Save Me

4. Chicken Nuggets

(Phoenix's POV)

I pull into the drive-thru of Chick-fil-a and slow to a stop behind a white caravan.

"What are you hungry for?"

I ask, turning to look at Justin. He thinks for a moment, scanning his eyes across the bright menu screen.

"Hmmm, I'll do the 12 count nugget meal with a Coke."

I smile happily.

"Seriously? That's the same thing I get! Except I'm a Cherry Coke girl."

Justin chuckles as I pull up to order.

"You have good taste."

He says.

"Hi, welcome to Chick-fil-a! What can I get for you tonight?"

"Hi, we're going to get two 12 count nugget meals. One with a regular Coke, and the other with a Cherry Coke."

I say into the speaker.

"Any sauce?"

I turn to Justin who whispers 'BBQ sauce.'

"BBQ sauce and Chick-fil-a sauce please."

"Perfect! Pull around to the first window."

I put the car in drive and glance over at Justin who is shielding his face with the hoodie and cap again.

"Better safe than sorry."

He says softly. I feel a tinge of sadness at the fact that he has to live in a constant state of fear every time he steps outside. We arrive at the window and Justin passes me his credit card. I hand it to the cashier who swipes the card quickly before handing it back along with the receipt.

"Thank you!"

"My pleasure!"

The girl says as I pull off towards the final window. I hand Justin his card, studying his face.

"You okay?"

I ask, reaching over to squeeze his hand. He nods quickly, squeezing back.

"Yeah, just nervous."

I grab our food, thanking the girl and passing the bags to Justin before taking the drinks from her and placing them into the cup holder.

"Want to eat at my place?"

Justin asks tentatively.

"We can chill and watch a movie. And I can introduce my son Jack to the girl who saved my life."

I smile softly at the thought of meeting Jack, but it quickly turns into a frown as a thought pops into my mind. Justin is married. He senses my hesitation and continues.

"Please. Come. Not many people are kind to me. I like being around you."

I sigh, feeling torn.

"That sounds so fun. And I would love to meet baby Jack but out of respect for your wife, I'm not sure I should be hanging around. At least not without her permission. I'd just be some random girl around her kid, you know?"

Justin sighs softly, struggling with his words a bit.

"Look, I can't say much but what I can say is this — I promise you she doesn't care at all."

I glance over at him, but after seeing his pained expression, I decide not to pry. Maybe he needs a friend.

"Okay, sure. I'd love to hang out."