We walked toward his car—it was a black pickup truck. He lowered the tailgate and placed the paper bag on it, then turned to me and held out his right hand. A silent gesture that he was offering to help me up.
I smiled—wait, why am I smiling?! What is this!!!
I shook my head, as if I could shake the thought out of my brain. Then I took his hand and climbed up, hopping into the back of the truck to sit down. He sat beside me, placing the brown paper bag with the food next to him.
I was starving. I shouldn't have acted so dramatic earlier. Ugh.
"I have one burger. Half-half?" He looked at me and raised the burger in his hand, still wrapped in foil.
"You sure?"
But before I could even finish asking, he had already split the burger in two. He smiled and handed me my half. Our eyes met. Damn. His eyes really did look like Marco's… or Andreis'. Exactly the same.
The burger tasted amazing—peppery, with barbecue sauce and lots of onions. I was definitely hungry.
After I swallowed my first bite, I suddenly asked, "You said you knew me, right? How?"
He looked at me, smiling, shaking his head as he chewed.
"I don't know you. I just said that so you'd come with me."
I didn't realize I smacked his arm out of irritation.
"Oh my—I'm sorry," I said, biting into the burger again.
"No, you're good. You just looked kinda lost earlier. Where were you headed?" he asked, handing me a soft drink.
"Wherever my feet take me," I said.
That burger was so good. I finished it.
Not that I looked too hungry or anything… right?
"You shouldn't be walking around alone. There are a lot of people out here who might take advantage."
I jumped down from the truck, smiled up at him, and said, "I know."
"What about you? Where are you headed?" I asked.
Before he could answer, his phone rang.
He pulled it out and answered.
I turned my back and pretended to look around, not really sure where to look while he talked.
"Yeah, I know. I'll tell you later. Don't worry. I know where she is," he said to whoever was on the other end.
Who was that? Oh no—does he have a wife? A family?
Am I messing something up?
"I—I'm sorry. That was my friend. What were we talking about again?" he said, trying to sound casual.
Why is he explaining? I didn't even ask. Kidding.
I turned back to him and said,
"Ugh, I don't remember. I think I better go. Thanks for the food. I appreciate it. Nice meeting you, Angelo."
I reached out to shake his hand. He took it—and jumped down from the truck without letting go.
"Where are you going? I'll go with you," he said, still holding my hand.
"No. I can manage alone. But thank you."
I pulled my hand away and gave him a small smile.
Wow… those eyes of his. So familiar.
I was already walking back to my car when he suddenly said,
"What if we do this instead—I'll stay here, in my car. Wherever you go, if you want company, I'll come with you. I just want to make sure you're not alone."
I paused to think.
Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea. I don't know my way around the city. He might actually be helpful. I could get lost.
Besides, Mom's car has a gun in it. If something goes wrong… I could defend myself, right?
Crap. Mom and Dad… and Marco. By now, they probably know I ran away!
I shook my head again.
No overthinking right now. I just want to enjoy this moment of freedom.
I walked back to the driver's seat, opened the door, turned toward Angelo, and yelled,
"Deal!"