
“What can I get you?” the waitress asked. The question was theoretically for all of us, but everything about her said it was meant for Jack only.
“Just coffee,” Jack answered, but then remembered that we were there too. “Or did you guys want something else?”
“Coffee’s fine,” I said. Truthfully, I was a little hungry, but I felt uncomfortable eating in front of him and Jane, and everyone else that was staring at us. All the patrons and staff couldn’t help but look in our direction, and I was starting to feel like I was missing out on some kind of joke.
“Are you sure you’re not hungry?” Jane pressed, once again running her fingers on his arm, but this time, he actually recoiled from her touch. She still didn’t get the hint, and I wanted to snap at her to leave him alone, but then I should probably snap at everyone else too.
“Nope,” Jack sighed, then muttered under his breath, “But I wish I was.”
“What?” the waitress asked, leaning in closer to hear his voice.
“Nothing.” Jack waved her off without looking at her. “Just the coffee.”
“Thanks,” I told the waitress when she lingered at our table. Finally, she pulled herself away, and I wanted a chance to look over Jack to see if I could figure out what all the fuss was about, but he was too busy looking at me. It wasn’t one of those longing gazes, not like the way Jane was looking at him, but he was looking, so I averted my gaze and pretended to be focused on the dark green place mat in front of me.
“Thanks again for saving us,” Jane murmured, trying to slide herself up next to him. “If there’s anything I can do to repay you, just let me know.” I could tell by the way he ran his fingers through his hair that he was getting irritated, and then I wondered how I knew that. We’d just met. How would I be an expert on his mannerisms? There was definitely something strange going on, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.
