell your dad you're here. Be right back with your stuff," the waiter said before he wandered off.

"Wait, your dad? Why is your dad here?" I looked at him in confusion.

Liam smiled wryly. "Yet another reason you would never come here on your own: my family owns the place."

I blanched. "Your family owns a restaurant?? How did I not know that?"

He just shot me a look that said "really?". "Oh. Right," I muttered sheepishly.

Liam sighed. "I said I'd bring you somewhere without bad memories, but I guess now you will have one associated with this place, since you're spending your first time here with me."

I just shrugged, unsure what to say. It was tempting to spit out a nasty insult, but surprisingly, spending time with him under our truce hadn't been so bad thus far. If the day continued like this, his cheering-up efforts might just work after all. It pained me to admit. Liam looked perplexed at my lack of retort. I rolled my eyes. "What? You said I'm supposed to be practicing niceness."

He raised his hands in surrender. "No, no, you're doing great. I was just surprised at your silence given the 'nice' things you've said already."

The waiter set our food down on the table and handed us our drinks. Rolling my eyes once again, I chucked my straw wrapper at Liam's head. "Ha ha, funny guy."

"I think that might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me, sarcastic or otherwise," Liam said with a wide grin.

"Well, enjoy it while it lasts, cause our truce is the only thing protecting your ego right now."