Missed Chances

3. Food court

My stomach gave out a faint grumble as soon as my nose whiffed the aroma of burgers grilling.

My, my, Natasha raises her left brow, hungry already? More like starving, actually, I smiled.

When are you never hungry? She laughs.

Never! I proclaimed. Plus, you made me go through that sea of people. Of course I'll develop quite an appetite after that grueling experience! I teased with a straight face.

Laughing even more, she shakes her head and walks towards the food court.

I'll go look around first. I told her as I started my way down the food court lane leaving her looking at the burger grilling station.

Tacos? No. Poutine? Nah. Burritos! Too heavy. Chinese, perhaps? Nah, had that the other week.

—

I followed you out of the auditorium, leaving Ken to enjoy the event. He won't mind being left alone.

Where'd you wanna eat? You asked.

Anywhere, I guess.

That's a concept restaurant waiting to happen! You laughed.

Well, Mr. Funny, where'd you wanna eat? Returning the question.

Let's just head to the cafeteria? His suggestion sounding more like a question.

What do they serve?

They got burgers and other stuff.

You turned to the hallway on the left of the exit. We walked straight and turned right.

Tada! You exclaimed like you were presenting such a great masterpiece. The town hall cafeteria.

It was noisy and pretty jam-packed. Where did all these people come from, I wondered.

Go look around and see what you wanna eat, you instructed me. I'll just be here. We'll find seats after we ordered.

M'kay, was all I managed to say because I was already checking out the counter beside the burger counter. There were other countless burger counters and a few sushi spots. I have already walked around the cafeteria, all the counters looked similar.

What are you having? You asked me as I returned to where you were.

A burger, I guess. I frowned. But all the burger counters are the same!

Just get it from here, you laughed. Motioning to the burger counter you were ordering from. I could vouch for their awesome taste!

Okay, then. I agreed. A double cheeseburger and a pop, please. I told the cashier. I fished a couple of bills from my jean's back pocket and gave the exact amount of my order to the guy behind the counter.

It's paid for already, the dude said looking at me with a weird frown on his face.

Huh?

The guy with you paid for your meal. Surprised, I turned to you and handed you the money. It's on me, you shook your head and smiled.

But, I protested.

No buts.

Thanks. Was all I managed to mutter under my breath. You picked the tray with our order of burgers and looked around for a table. You were able to spot one a few tables near the exit.